SOUTH West Surrey MP, Jeremy Hunt, says his emails and those of his Westminster colleagues have been “red hot with anger” about the lockdown-busting party held at Number 10 in May 2020.

Boris Johnson’s position as prime minister is under serious threat, MPs of all political persuasions have suggested, after he admitted in parliament that he attended a drinks party in Downing Street during the first Covid-19 lockdown.

Eyewitnesses say he and his wife Carrie were among roughly 30 people who attended the ‘bring your own booze’ party in May 2020 – a time when lockdown restrictions meant people were forbidden to meet more than one other person outdoors.

Responding on Friday, Boris’ former Tory leadership rival Mr Hunt said: “I am proud to be a Conservative MP but cannot defend what happened and won’t try.

“The Prime Minister has apologised for what happened and said he made a mistake in not closing down the gathering which was a necessary first step, but we should now wait until the independent verdict from Sue Gray.

“I know her well from my time in government when she was responsible for policing the ethics of ministers accused of breaking the ministerial code.

“She is firm, fair and won’t pull her punches in her report which is expected at the end of next week.

“Obviously the police must make their own decision about what inquiries they want to make – but if they do take the issue up that could mean putting on hold the Gray inquiry which I suspect will be quicker and clearer.”