Labour MP Karl Turner savaged the Prime Minister as either "a liar or an idiot" in response to Boris Johnson's Partygate apology in the House of Commons today.
Mr Johnson apologised in a statement to MPs following the announcement that he is among the 50-plus people fined so far as part of the Metropolitan Police probe into Covid breaches in Government.
Mr Turner said: "He was only sorry because he was caught.
"This latest spin about the Met having it wrong is designed to bully the Met and to provide cover to his backbenchers that haven’t got the bottle to sack him.
"But the country has already concluded that he is either a liar or an idiot."
Sir Lindsey Hoyle interjected: “Today, we are not using language that”
Labour MP Karl Turner speaking in the House of Commons
House of Commons
Mr Turner replied: “I withdraw the word liar Mr Speaker, but the electorate would have already decided, what everybody knows is that he is a rule breaker."
In his apology Mr Johnson said: “Let me say, not by way of mitigation or excuse but purely because it explains my previous words in this House, that it did not occur to me then or subsequently that a gathering in the Cabinet Room just before a vital meeting on Covid strategy could amount to a breach of the rules.
“I repeat that was my mistake and I apologise for it unreservedly.
“I respect the outcome of the police investigation, which is still under way, and I can only say that I will respect their decision-making and always take the appropriate steps.”
Boris Johnson making an apology in the House of Commons for breaching Covid-19 rules during lockdown
House of Commons
Mr Johnson said he has taken “significant steps” to change the way things work in No 10.
He continued: “It is precisely because I know that so many people are angry and disappointed that I feel an even greater sense of obligation to deliver on the priorities of the British people.
And to respond in the best traditions of our country, to Putin’s barbaric onslaught against Ukraine.”
The Prime Minister, along with his wife Carrie Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, were last week issued with fixed-penalty notices (FPN) by police investigating claims of coronavirus lockdown breaches in No 10.
At the start of today's address Mr Johnson said: “Let me begin in all humility by saying that on April 12 I received a fixed penalty notice relating to an event in Downing Street on June 19 2020.
“I paid the fine immediately and I offered the British people a full apology, and I take this opportunity on the first available sitting day to repeat my wholehearted apology to the House.”
Shouts of “resign” could be heard in the Commons.m