A Christian MP has called on believers to pray for the Prime Minister as he leads the country in its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Saturday marks 100 days since Boris Johnson's election.

He went into Number 10 with a plan to "get Brexit done", but in recent weeks the PM's key focus has been to tackle the "biggest challenge this country has faced in a lifetime" according to Conservative MP for St Austell and Newquay, Steve Double.

Speaking to Premier, Double commended Mr Johnson for his leadership during these "unprecedented times".

"The global crisis of the coronavirus has now superseded anything that's gone before and that is the only issue really, that is facing our country at this time," he said.

"Boris Johnson has absolutely done the right thing, in following the science following the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Science Officer, in taking that advice and then basing his decisions on that evidence."

Boris Johnson's initial response to the coronoavirus came under criticism as suggestions were made he was not taking the crisis seriously enough while the PM maintained that the government's approach was based on the scientific facts rather than popular opinion.

Over the past week more drastic public health measures were introduced by the UK government, advising people to work from home and not attend public gatherings. Those most vulnerable to infection have been told to self-isolate for 12 weeks and schools have been closed nationwide, in an effort to "send Covid-19" packing.

New legislation was heard by Parliament yesterday to temporarily give the government "certain powers to respond to the unfolding challenge we face from the coronavirus," Double said.

Double called on Christians to pray for the Prime Minister and parliamentary leaders at this crucial time.

"These are times when we do need courage from our leaders, to face the challenge, to be open and honest about the challenge our country's facing and then take the decisions necessary.

"Pray that our leaders will have the guidance they need and the courage they need to make those decisions."

Double commended the Archbishop of Canterbury for encouraging believers to join him for a national day of prayer for the pandemic taking place on Mothering Sunday.

"Our churches might be closed in terms of congregations being able to meet for services, but we can all pray and I'm pleased that the Church has taken that step," he said.

"It's absolutely right that when we face a challenge of this scale, that we come to prayer, and ask for God's help and intervention."