MPs have responded after Boris Johnson admitted attending a “bring your own booze” gathering in the garden of No 10 during England’s first lockdown.

The Prime Minister insisted he believed it had been a “work event” and Downing Street said he had never been sent an email encouraging staff to bring a bottle and “make the most of the lovely weather”.

In the Commons, Mr Johnson said that he attended the May 20 2020 gathering for around 25 minutes to “thank groups of staff” but “with hindsight I should have sent everyone back inside”.

The Prime Minister acknowledged public anger, saying: “I know the rage they feel with me and with the Government I lead when they think in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: UK Parliament/Jessica TaylorUK Parliament/Jessica Taylor

Conservative Harlow MP Robert Halfon said he is “disappointed, sickened, and feel let down by the latest reports of parties during lockdown”.

He added: "Residents suffered and struggled so much during lockdown in not being able to see their loved ones.

"The ruling classes imposed these tough Covid restrictions on all of us and they should have abided by them.

"I am glad there is an independent inquiry by a respected senior Civil Servant into the truth of what has gone on. I hope that inquiry concludes soon.

"Whoever is found to have broken the rules, should face consequences – according to the law – without fear or favour.

"As the MP for Harlow, I will continue to do all I can to work hard for Harlow and the villages.

"I am truly sorry for the upset and anguish that these revelations have caused."

Labour Ilford North MP Wes Streeting felt Mr Johnson should resign.

He said on twitter: “It’s the silence that should worry Boris Johnson after that #PMQs.

“The silence behind him on the Conservative benches and in the corridors as they left. That wasn’t an apology. It was the most shameful performance by a Prime Minister in the House of Commons in living memory.”

Labour MP for South Ilford Sam Tarry added: “Boris Johnson is a shameless liar and his pathetic non-apology is an indictment of his rotten Government and an insult to the entire country. It's time to go.”