A Labour councillor has apologised after calling Boris Johnson's spell in intensive care a 'publicity stunt'.

Julie Heselwood, a councillor in Leeds, initially made the comments on Facebook after the Prime Minister was taken to St Thomas's Hospital in London and transferred to the ICU after his condition worsened. 

Heselwood wrote: "It's a publicity stunt - they we're [sic] doing badly being criticised for their handling of this, next thing he's in hospital in ICU - a publicity stunt fir [sic] sympathy and to change the narrative. Don't fall for it."

One user wrote: "Absolutely disgusted that a Leeds Labour Councillor - Julie Heselwood - claims that Boris Johnson being in hospital is a 'publicity stunt'."

While another added: "Julie Heselwood resign now."

In her apology letter to the leader of Leeds City Council, Heselwood said: "I am deeply sorry for my crass and offensive comments about Boris Johnson's hospital treatment.

"I was wrong, I should never have made that claim and I apologise unreservedly.

"I wish the Prime Minister a speedy recovery and my thoughts are with him and his family at what I know is a very difficult time for them."

Earlier in the week, Sheila Oakes, the mayor of Heanor in Derbyshire, was kicked out by the Labour party after posting on Facebook that the prime minister 'completely deserves this and he is one of the worst PMs we’ve ever had'.

She also lost her job at a local law firm.

Yesterday, Rail, Maritime and Transport union boss Steve Hedley was suspended after saying he would 'throw a party' if Boris Johnson died of coronavirus.