Local MPs have welcomed the police inquiry into lockdown parties in Downing Street, which have triggered new calls for Boris Johnson's resignation.

The Richmond Park MP, Sarah Olney, said: "Putting aside the question of how it has taken this long for an investigation to be launched, this is welcome news.

"The Prime Minister is not above the law yet his actions and shameless excuses suggest he thinks otherwise."

Twickenham MP, Munira Wilson, said: "The social gatherings that Boris Johnson attended and allowed to go ahead under his very nose were not only criminal acts at the height of lockdown, but a severe breach of the trust placed in him as the leader of this country.

"But it wasn't only the parties. We also saw the awarding of contracts to Conservative cronies and attempts to absolve an MP from their own ranks of corruption, which threw parliamentary standards into disrepute.

"This is not to mention the personal investigation of Boris Johnson over the funding of his Downing Street refurbishments.

"The entitlement displayed by those in Downing Street shows that they don't believe the rules apply to them. Boris Johnson's actions have eroded public trust and made a mockery of our institutions. His position is frankly untenable, and he must resign.

"I will continue to take every opportunity to hold Boris Johnson to account, both publicly and in Parliament, until he finally does what's best for the country and steps down."