Senior Tory and Labour figures speak out over media focus on Carrie Johnson

MPs defend PM's wife after criticism of her in extracts from book by Conservative peer Michael Ashcroft

Senior political figures, from Keir Starmer to Sajid Javid, have criticised negative briefings that suggest Carrie Johnson is partly to blame for the troubles of her husband's premiership.

MPs came to the defence of the prime minister's wife after the publication of extracts from a new book by the Conservative peer Michael Ashcroft which suggested her behaviour is preventing [Boris Johnson] from leading Britain as effectively as the voters deserve".