Newton Abbot MP Anne Marie Morris has called social events in Downing Street that may have broken Covid-19 rules 'frankly insulting' to those who complied with government guidance.

She also said that she submitted a letter of no confidence in Prime Minister Boris Johnson before Christmas - but this will now not be counted after she had the Conservative whip removed.

It comes amid calls for the Prime Minister to resign for attending gatherings that allegedly broke Covid-19 rules - a scandal now dubbed 'Partygate'. Senior civil servant Sue Gray is yet to publish her findings on the matter.

Anne Marie Morris MP said in a statement: "...I am now increasingly and rightly being asked if I still have trust and confidence in the Prime Minister. I would like to put on record my position.

"Over the latter half of 2021, I became increasingly concerned with some of the directions being taken by the Government, especially with regard to Covid-19 policy.

"In addition, as I have previously publicly stated, the fact that there may have been social events held in No.10 in breach of the rules that they themselves imposed is frankly insulting to those who did what they were told.

"While I am pleased that the events are now being investigated by the Cabinet Office, given the most recent disclosures, it is imperative that the investigation must proceed at pace and the issues resolved.

"It appears now that there is clear evidence that a breach of the rules took place and the appropriate consequences for those involved, whatever position they hold, such [sic] be substantial.

"Given my increasing displeasure with the ongoing events in the latter part of 2021, I submitted a letter of no confidence in the Prime Minister to Sir Graham Brady before Christmas. Now that I have had the Conservative whip removed, my letter no longer counts towards the total amount of letters.

"Fundamentally, the country needs strong leadership and a clear direction to get back on its feet post-pandemic and take advantage of the opportunities to create a more prosperous society."