The National:

BORIS Johnson and just about his entire Tory party (even the ones that weren’t invited) have spent the last few days frantically telling anyone who’ll listen that Christmas parties on Downing Street in 2020 didn’t happen, or did happen but were within the guidelines.

The Conservatives are apparently hoping that everyone will forget that Christmas parties were explicitly forbidden. 

So if Johnson did host a festive bash or two, it would seem to have been in direct contravention to his own law - which in true Tory style would only apply to everyone else.

However, the Prime Minister has a cunning plan to subtly let the country know that he is actually on the side of law and order.

READ MORE: Line of Duty creator has perfect response to Boris Johnson dressing up as policeman

Loitering around Liverpool watching police officers conduct raids as part of "Operation Toxic" to infiltrate County Lines drug dealings, Johnson dressed to impress.

He wore a police hat and police jacket, as well as a police protective vest which didn’t quite cover his shirt and tie.

The National:

Perhaps with all the mentions of “police” the public will forget about his own alleged rule-breaking.

SNP MP Stewart McDonald suggested as much, writing: “So Downing Street stands accused of breaking the law and hosting a Christmas party when they instructed us all not to do so, and the PM is cutting about on national television dressed as a police officer? Totally normal country.”

READ MORE: Boris Johnson 'taking people for mugs' in row over No10 Christmas parties

Johnson’s comical look certainly didn’t go unnoticed - leading "police officer" and "Mr Benn" to start trending on Twitter.

The beloved character is known for entering a costume shop and stepping out the back door into a magical, attire-appropriate, adventure.

Critic Tim Hayward wrote: “I find this really quite remarkable. There’s a long tradition of politicians coopting uniform … from the rolled sleeves on hospital visits, to hard-hats and hi-vis … even US presidents in flying jackets…

“But this is something entirely else…”

Presciently, journalist Brian Whelan commented: “When the [anti-Brexit] lot see this they'll be calling for his arrest for impersonating a police officer.”

Sketch writer Tom Peck added: “Imagine standing there in a POLICE hat on live TV at the same time as trying to style out a massive lie about a crime that happened in your own house.”

Sharing a Sky News clip of Johnson giving an interview in his police outfit, Nando Sigona, a professor from the University of Birmingham, wrote: “I watch this video and the only thing I see is a desperate politician who is fancy dressed as a policeman in the hope that 'law and order' may rescue him from himself.”

Anna Turley added: "Gone in the dressing up box again. 

"Law and order (and a crack down on drugs) for everyone else.

"Except him, his ministers, PPE contractors, donors and partying friends."