“Many people would have had similar quiz nights around the country," Nadhim Zahawi said in the prime minister's defence.

“He gives the general impression that he is a buffoon and that he is not taking things seriously; and what people think of that, I am sure, will come out in the election result," a Shropshire councillor and Tory mayor has said.

Overall, 36 universities admitted they received funding from eight oil firms, but others refused to say whether they received funding, meaning the total amount of funding could be much higher. 

Chancellor Rishi Sunak and foreign secretary Liz Truss reportedly have donors lined up. Other possible candidates are Michael Gove, Nadhim Zahawi, Jeremy Hunt, Tom Tugendhat and Matt Hancock.

"I guess it’s possible he didn’t know there was a Christmas party in his own house, but the guy sat next to him draped in tinsel must have been a clue", James Felton said.

A well-known UK lawyer said the £300-million government strategy which would punish recreational drug users is not "compliant with human rights law".

“Boris Johnson is too busy denying what he knows and when he knew it that he’s missing in action. He’s lost his grip, and people are paying the price," Labour leader Keir Starmer has said.

A new poll shows the Tories now have their lowest score among voters since 2019.

It comes after unionists started a lawsuit arguing the Brexit deal signed by Boris Johnson’s government does not respect the 1800 Acts of Union.