Boris Johnson has been taken into intensive care for coronavirus after his condition worsened on Monday evening.
Mr Johnson, 55, tested positive for coronavirus 11 days ago and was taken to St Thomas hospital on Sunday evening for a series of routine tests. He was said to have “persistent symptoms” which included a temperature.
The step was said to be a “precautionary step” and taken on the advice of his doctor.
A spokesperson for No.10 said Mr Johnson was moved to the ICU (intensive care unit) at St Thomas’ at around 7pm on Monday night after his condition worsened over the course of this afternoon.
The spokesperson: “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 PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”
Mr Johnson has been moved to the ICU as a precaution should he require ventilation to aid his recovery.
Before he was moved to ICU, Mr Johnson is said to have asked the Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State Dominic Raab to “deputise where necessary” while the Prime Minister was in intensive care with Covid-19.
