Covid: £10,000 fines for self-isolation breaches - BBC News

People in England who refuse an order to self-isolate could be fined up to £10,000, the government has said.

The new legal duty requires people to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus, or are traced as a close contact, from 28 September.

New measures also include a one-off £500 support payment for those on lower incomes, and a penalty for employers who punish those told to self-isolate.

It comes as the PM considers tightening restrictions after a surge in cases.

A further 4,422 new Covid-19 cases and 27 deaths were reported on Saturday.

There were 350 new cases reported in Scotland, the highest daily increase since May, 212 new cases in Wales, and 222 in Northern Ireland.

Fines will initially start at £1,000 rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders, and for "the most egregious breaches". Up until now, advice to self-isolate has been guidance only.

Announcing the new rules for England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the best way to fight the virus was for everyone to follow the rules.

"So nobody underestimates just how important this is, new regulations will mean you are legally obliged to do so if you have the virus or have been asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace. People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines.

"We need to do all we can to control the spread of this virus, to prevent the most vulnerable people from becoming infected, and to protect the NHS and save lives", he said.

At-a-glance: What are the new rules?

• People in England who are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace face fines of £1,000 - up to £10,000 for the worst offenders - if they fail to do so
• This includes those who test positive and those identified as close contacts of confirmed cases
• It also includes employers who force staff to ignore an order to self-isolate
• NHS Test and Trace will make regular contact with those isolating to check compliance
• The measures apply from 28 September and will be enforced by police and local authorities
• Those in receipt of benefits or on low income and who cannot work from home may receive a £500 one-off payment if self-isolating

Those attracting the highest penalties are described as including those who stop other people from self-isolating, such as an employer who insists a staff member comes to work in violation of an order.

The penalties are in line with those for people who fail to quarantine for 14 days after returning to the UK from a country not on the list of low risk nations.

In Bolton, one returning holidaymaker, who did not self-isolate and instead went on a pub crawl, is being partly blamed for the town's spike in cases.

Iron fist in a velvet glove

The prime minister is concerned that existing regulations are too often being flouted - and he has been frustrated that they are not always effectively enforced.

The government's scientific advisers have suggested as many as four out of five people who should be self-isolating bend or break the rules.

So, from 28 September in England, fines can be levied.

But this iron fist is encased in a velvet glove.

Following pilot schemes in some parts of Lancashire, a £500 lump sum will be available to people on benefits who have to self-isolate - or who are on low incomes and who cannot work from home.

Regional political leaders, such as Greater Manchester's Mayor Andy Burnham, have been pressing for this.

But compliance isn't the only problem.

Delays in delivering test results can affect how quickly the contacts of infected people isolate, even if they want to, or are paid to do the right thing.

Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds welcomed the "belated" announcement of additional financial assistance to support those who have to self-isolate.

However, she added that "it shouldn't have taken months for the penny to finally drop that people on low incomes needed more help".

The UK government hopes the new measures will be replicated in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - which all have powers to set their own coronavirus rules.

Officials said NHS Test and Trace would be in regular contact with individuals told to self-isolate and would report any suspicions that people were not complying to the police and local authorities.

Police will also check compliance in Covid-19 hotspots and among groups considered to be "high-risk" as well as following up reports from members of the public of people who have tested positive but are not self-isolating.

Prosecutions could follow in "high-profile and egregious" cases of non-compliance.

As with other coronavirus rules, there will be specific exemptions for those who need to escape from illness or harm during their isolation, and for those who require care.

Changes to support for those in receipt of benefits or on a low income will initially affect up to four million people who cannot work from home in England, the government said.

The one-off payment of £500 is above both statutory sick pay of £95.85 per week and a previously-announced additional award of £182 for those told to self-isolate in highest risk areas of intervention.

• THE LIFE SCIENTIFIC: In charge of one the most successful Covid-19 vaccine projects in the world
• YOUR WORK, YOUR MONEY: Financial help if you’re forced to quarantine

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2020-09-20 01:52:52Z
52781072133712

Covid: £10,000 fines for self-isolation breaches - BBC News

People in England who refuse an order to self-isolate could be fined up to £10,000, the government has said.

The new legal duty requires people to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus, or are traced as a close contact, from 28 September.

New measures also include a one-off £500 support payment for those on lower incomes, and a penalty for employers who punish those told to self-isolate.

It comes as the PM considers tightening restrictions after a surge in cases.

A further 4,422 new Covid-19 cases and 27 deaths were reported on Saturday.

There were 350 new cases reported in Scotland, the highest daily increase since May, 212 new cases in Wales, and 222 in Northern Ireland.

