Labour MP tells PM to 'stop smirking' and asks 'how stupid does he think the British people are?'

Labour MP Chris Bryant questioned “how stupid” the Prime Minister thinks the British public are after Boris Johnson acknowledged the public “rage” the Downing Street party but insisted he thought it could have been technically within the rules.

Boris Johnson apologised for attending a “bring your own booze” gathering in the garden of No 10 during England’s first lockdown as he battled to save his premiership.

The Tory leader said he came to the Commons to “make amends”.

The Rhondda MP, who chairs the Commons Committee on Standards, said: “So, the Prime Minister didn’t spot that he was at a social event. That’s the excuse isn’t it? Come off it.

“I mean how stupid does the Prime Minister think the British people are. The worst of it is he’s already managed to completely destroy Allegra Stratton’s career, he’s tarnished the reputation of Lord Geidt, and now he’s making fools of every single MP who cheered him earlier, every single one who goes out on the radio and television to defend this shower of shenanigans.

“Would it not be absolutely despicable if, in the search for a scapegoat, some junior member of staff ends up losing their job, but he kept his?”

The Prime Minister said: “I’m grateful to him for his party political advice. I don’t agree with him. I’ve come to this House to make amends, to explain what happened on May 20, and to apologise.

“I really think that with all humility I must ask him to wait for the result of the inquiry, where he will have abundant opportunity to question me again and to make his party political points again. But, until then, I’m going to ignore his advice.”