A local councillor has come under online criticism after saying Boris Johnson "cannot be personally blamed" for the UK's 100,000 Coronavirus-related deaths.

Cllr Joe Porter, who represents the Brown Edge and Endon ward for the Conservative Party, made the comment on Twitter yesterday evening (Tuesday) following the Prime Minister's Downing Street news conference.

During the conference, Mr Johnson said he took "full responsibility" for the government's actions throughout the pandemic, adding that he was "deeply sorry for every life lost".

Following the Prime Minister's comments, Cllr Porter tweeted: "Sorry, but Boris Johnson cannot be personally blamed for the UK's over 100,000 Covid-related deaths.

"The Prime Minister and Government have done everything possible to lead our country through this difficult period. Please could people move away from a vicious blame game culture."

The tweet proved controversial, attracting almost 7,000 replies and over 1,400 'quote tweets' in under 24 hours.

Only the US, Brazil, India and Mexico have had more Coronavirus deaths than the UK to date, with a rise in cases and deaths in recent weeks giving the UK one of the worst death rates globally.

One of the tweet's replies, which received over 1,200 'likes', read: "This tweet says all we need to know about a dereliction of duty. Your government has cost the lives of 100,000 people. You should be holding them to account not licking their boots."

Another reply added: "He should've acted faster when the threat to our country emerged. He didn't. He delayed. And now 100,000 are dead."

While a third said: "Not admitting any responsibility is equally obscene. Government have run away from learning lessons and this is where we are."

However, the tweet also received some replies in support and agreement, with one saying: "Agreed. Its easy as many are including the Labour leadership to sit behind hindsight. At no time did the opposition say what should be done."

Another said: "Exactly, Boris didn't tell us all to go to the beach last summer did he? He didn't tell us to protest and join BLM."

Biddulph Labour councillor Jill Salt also shared her opinion in the replies, saying: "Blind loyalty is 1. Embarrassing 2. Damn right dangerous 3. Shows you're unable to think for yourself."

Cllr Porter, who sits on Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Cabinet and has met Mr Johnson on several occasions, received the Prime Minister's 'Points of Light' award in September for his work in supporting local elderly and vulnerable residents.

Following his first tweet, he later said he had also received "death threats" and "personal abuse" in response to his opinion.

Cllr Porter tweeted later last night: "Thank you for all the death threats, personal abuse and horrible comments after a busy day of work and helping elderly and vulnerable people in the community, much appreciated. Goodnight all."