ANDY Carter has been defended in Parliament for his role on the committee which castigated Boris Johnson over lockdown parties.

Mr Carter, Warrington South MP, was among those on the privileges committee which has been investigating the former Prime Minister over the infamous Covid parties.

The committee last week found he deliberately misled MPs over the issue and had recommended a 90-day suspension from Parliament. Although Mr Johnson resigned first.

MPs have been debating the issues this evening.

And Mr Carter has been subject of criticism in the national press by some Conservatives who say he could now struggle to gain a seat to fight in the next General Election.

He has already said he won't seek re-election in Warrington South.

Conservative MP for Guildford Angela Richardson said: "I deplore the attacks on members of the Privileges Committee. Whether they come from external commentators or within this House. The work of the committee is thankless, there is no need to make it potentially dangerous, too. The additional security that was needed is deeply shameful."

She told MPs that Harriet Harman, the Labour chairwoman of the Privileges Committee, is "an exceptional parliamentarian", adding: "I also deplore the attacks on the member for Warrington South (Andy Carter), who is a voluntary magistrate, as well as serving his constituents in this place. Shame, shame, shame on those who are working to undermine him and his future prospects."