Coronavirus news - live: Boris Johnson's condition worsens and Dominic Raab takes over PM duties

Boris Johnson has been moved to intensive care in hospital, suffering from persistent coronavirus symptoms, with one expert saying it was “very likely” the prime minister would be put on a mechanical ventilator.

After Mr Johnson was admitted for tests and observation on Sunday, his doctors advised that he be taken to intensive care on Monday evening.

He is understood to be conscious and was moved to intensive care “as a precaution should he require ventilation to aid his recovery”.

Dominic Raab, who is taking charge in his absence, had earlier insisted the prime minister would remain at the helm.

Downing Street, which had previously described Mr Johnson’s symptoms as “mild”, switched to describing them as “persistent”.

Mr Johnson’s fiancee, Carrie Symonds, who is pregnant, has also been suffering Covid-19 symptoms.

Derek Hill, professor of medical imaging, University College London (UCL), said: “As often happens with Covid-19, his condition has now deteriorated so he has been admitted to intensive care where he is very likely to have been put on a mechanical ventilator to breathe for him.”