'Am I a fool?' Tory MP whose grandmother died during lockdown tears into Boris Johnson

Watch: Tory MP asks "Am I a fool" for following the rules in blistering attack on Boris Johnson

A furious Tory MP has ripped into Boris Johnson over the Partygate scandal, asking if he was a "fool" for following the rules.

Aaron Bell issued a stinging criticism of the PM in the House of Commons after a damning report found there was a "failure of leadership" over the Downing Street parties.

Bell detailed how he and his family grieved the loss of his grandmother without even hugging one another, while in the same month the prime minister admitted attending a gathering in the garden of Downing Street.

"It seems a lot of people attended events in 2020, the one I recall attending was my grandmother's funeral," the representative for Newcastle-Under-Lyme said.

"She was a wonderful woman, as well as a love for her family served her community as a councillor and she served Dartford Conservative Association loyally for many years.

"I drove for three hours from Staffordshire to Kent, the only 10 people at her funeral many people had to watch online.

Read more: Sue Gray releases slimmed-down report into alleged Downing Street parties during lockdown

"I didn't hug my siblings, I didn't hug my parents, I have a eulogy and then I didn't even go to her house for a cup of tea, I drove back three hours from Kent to Staffordshire.

"Does the prime minister think I'm a fool?"

At the time, there were strict laws banning more than 10 people at funerals, and requiring they remain socially distant at all times.

During that same month it is alleged around 30 people - including the prime minister - attended a "bring your own booze" party in the garden of Downing Street.

A criminal probe has been launched into 12 parties which are said to have broken COVID rules at the time - with the Met Police saying they have been handed over 300 pictures as part of their investigation.

In response Johnson replied: "I want to say how deeply I sympathise with him and his family for their loss.

"All I can say is again that I am very sorry or any misjudgements that may have been made by anyone else in Number 10 and the Cabinet office and I ask him to respectfully to look at what Sue Gray said and also wait for the conclusion of the inquiry."

Among the most high profile Tory critics was former prime minister Theresa May, who questioned whether Johnson thought the rules he imposed on the public did not apply to him.

Watch: Theresa May demands answers from Johnson over Sue Gray