PMQs: Starmer slams Johnson's 'moral authority' saying 'The Queen sat alone at Prince Philip's funeral' amid Downing Street Christmas Party row

Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the leadership of the Queen during the pandemic as he questioned if Boris Johnson has the “moral authority” to lead and ask people to abide by any further restrictions.

The Labour leader told the Commons: “Her Majesty the Queen sat alone when she marked the passing of the man she’d been married to for 73 years. Leadership, sacrifice – that’s what gives leaders the moral authority to lead.

“Does the Prime Minister think he has the moral authority to lead and to ask the British people to stick to the rules?”

Mr Johnson replied: “Not only that but the Labour Party, and the Labour leader in particular, have played politics throughout this pandemic.”

He accused Sir Keir of trying to “muddy the waters, to confuse the public and to cause needless confusion about the guidance” during the pandemic.

Sir Keir replied: “That’s so desperate and even his own side can see it.”