BORIS Johnson's Minister of State for the Constitution and Devolution has been forced to speak out over coronavirus conspiracy theory posts by her husband.

Chloe Smith, who represents Norwich North, was appointed to the ministerial position by Johnson in February.

Now she's been forced to issue a statement after her husband claimed coronavirus is a "mental illness".

Banking executive Sandy McFadzean, who married Smith in 2013, attended last weekend's huge London march against coronavirus restrictions.

The Unite For Freedom March called for an end to social distancing, track and trace, and the use of face masks.

McFadzean, a vice president for Credit Suisse, has previously retweeted posts describing the government as "globalist puppets" and "tyrants", according to reports by the Eastern Daily Press.

He wrote on Twitter: "Covid-19 is most likely an outbreak of mental illness."

A further post read: "Government need to be clear.

"Either there is a killer virus on the loose or there isn't. (Spoiler alert: There isn't)."

The newspaper, which covers Smith's local area, said the Twitter account was deleted on Wednesday after it contacted the minister for comment.

Distancing herself from the comments, she told the paper: "My husband's a private citizen.

"Everyone's entitled to their own view, and to debate.

"I take a different view."

The Conservative Party has not responded to requests for comment. Credit Suisse declined to comment.

Smith changed her Twitter account name during the pandemic to reflect the Government's policy, Stay Alert Save Lives.

Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South, said: "There's absolutely no way I'd hold anyone responsible for the views of their partner.

"However, if my partner was spouting forth Covid conspiracy, anti-vaccination nonsense, it is very likely the subject might come up for discussion at some point over tea."

Councillor Natasha Harpley, leader of Broadland Labour Group, said on Twitter: "Chloe Smith is not her husband's keeper but wow, how embarrassing.

"What an insult to the 1000s who have died & those experiencing actual mental ill health.

"I hope his ignorance hasn't compromised the health of both her & those she meets whilst carrying out MP duties."