Fines will initially start at £1,000 rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders, and for "the most egregious breaches". Up until now, advice to self-isolate has been guidance only.

Announcing the new rules for England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the best way to fight the virus was for everyone to follow the rules.

"So nobody underestimates just how important this is, new regulations will mean you are legally obliged to do so if you have the virus or have been asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace. People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines.

"We need to do all we can to control the spread of this virus, to prevent the most vulnerable people from becoming infected, and to protect the NHS and save lives", he said.

At-a-glance: What are the new rules?

• People in England who are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace face fines of £1,000 - up to £10,000 for the worst offenders - if they fail to do so
• This includes those who test positive and those identified as close contacts of confirmed cases
• It also includes employers who force staff to ignore an order to self-isolate
• NHS Test and Trace will make regular contact with those isolating to check compliance
• The measures apply from 28 September and will be enforced by police and local authorities
• Those in receipt of benefits or on low income and who cannot work from home may receive a £500 one-off payment if self-isolating

Those attracting the highest penalties are described as including those who stop other people from self-isolating, such as an employer who insists a staff member comes to work in violation of an order.

The penalties are in line with those for people who fail to quarantine for 14 days after returning to the UK from a country not on the list of low risk nations.

In Bolton, one returning holidaymaker, who did not self-isolate and instead went on a pub crawl, is being partly blamed for the town's spike in cases.

Iron fist in a velvet glove

The prime minister is concerned that existing regulations are too often being flouted - and he has been frustrated that they are not always effectively enforced.

The government's scientific advisers have suggested as many as four out of five people who should be self-isolating bend or break the rules.

So, from 28 September in England, fines can be levied.

But this iron fist is encased in a velvet glove.

Following pilot schemes in some parts of Lancashire, a £500 lump sum will be available to people on benefits who have to self-isolate - or who are on low incomes and who cannot work from home.

Regional political leaders, such as Greater Manchester's Mayor Andy Burnham, have been pressing for this.

But compliance isn't the only problem.

Delays in delivering test results can affect how quickly the contacts of infected people isolate, even if they want to, or are paid to do the right thing.

Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds welcomed the "belated" announcement of additional financial assistance to support those who have to self-isolate.

However, she added that "it shouldn't have taken months for the penny to finally drop that people on low incomes needed more help".

The UK government hopes the new measures will be replicated in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - which all have powers to set their own coronavirus rules.

Officials said NHS Test and Trace would be in regular contact with individuals told to self-isolate and would report any suspicions that people were not complying to the police and local authorities.

Police will also check compliance in Covid-19 hotspots and among groups considered to be "high-risk" as well as following up reports from members of the public of people who have tested positive but are not self-isolating.

Prosecutions could follow in "high-profile and egregious" cases of non-compliance.

As with other coronavirus rules, there will be specific exemptions for those who need to escape from illness or harm during their isolation, and for those who require care.

Changes to support for those in receipt of benefits or on a low income will initially affect up to four million people who cannot work from home in England, the government said.

The one-off payment of £500 is above both statutory sick pay of £95.85 per week and a previously-announced additional award of £182 for those told to self-isolate in highest risk areas of intervention.

• THE LIFE SCIENTIFIC: In charge of one the most successful Covid-19 vaccine projects in the world
• YOUR WORK, YOUR MONEY: Financial help if you’re forced to quarantine

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2020-09-20 01:01:49Z
52781072133712

Covid: £10,000 fines for self-isolation breaches - BBC News

People in England who refuse an order to self-isolate could be fined up to £10,000, the government has said.

The new legal duty requires people to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus, or are traced as a close contact, from 28 September.

New measures also include a one-off £500 support payment for those on lower incomes, and a penalty for employers who punish those told to self-isolate.

It comes as the PM considers tightening restrictions after a surge in cases.

A further 4,422 new Covid-19 cases and 27 deaths were reported on Saturday.

There were 350 new cases reported in Scotland, the highest daily increase since May, 212 new cases in Wales, and 222 in Northern Ireland.

Fines will initially start at £1,000 rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders, and for "the most egregious breaches". Up until now, advice to self-isolate has been guidance only.

Announcing the new rules for England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the best way to fight the virus was for everyone to follow the rules.

"So nobody underestimates just how important this is, new regulations will mean you are legally obliged to do so if you have the virus or have been asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace. People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines.

"We need to do all we can to control the spread of this virus, to prevent the most vulnerable people from becoming infected, and to protect the NHS and save lives", he said.

At-a-glance: What are the new rules?

