BORIS JOHNSON’S spokesman today rejected claims that the government had downplayed the severity of the Prime Minister’s worsening coronavirus symptoms.

Downing Street said that Mr Johnson was “stable” after being admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital on Sunday and then spending Monday night in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, the PM’s his effective deputy, is now standing in for him.

The spokesman added that Mr Johnson had been receiving “standard oxygen treatment” as a “precautionary step,” but that he did not require any other assistance to breathe, such as a ventilator.

He was originally admitted to St Thomas’ on the advice of his doctor after continuing to display symptoms of cough and high temperature 10 days after testing positive for Covid-19.

Accusations of downplaying the symptoms came after Mr Raab, said during Monday evening’s daily coronavirus briefing that the PM was merely under observation in hospital. 

About an hour later, Mr Johnson was taken to the ICU.

“We have been fully frank with you throughout,” the spokesman told reporters yesterday.

“We have issued you with regular updates on the Prime Minister’s health.

“His condition worsened yesterday afternoon. A decision was taken that he needed to be moved to an intensive care unit at around 7pm.

“We informed you all as soon as was practically possible. We have a commitment to be as transparent as we can be throughout this process.”

Tory MP Peter Bone called for MPs to support his Prime Minister (Temporary Replacement) Bill to establish a succession list detailing who, by law, replaces an incapacitated PM.

Mr Johnson’s spokesman said that if Mr Raab was incapacitated, Chancellor Rishi Sunak would take on the responsibility of leading the government.

Home Secretary Priti Patel and Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove would be next in line, according to seniority.

Mr Gove said he was self-isolating after a member of his household showed symptoms.