We Need Boris! Race To Put PM Back In Charge

Boris already calling the shots as ministers say country needs him

- Martyn Brown

Boris Johnson could return to work this week to spearhead the fight against coronavirus.

With Parliament resuming tomorrow, the Prime Minister is expected to step up his workload as he recovers from COVID-19.

He has already started giving instructions to his Cabinet and has spoken to stand-in Dominic Raab in his first serious bout of work since being hospitalised.

Although colleagues believe he should not rush his return for health reasons, the Cabinet are enthusiastic about Mr. Johnson taking up the reins again.

A ministerial source said last night: “Make no mistake, the Prime Minister is calling the shots. But he’s itching to come back full-time. The Government needs him back and the country needs him back.”

News of Mr. Johnson’s progress came as a further 596 coronavirus hospital deaths were announced yesterday, marking the lowest daily rise in the UK for two weeks.

The total number of fatalities climbed to 16,060 but the nation was told many parts of the country were past the peak of the epidemic.

The Prime Minister is currently recovering at Chequers after being admitted to intensive care earlier this month.

Downing Street has refused to give a date for his return and he will be guided by his doctor’s advice.

It is unlikely he will be back in No10 until next month but he could take part in a “virtual” Prime Minister’s Questions before then. In his absence, Minister for the Cabinet Office Michael Gove is chairing a daily meeting with Foreign Secretary Mr. Raab, Health Secretary Matt Hancock, and Chancellor Rishi Sunak.