It came as further allegations surfaced that Downing Street staff were drinking so much during lockdowns that they brought in a fridge for weekly “wine-time Fridays”.

Images obtained by the Daily Mirror showed pictures of a wine fridge, which could hold up to 34 bottles, being delivered to No10.

It is alleged that staff used a suitcase to stock up on wine and beer from the local branch of Tesco Metro.

On Saturday, Ian Levy, the Conservative MP for Blyth Valley, said that he had been prevented from seeing a dying family member by the restrictions which were flouted by those in Downing Street.

‘The public deserve better’

He said: “I understand the strength of feeling of many Blyth Valley residents about events in Downing Street, particularly among those who were prevented from seeing members of their own family at that time.

“My own family was affected by this – unable to see my wife’s mother when she was dying in a nursing home.

“I understand the real anger at reports that those in power were not abiding by the rules. The public deserves better than this.

“Waiting for the inquiry is not, on my part, an attempt to avoid the issue, but to ensure we can be aware of the facts.

“It is important that the inquiry is conducted as swiftly as possible as we will be better placed to consider what further action should be taken. I assure you that, at that time, I will bear the views of Blyth Valley residents in mind.”

Darlington Conservative MP Peter Gibson said: “I want to reiterate my belief that if rules have been broken, I expect those individuals to be subjected to the same consequences as any other person.”