Downing Street Isn't Looking Into Allegations Of MP Blackmail.

Downing Street says it is not looking into claims that government whips blackmailed MPs pushing for the PM's resignation.

After senior Tory MP William Wragg alleged threats were made to colleagues that "seemed to constitute blackmail," Labour demanded an investigation.

No. 10 stated that it had seen no evidence of such behavior.

A spokeswoman said they would examine any information provided to them "seriously," but that they were not looking for it.

"It's certainly the responsibility of whips to encourage MPs," Boris Johnson's deputy official spokesman said when asked if he would denounce any attempt to blackmail MPs.

On Thursday, Mr Wragg, who has called for Mr Johnson's resignation, expressed concerns about blackmail and intimidation.

Ministers, advisers, and employees at No 10 were "encouraging the release of stories in the press aiming to shame" MPs pushing for Mr Johnson's resignation, he claimed.

Separately, on Thursday, a number of MPs gathered to explore going public with their own allegations of intimidation by the whips, the MPs in charge of party discipline.

The gang, dubbed the "pork pie plotters," has been gathering on a daily basis to deliberate whether or not to remove Mr Johnson following news that he attended a drinks party during lockdown.

To back up their claims, the Times writes that they are considering revealing text conversations and a secret recording of a "heated" chat with the chief whip.

The prime minister has been under fire since admitting to attending a drinks party during the initial lockdown, although claiming it was a professional function.

Some of Mr Johnson's own MPs have called on him to go, but he looks to have weathered the storm for the time being, with many Conservatives indicating they will wait for Sue Gray's report before making a decision.

While coronavirus limitations were in place, the top civil servant is looking into gatherings that took place on government property.