HITCHIN: Pressure is building on beleaguered Prime Minister Boris Johnson after our town's MP revealed he has been 'sickened and appalled' at the Partygate scandal.

Hitchin MP Bim Afolami is furious at the unfolding Downing Street ignominy that threatens to engulf Johnson's government.

Senior civil servant Sue Gray is due to publish a report into alleged Covid rule breaking at lockdown get-togethers in Downing Street and government departments stemming back to the first lockdown in the spring of 2020.

Hitchin MP Mr Afolami is disgusted at Johnson's behaviour if proved to be true.

The latest news reports former aide Dominic Cummings claims that he warned the PM against parties at the time of the May 2020 get-togethers - labelled work events by the government - and has accused Johnson of misleading MPs.

"All of you would have heard reports that Downing Street held parties whilst the country was under strict lockdown," said Mr Afolami.

"I am as appalled as most of you are. If the reports are true, in particular with regard to the night before Prince Philip's funeral, I was sickened.

"A lot needs to change, and fast. I shall await the inquiry by Sue Gray with interest, but notwithstanding that I must say that I am currently speaking to as many constituents and parliamentary colleagues as possible to see how we move forward."