PM Boris Johnson moved to Covid-19 intensive care unit

Boris Johnson was admitted to a London hospital on Sunday after his Covid-19 symptoms persisted for a tenth day.

He has been undergoing tests and observations at St Thomas’s in Westminster but is now being treated in the ICU.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will “deputise where necessary”, a Number 10 spokesman said.

“Since Sunday evening, the Prime Minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus, a Downing Street spokesman said.

“Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the Prime Minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital.

“The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the First Secretary of State, to deputise for him where necessary.”

The spokesman added: “The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”

Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “My thoughts are with the PM and his family - sending him every good wish,” while Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: “My thoughts tonight are with @BorisJohnson and @carriesymonds. I know he’ll be getting the best care possible and will come out of this even stronger.”

Members of the newly-formed shadow cabinet also offered support to the Mr Johnson.

Shadow justice secretary David Lammy tweeted: “Awful news. My very best wishes to the Prime Minister, as well as his partner Carrie, family and friends. Get well soon @BorisJohnson.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “Terribly sad news. All the country’s thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

His party colleague, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, tweeted: “Praying for the Prime Minister’s swift recovery tonight. @GSTTnhs has some of the finest medical staff in the world, and he couldn’t be in safer hands.”

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage posted on Twitter: “I hope and pray for @BorisJohnson to come through this ordeal quickly.”

Also on Twitter, Home Secretery Priti Patel tweeted a picture of hersef with the PM, adding: “My love & thoughts are with @BorisJohnson, @carriesymonds & the Prime Ministers family. for you & thinking of you.”

Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster said: “On behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive, I send our best wishes to the Prime Minister @BorisJohnson Praying for a full and speedy recovery.”

Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader, tweeted: “My thoughts are with Boris Johnson and his family tonight. Thanks to the #NHS staff for their hard work and dedication,” while former Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: “Thinking of @BorisJohnson and his family tonight. Get well soon. You are in great hands and we all want you safe, well and back in @10DowningStreet.”