A GROUP of Conservative rebels who voted against the Government's Covid regulations linked to house party fines and Test and Trace data sharing included a New Forest MP.

Sir Desmond Swayne, who represents New Forest West, made up part of the 24-strong backbench rebellion over Boris Johnson's pandemic strategy.

The regulations were approved by 526 votes to 24, majority 502, during a vote on Wednesday.

The measures, which increased house party fines from £200 to £800, came into force last month but required retrospective approval by Parliament.

They were introduced as part of a crackdown on illegal gatherings and those flouting the legal requirement to self-isolate during the pandemic.

The house party penalty applies to groups of more than 15 people and double after each offence, up to a maximum of £6,400 for repeat offenders.

An individual’s £800 fine is cut to £400 if paid within 14 days.

Sir Desmond has been critical of the Government's response to coronavirus, including repeated questions of the implementation of lockdown restrictions.