Mr Johnson was taken into hospital on Sunday after 10 days of coronavirus symptoms, and moved to intensive care on Monday.

But he went back to the ward yesterday and his spokesman said the PM was doing well, even waving his thanks to staff at St Thomas’ Hospital as he left ICU.

“The PM is back on a ward and continuing his recovery which is at an early stage," said the spokesman. "He continues to be in very good spirits."

Downing Street has not indicated when Mr Johnson is likely to return to work, saying this will be guided by his medical team.