Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been moved to intensive care after his coronavirus symptoms worsened.

Mr Johnson, 55, was admitted to St Thomas' hospital in central London on Sunday after his coronavirus symptoms persisted for 10 days.

Having been in hospital for tests and observation, his doctors advised that he be admitted to intensive care on Monday evening.

Mr Johnson is understood to be conscious and was moved to intensive care at about 7pm as a precaution should he require ventilation to aid his recovery.

Speaking to Premier before the Prime Minister's move to intensive care, Christian Tory MP Sir Desmond Swayne said: "I think it's vital that we should be praying for our nation and our leaders at all times. But particularly at this time, and particularly for the Prime Minister, now that he's been hospitalised. 

"He is the elected representative, he's the Prime Minister of the country and I think it's very important that he should have our support in prayer, across parties and across people who may disagree fundamentally, about politics. 

"I think it's essential that we continue to pray for one another."

The Bishop of Manchester, Rt Rev David Walker, gave Premier another model to follow when praying for the country's leadership:

"Heavenly Father,
We hold before you all impacted by the coronavirus at this present time.
We pray especially for our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson,
As he continues to suffer from Covid-19;
We ask your blessing on those treating and caring for him,
And for all our National Health Service staff and volunteers;
And we pray your wisdom for him and for all in leadership in our society,
That they may guard and guide us through this present crisis.
For the sake of Jesus who suffered, died and rose for us.
Amen."

A Number 10 spokesman said: "Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the Prime Minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the intensive Care Unit at the hospital.

"The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the First Secretary of State, to deputise for him where necessary.

"The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication."

Another 439 people across the UK have died after contracting coronavirus - taking the total to 5,373.

(Additional reporting by Press Association)