More Tory MPs call for PM to go as No 10 tries to limit Partygate report fallout

Boris Johnson's allies rally to his defence as one former minister says he will not defend the indefensible'

Four more Conservative MPs called for Boris Johnson to resign on Thursday over lockdown-breaking parties, as Downing Street sought to contain the political aftermath of the Sue Gray report.

The prime minister's allies reiterated the defence that his attendance at a series of gatherings for departing staff was permitted as work duties. His official spokesman argued that Covid guidelines did not specifically rule out leaving drinks.