Tory MPs threaten Plan B revolt as PM still under fire over Downing Street party

Boris Johnson’s administration has had its credibility questioned by senior Conservative MPs (image: Getty Images)

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Boris Johnson could face a Commons revolt from his own backbench MPs when Covid Plan B measures are voted on next week.

Conservative politicians have reacted furiously to the announcement of tougher new restrictions in England, with senior MPs questioning whether the Government has the credibility to do so.

It comes as the Downing Street Christmas Party story has continued to make headlines, despite the Prime Minister’s pledge of an internal investigation and the resignation of former aide Allegra Stratton.

Overnight, the Conservative Party was forced to apologise after The Times revealed a separate illicit Christmas bash had taken place inside the party’s headquarters last December.

New Covid restrictions introduced

Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday (9 December) that work-from-home guidance will return, Covid health certificates are to become mandatory in large venues and mask rules will be extended.

He said these measures were necessary given the quickening spread of the Omicron Covid variant and insisted they were nothing to do with the Christmas party row.

But despite introducing these tougher rules, Mr Johnson also said Christmas parties and nativities should still go ahead.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast on Thursday (9 December), Health Secretary Sajid Javid said this apparent contradiction in the rules was part of a “proportionate response” that was “striking the right balance” between restrictions and freedoms.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid was heckled with a call to “resign” when he announced Plan B Covid measures in the Commons (image: Getty Images)