The leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party said Prime Minister Boris Johnson had broken the law and then lied about it over parties held inside his Downing Street residence during coronavirus lockdowns.

"I think he broke the law. I think he's as good as admitted that he broke the law," Mr Starmer told the BBC, citing Mr Johnson's apology to parliament for attending one such event. "I think he then lied about what had happened."

Mr Johnson has apologised for attending a gathering in the garden of his Downing Street residence in May 2020 where staff had been invited to bring their own alcohol at a time when strict rules forbade the public from almost all socialising.

Amid a public backlash at the perception that the government did not follow its own rules during the pandemic, an internal investigation is looking at that party and several others - including two separate parties on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral.

Conservative Party Chairman Oliver Dowden said Mr Johnson must address the culture within his government that resulted in multiple staff gatherings at his residence during the lockdowns.

"We need to find out the facts and then the Prime Minister needs to respond effectively and to address the culture in Downing Street," Mr Dowden told Sky News today.

Mr Dowden insisted that Mr Johnson should remain in his post, defending his handling of the pandemic.

The controversy has generated calls for Mr Johnson to resign - including from within his own party - and seen...

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