• People in England who are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace face fines of £1,000 - up to £10,000 for the worst offenders - if they fail to do so
• This includes those who test positive and those identified as close contacts of confirmed cases
• It also includes employers who force staff to ignore an order to self-isolate
• NHS Test and Trace will make regular contact with those isolating to check compliance
• The measures apply from 28 September and will be enforced by police and local authorities
• Those in receipt of benefits or on low income and who cannot work from home may receive a £500 one-off payment if self-isolating

Those attracting the highest penalties are described as including those who stop other people from self-isolating, such as an employer who insists a staff member comes to work in violation of an order.

The penalties are in line with those for people who fail to quarantine for 14 days after returning to the UK from a country not on the list of low risk nations.

In Bolton, one returning holidaymaker, who did not self-isolate and instead went on a pub crawl, is being partly blamed for the town's spike in cases.

Iron fist in a velvet glove

The prime minister is concerned that existing regulations are too often being flouted - and he has been frustrated that they are not always effectively enforced.

The government's scientific advisers have suggested as many as four out of five people who should be self-isolating bend or break the rules.

So, from 28 September in England, fines can be levied.

But this iron fist is encased in a velvet glove.

Following pilot schemes in some parts of Lancashire, a £500 lump sum will be available to people on benefits who have to self-isolate - or who are on low incomes and who cannot work from home.

Regional political leaders, such as Greater Manchester's Mayor Andy Burnham, have been pressing for this.

But compliance isn't the only problem.

Delays in delivering test results can affect how quickly the contacts of infected people isolate, even if they want to, or are paid to do the right thing.

Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds welcomed the "belated" announcement of additional financial assistance to support those who have to self-isolate.

However, she added that "it shouldn't have taken months for the penny to finally drop that people on low incomes needed more help".

The UK government hopes the new measures will be replicated in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - which all have powers to set their own coronavirus rules.

Officials said NHS Test and Trace would be in regular contact with individuals told to self-isolate and would report any suspicions that people were not complying to the police and local authorities.

Police will also check compliance in Covid-19 hotspots and among groups considered to be "high-risk" as well as following up reports from members of the public of people who have tested positive but are not self-isolating.

Prosecutions could follow in "high-profile and egregious" cases of non-compliance.

As with other coronavirus rules, there will be specific exemptions for those who need to escape from illness or harm during their isolation, and for those who require care.

Changes to support for those in receipt of benefits or on a low income will initially affect up to four million people who cannot work from home in England, the government said.

The one-off payment of £500 is above both statutory sick pay of £95.85 per week and a previously-announced additional award of £182 for those told to self-isolate in highest risk areas of intervention.

• THE LIFE SCIENTIFIC: In charge of one the most successful Covid-19 vaccine projects in the world
• YOUR WORK, YOUR MONEY: Financial help if you’re forced to quarantine

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2020-09-20 00:13:08Z
52781072133712

Covid: £10,000 fines for self-isolation breaches - BBC News

People in England who refuse an order to self-isolate could be fined up to £10,000, the government has said.

The new legal duty requires people to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus, or are traced as a close contact, from 28 September.

New measures also include a one-off £500 support payment for those on lower incomes, and a penalty for employers who punish those told to self-isolate.

A further 4,422 new Covid-19 cases and 27 deaths were reported on Saturday.

There were 350 new cases reported in Scotland, the highest daily increase since May, 212 new cases in Wales, and 222 in Northern Ireland.

Fines will initially start at £1,000 rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders, and for "the most egregious breaches". Up until now, advice to self-isolate has been guidance only.

Announcing the new rules for England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the best way to fight the virus was for everyone to follow the rules.

"So nobody underestimates just how important this is, new regulations will mean you are legally obliged to do so if you have the virus or have been asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace. People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines.

"We need to do all we can to control the spread of this virus, to prevent the most vulnerable people from becoming infected, and to protect the NHS and save lives", he said.

At-a-glance: What are the new rules?

• People in England who are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace face fines of £1,000 - up to £10,000 for the worst offenders - if they fail to do so
• This includes those who test positive and those identified as close contacts of confirmed cases
• It also includes employers who force staff to ignore an order to self-isolate
• NHS Test and Trace will make regular contact with those isolating to check compliance
• The measures apply from 28 September and will be enforced by police and local authorities
• Those in receipt of benefits or on low income and who cannot work from home may receive a £500 one-off payment if self-isolating

Those attracting the highest penalties are described as including those who stop other people from self-isolating, such as an employer who insists a staff member comes to work in violation of an order.

The penalties are in line with those for people who fail to quarantine for 14 days after returning to the UK from a country not on the list of low risk nations.

In Bolton, one returning holidaymaker, who did not self-isolate and instead went on a pub crawl, is being partly blamed for the town's spike in cases.

