Worcester MP Robin Walker has responded to claims Boris Johnson defied his own Covid rules with parties at No 10 last Christmas. 

The Minister of State for School Standards said he had "never come across any suggestion the government broke lockdown protocols".

This comes after a report from The Mirror which alleges the PM made a speech at a leaving do on November 13 - when the country was in the second lockdown - and allowed a festive party to proceed on December 18 when London was in the grips of Tier 3 restrictions.

The Mirror claims around "40 or 50" people were stuffed "cheek by jowl" into a room at the Downing Street property for both events.

A spokesperson for No 10 strenuously denied claims Boris Johnson broke coronavirus rules, insisting "COVID rules have been followed at all times".

Responding to the story, Worcester Labour Party tweeted Mr Walker and said: "Did you get an invite, or does the boss only ever ask to see you in the 'yes' lobby?"

However, Mr Walker says he was working from home throughout the 'entire period' and hadn't heard any suggestions government members flouted the rules.

He said: "I have never come across any suggestion that the government broke lockdown.

"I was working from home during the entire period and any contact with Ministers was done online."

Mr Walker was also asked he would condemn the actions of his fellow party members if such events did take place. He didn't offer a response on this point.

Last November, the whole country faced a second, four week national lockdown.

As a result, everyone was told to work from home where possible and indoor socialising was banned.

At the start of December 2020, London was moved into Tier 2 restrictions, which meant no household mixing indoors.

But on 16 December, two days before the second Downing Street bash was allegedly said to have taken place, London moved into Tier 3 restrictions.

This meant all indoor mixing was banned unless individuals were in household 'bubbles'.

Downing Street staff are classified as key workers and have been throughout, with the offices said to be COVID-secure.

A spokesperson for the PM's wife, Carrie Johnson, called The Mirror's accusations "total nonsense".