A Bournemouth MP has defended Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying he was "ambushed with cake" at an alleged birthday party.

Conor Burns, MP for Bournemouth West, defended Mr Johnson’s presence at a surprise birthday bash in the Cabinet room on June 19, 2020 when social events indoors were banned, saying he had been “ambushed with a cake”.

Mr Burns said it was “not a premeditated, organised party”, adding: “They came to his office with a cake, they sang Happy Birthday, he was there for 10 minutes.

“I don’t think most people looking at that at home would characterise that as a party.”

The interview, on Channel 4 news, drew reaction from people - especially on social media.

Conservative Andrew Bridgen, told about Conor Burns' comments, said: “You can spin it how you want to.

“This isn’t about cakes, this isn’t about parties, this is about misleading Parliament and whether we can trust the word of the Prime Minister.”

In one exchange on Twitter, food writer and television cook, Nigella Lawson said: "Ambushed by cake: it just has to be the title of my next book!"

Mr Burns, replied: "It’s yours if you want it! Could I include my Granny’s Christmas cake recipe?"

But the light-hearted exchange ended there.

We contacted Mr Burns to ask him if he expected the response to his comments. He declined to comment.