The daily Downing Street press conference on coronavirus has been stopped, the government has announced. It comes as the PM announced an easing of the lockdown in England. From now on televised briefings will be given on an "ad hoc" basis to "coincide with significant announcements," Downing Street said.

Boris Johnson led the final regular briefing, flanked by chief advisers Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance.

There have been 92 briefings, and two national addresses by the prime minister. The daily briefings started on 16 March, following criticism of a lack of transparency over government plans to stem the spread of the virus.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock led the most daily briefings, with 26 appearances, followed by Mr Johnson on 16. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab - who filled in for Mr Johnson when he was in hospital with coronavirus - led 12 briefings, with Business Secretary Alok Sharma and Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick hosting six each.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak led five briefings - the same number as Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. Cabinet Secretary Michael Gove, Environment Secretary George Eustice, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden appeared a handful of times each. Home Secretary Priti Patel was the only female minister to take a turn at the podium, with a mere three appearances.

In recent weeks, ministers have increasingly been appearing on their own, without scientific or medical advisers.

not a moment too soon imo?

Donkeyman! 👎😁👎

The new format, similar to that used by the White House in the United States, is expected to come in by October.

Asked whether we would himself appear every day, the PM said this was "not the plan" but he would be "popping up from time to time".

A government spokesman said work would begin shortly on adapting 9 Downing Street, which will be used for the briefings. In recent years, this building has been used by the chief whip and the Brexit secretary.

It is understood an experienced broadcaster will be recruited to host the question-and-answer sessions. Nobody has been recruited yet to host the briefings and asked about reports that former This Morning host Richard Madeley was being considered, the spokesman said that was "news to me".