A SOUTHAMPTON MP has demanded Boris Johnson's resignation following the Metropolitan Police's decision to investigate parties alleged to have been held during lockdown.

Commissioner Cressida Dick has announced that officers are looking into "potential breaches of Covid-19 regulations" in Downing Street and Whitehall since 2020.

The investigation is said to have been launched as a result of information provided by the Cabinet Office inquiry team led by Sue Gray.

Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test, said: "The rules around Covid-19 were in place for everyone, including the Prime Minister, so I think it's right the alleged breaches are investigated in the same way others were.

"I think Boris Johnson should resign as the government can't function like this and there are huge issues such as a cost of living crisis to contend with."

Dame Cressida said she understood the "deep public concern" about the parties alleged to have been held inside No 10 and also referred to the "huge sacrifices" the public had made during the pandemic.

Downing Street employees are said to have held two staff leaving events on the evening before Prince Philip’s funeral in April last year.

The latest controversy centres on claims a party was held for the Prime Minister in June 2020.

Downing Street has confirmed that staff gathered inside No 10 to celebrate Mr Johnson's birthday while the first Covid lockdown was still in place.

But ministers have disputed the number of people attending and called for "patience" while Ms Gray conducts her inquiry.

Royston Smith, Tory MP for Southampton Itchen, said: "If the Met feel there needs to be an investigation then I support that decision.

"The sooner all the facts are public the happier I will be.

"I much prefer an investigation and evidence before being asked to judge other people’s behaviour. It’s a shame a few more don’t feel the same way.”

Desmond Swayne, Tory MP for New Forest West, spoke about the party said to have been held to mark Mr Johnson's birthday.

He said: "It does not sound like a party to me, work colleagues in the office sharing cake. In much more troubled about what went on the night before the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral."

Other MPs have been approached for comment.