Boris Johnson held a lockdown-busting party in his No 10 garden because he “felt sorry” for his hardworking staff, a Tory MP says.

       Michael Fabricant defended the gathering in May 2020 – while other Conservatives criticised the prime minister – but admitted there might be a problem “from the rules point of view”.

       But he came under fire for claiming the event “would not have increased the risk of contagion” and was an escape valve for “key workers” working in Downing Street.

       Jacqui Smith, the former Labour home secretary was among a deluge of people who responded to tweets posted by the colourful MP for Lichfield in Staffordshire.

       Ms Smith, who worked for a hospital trust in Birmingham during the first lockdown, told him: “Michael. Now you’re just making me angry.”

       Recommended PCR test rule change begins and Scotland to ease restrictions - follow live Unions, charities and green groups demand North Sea windfall tax How has Boris Johnson responded to claims of Covid rule-busting parties?

       She said the argument would also have applied to staff at that trust, but added: “They wouldn’t have dreamt of organising a byob [bring your own booze] party!”

       Speaking on BBC News, Mr Fabricant said “exhausted” No 10 staff were “working 18 hours” – and that Mr Johnson’s “failing” was “loyalty to his friends and loyalty to his staff”.

       “From the rules point of view, that’s going to be decided by Sue Gray [the civil servant leading the inquiry] and the Metropolitan Police and we’ll have to see what happens,” he said.

       “What I’m trying to explain is that Boris and others felt sorry for people who are working long, long hours and they were simply spilling out from their own offices into a secure garden, which is an integral part of number 10 Downing Street.

       “And you know what? I’d rather have a prime minister who felt for his staff and all those hard-working people than some cold fish who really couldn’t care a toss about them.”

       Mr Fabricant spoke out as it was revealed that the inquiry into the parties may be “paused” if the police investigate – potentially giving Mr Johnson breathing space.

       Michael Ellis, the paymaster general, warned of the possible delay as he answered an urgent question in the Commons, to the fury of MPs who lashed at the prime minister for ducking the clash.

       One Tory MP, Peter Bone, said he was “slightly worried” by the prospect of Sue Gray shelving her own inquiry, calling for her report to be published “quickly”.

       Mr Johnson is refusing to answer questions about his involvement in the party – despite calls from senior Tories to front up – on the grounds that Ms Gray is investigating.

       Recommended Wash all dirty linen at once over Downing Street parties, Tory MP urges Johnson Timeline of alleged gatherings across government during Covid restrictions Met Police facing legal challenge for not investigating Boris Johnson parties

       Mr Ellis was asked if he will resign if he is found to have broken the law, but told MPs: “It’s an entirely hypothetical position – the prime minister is going nowhere

       He also refused to reveal whether he had asked if Mr Johnson attended the party, before being sent to face questions about it, telling MPs: “I’m not going to disclose personal conversations.”