North East political figures send best wishes to Boris Johnson as Downing Street announce PM has been moved to intensive care

The Prime Minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas' Hospital, in London, since Sunday evening (April 5), after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.

Today, Monday, April 6, Downing Street confirmed the the Prime Minister was moved to intensive care this afternoon after his ‘condition worsened.’

A Downing Street spokesman has said that Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab would "deputise where necessary" while the Prime Minister was in intensive care with COVID-19.

The PM is said to be receiving excellent care and has thanked all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.

Here's what political figures from across the North East have said:

Sunderland City Council leader, Coun Graeme Miller: "I hope he gets well.

"I genuinely hope the NHS gives him the care he needs to recover.

"My thoughts are with him, his family and his loved ones."

Julie Elliott, MP for Sunderland Central: "This is very worrying news.

“I wish the Prime Minister a speedy recovery, along with all of those suffering at this time."

Sunderland City Council Conservative group leader, Coun Robert Oliver, who represents St Michael's Ward, Sunderland,said: "It is very concerning to hear he is in intensive care, but they have done the right thing in terms of the medical advice.

“It is also right that he does now appear to be passing on decision making to Dominic Raab, which given the circumstances, I think had to happen.

“I just wish him a speedy recovery."

South Shields MP, Emma Lewell-Buck: "Wishing the PM a speedy recovery, prayers with him and his loved ones."

Newcastle Central MP, Chi Onwurah: "Very sorry to hear this. I hope the Prime Minister recovers quickly and wish him and his family all the best."

Hartlepool MP Mike Hill: "Sad to have it confirmed that Boris Johnson is now in intensive care."

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