The prime minister says he has not lost faith in Gavin Williamson, arguing that the education secretary “continues to do a good job”.

Boris Johnson’s official spokesperson today signalled the PM’s support for Mr Williamson, despite a minister being sent in his place to answer an urgent question.

Schools minister Nick Gibb replied for the government in the House of Commons this afternoon in response to an urgent question on its plan for the reopening of schools - despite Labour addressing the question to Mr Williamson.

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Asked if Mr Johnson had lost faith in Mr Williamson to do the job, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “No. The education secretary continues to do a good job and continues to work closely with schools as we move through the pandemic.

“It remains that we want to see children back in school as fast as possible, but we must do that in a way that is consistent with keeping the infection rate down.”