HARWICH and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin accused critics of conducting "a sort of terrorist campaign" against the inquiry into Boris Johnson's conduct over lockdown-busting parties.

The senior Tory said any MP "not happy with the process" relating to the parliamentary inquiry into whether the PM lied over lockdown parties in No 10 "should write to the committee with their arguments".

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's World At One programme, Sir Bernard was asked about attacks against the investigation, which is being led by the Commons Privileges Committee.

Critics supporting Mr Johnson have called the probe a "witch hunt", with others describing it as "clearly rigged".

Sir Bernard, a member of the committee, said: “If anybody is unhappy with that they should write to the committee with their arguments and we will be compelled to consider to them.

“But I don’t think the committee can respond to what amounts to a sort of publicity campaign designed to discredit the committee.”

Sir Bernard added: “If people wish to criticise it (report) please write to the committee, don’t just conduct a sort of terrorist campaign to try and discredit the committee because the Privileges Committee is how we self-regulate our affairs.”

Downing Street has signalled it it committed to assisting the inquiry.

A number of the committee members – including some of the Conservatives – have reportedly made public comments critical of Mr Johnson’s conduct during the “partygate” scandal.

However, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said No 10 stood ready to assist the committee in its inquiries and could continue to do so after Mr Johnson leaves office next month.

The spokesman also defended Mr Johnson’s holiday with his wife, Carrie, in Slovenia amid criticism he was “missing in action” during the cost-of-living crisis.

“I think the public understand that it is not unusual for the Prime Minister – for ministers – to take some time off during the summer recess,” they said.

The spokesman added that the trip had not involved the use of taxpayers’ money, but declined to say whether Mr Johnson – who is now back working in Downing Street – had paid for it himself.