THE prime minster....'s advisor has resigned after a row over allegations Number 10 hosted a Christmas party last year.

Allegra Stratton joked about the event in a press conference rehearsal in December 2020, when she was Downing Street's press secretary. The footage aired on ITV News earlier this week.

She resigned this afternoon, shortly after prime minister Boris Johnson apologised for the anger and upset the clip had caused.

Swindon Labour leader Jim Grant hopes the PM follows his former advisor out the door.

He said: “Boris Johnson has lost all moral authority over this issue and has lost the trust of the British people.

"The government will have great difficulty in trying to persuade the public to adhere to any further Covid-related restrictions and this could lead to unnecessary loss of life.

"The only way to avoid this is for the government to regain the trust of the public. The only way for that to happen is for the prime minister to resign, which he should do immediately."

Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard stressed the importance of following coronavirus safety guidelines.

He said: "If we are to be successful in ending the Covid pandemic, it is vital that we all abide by the rules set by the government.

"To see a few individuals flouting the rules that were in place at that time so blatantly, is deeply disturbing, particularly for those who were separated from their loved ones.  

"If confidence is to be restored in following Covid measures, appropriate action needs to be taken against those involved”.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said: “The PM shares and understands the allegations of a staff party and is furious at the video.

“The PM has triggered a full investigation and if anyone has broken the rules they will rightly face full disciplinary action.

“Rules apply to everyone, regardless of where they work. On behalf of Number 10, the PM has apologised unreservedly.”

During Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons earlier today, Boris Johnson told MPs: “I apologise unreservedly for the offence that it has caused up and down the country and I apologise for the impression that it gives.

"But I repeat that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken, and that is what I have been repeatedly assured.”