AN OUTPOURING of sympathy and support followed the news that the prime minister is in intensive care.

Mr Johnson was admitted to hospital on Sunday after continuing to show symptoms of coronavirus 10 days after first testing positive for the disease.

The government said the move was precautionary measure and that the PM was in good spirits after his first night on the ward - but his symptoms then worsened and he was taken into intensive care on Monday evening.

Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard said: “It’s shocking and very sad for him and his family - and the whole country.

“Politics should be put aside at a time like this because whether you like him or voted for him or not, he’s a human being.

“He was just establishing himself as PM and the person to lead us through the coronavirus emergency and doing his best for the country.

“He’s got everything lined up and organised but, as someone who is so dedicated to public service I’m sure he found it difficult to temporarily hand over the reins.

“It’s a very sad, worrying and concerning situation. We all hope to see him back at Number 10 soon.”

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said: “Very sad and shocking news about the prime minister Boris Johnson. It is clear by the hundreds of kind messages that I have been sent that everyone is rooting for a full and swift recovery.”

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said: “This was concerning news but our brilliant NHS is taking good care of the prime minister, who is fighting this infection along with tens of thousands of other people in our country.

“We will all know or know of people affected and I am sure everyone will join me in passing our very best wishes to the PM.”

People from across the political spectrum were united in sending get-well wishes to Mr Johnson while he battles the deadly disease.

Swindon Labour leader Jim Grant said: “Boris’ condition illustrates how indiscriminate the coronavirus is. I wish him well and hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.

“His illness shows why we need to stick to the government advice to stay indoors. It is the only way to beat this disease.”

Foreign secretary Dominic Raab is standing in for the PM where necessary.