Responding to the published letters from Lord Geidt to Boris Johnson over the investigation into the Downing Street flat refurbishment, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Wendy Chamberlain MP said: “This is just another day in the Number 10 circus act and the latest chapter in the Conservative sleaze scandal. Boris Johnson’s excuse for the non-disclosure of WhatsApp messages – because he had a new phone – is akin to the dog eating your homework.

“This desperately sad attempt to cover his own back will leave serious question marks hanging over the outcomes of Lord Geidt’s investigation into the flat refurbishment.
“Boris Johnson may have completely pulled the wool over Lord Geidt’s eyes, but the public will take a very dim view of this utter nonsense.”