"I've seen no evidence to support any of those allegations. What I am focused on is what we're doing to deal with the number one priority of the British people, which is coming through COVID".
'Intimidation Amounting to Blackmail'
"In recent days a number of members of parliament have faced pressures and intimidation from members of the government because of their declared or assumed desire for a vote of confidence in the party leadership of the prime minister", he stated.
"Additionally, reports to me and others of members of staff at No 10 Downing Street, special advisers, government ministers, and others encouraging the publication of stories in the press seeking to embarrass those who they suspect of lacking confidence in the prime minister is simply unacceptable. The intimidation of a member of parliament is a serious matter. Moreover, the reports of which I'm aware would seem to constitute blackmail".