Iron fist in a velvet glove

The prime minister is concerned that existing regulations are too often being flouted - and he has been frustrated that they are not always effectively enforced.

The government's scientific advisers have suggested as many as four out of five people who should be self-isolating bend or break the rules.

So, from 28 September in England, fines can be levied.

But this iron fist is encased in a velvet glove.

Following pilot schemes in some parts of Lancashire, a £500 lump sum will be available to people on benefits who have to self-isolate - or who are on low incomes and who cannot work from home.

Regional political leaders, such as Greater Manchester's Mayor Andy Burnham, have been pressing for this.

But compliance isn't the only problem.

Delays in delivering test results can affect how quickly the contacts of infected people isolate, even if they want to, or are paid to do the right thing.

The UK government hopes the new measures will be replicated in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - which all have powers to set their own coronavirus rules.

Officials said NHS Test and Trace would be in regular contact with individuals told to self-isolate and would report any suspicions that people were not complying to the police and local authorities.

Police will also check compliance in Covid-19 hotspots and among groups considered to be "high-risk" as well as following up reports from members of the public of people who have tested positive but are not self-isolating.

Prosecutions could follow in "high-profile and egregious" cases of non-compliance.

As with other coronavirus rules, there will be specific exemptions for those who need to escape from illness or harm during their isolation, and for those who require care.

Changes to support for those in receipt of benefits or on a low income will initially affect up to four million people who cannot work from home in England, the government said.

The one-off payment of £500 is above both statutory sick pay of £95.85 per week and a previously-announced additional award of £182 for those told to self-isolate in highest risk areas of intervention.

• THE LIFE SCIENTIFIC: In charge of one the most successful Covid-19 vaccine projects in the world
• YOUR WORK, YOUR MONEY: Financial help if you’re forced to quarantine

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2020-09-19 23:28:51Z
52781072133712

Covid: £10,000 fines for self-isolation breaches - BBC News

People in England who refuse an order to self-isolate could be fined up to £10,000, the government has said.

The new legal duty requires people to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus, or are traced as a close contact, from 28 September.

New measures also include a one-off £500 support payment for those on lower incomes, and a penalty for employers who punish those told to self-isolate.

A further 4,422 new Covid-19 cases and 27 deaths were reported on Saturday.

There were 350 new cases reported in Scotland, the highest daily increase since May, 212 new cases in Wales, and 222 in Northern Ireland.

Fines will initially start at £1,000 rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders, and for "the most egregious breaches". Up until now, advice to self-isolate has been guidance only.

Announcing the new rules for England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the best way to fight the virus was for everyone to follow the rules.

"So nobody underestimates just how important this is, new regulations will mean you are legally obliged to do so if you have the virus or have been asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace. People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines.

"We need to do all we can to control the spread of this virus, to prevent the most vulnerable people from becoming infected, and to protect the NHS and save lives", he said.

At-a-glance: What are the new rules?

• People in England who are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace face fines of £1,000 - up to £10,000 for the worst offenders - if they fail to do so
• This includes those who test positive and those identified as close contacts of confirmed cases
• It also includes employers who force staff to ignore an order to self-isolate
• NHS Test and Trace will make regular contact with those isolating to check compliance
• The measures apply from 28 September and will be enforced by police and local authorities
• Those in receipt of benefits or on low income and who cannot work from home may receive a £500 one-off payment if self-isolating

Those attracting the highest penalties are described as including those who stop other people from self-isolating, such as an employer who insists a staff member comes to work in violation of an order.

The penalties are in line with those for people who fail to quarantine for 14 days after returning to the UK from a country not on the list of low risk nations.

In Bolton, one returning holidaymaker, who did not self-isolate and instead went on a pub crawl, is being partly blamed for the town's spike in cases.

Iron fist in a velvet glove

The prime minister is concerned that existing regulations are too often being flouted - and he has been frustrated that they are not always effectively enforced.

The government's scientific advisers have suggested as many as four out of five people who should be self-isolating bend or break the rules.

So, from 28 September in England, fines can be levied.

But this iron fist is encased in a velvet glove.

Following pilot schemes in some parts of Lancashire, a £500 lump sum will be available to people on benefits who have to self-isolate - or who are on low incomes and who cannot work from home.

Regional political leaders, such as Greater Manchester's Mayor Andy Burnham, have been pressing for this.

But compliance isn't the only problem.

Delays in delivering test results can affect how quickly the contacts of infected people isolate, even if they want to, or are paid to do the right thing.

The UK government hopes the new measures will be replicated in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - which all have powers to set their own coronavirus rules.

Officials said NHS Test and Trace would be in regular contact with individuals told to self-isolate and would report any suspicions that people were not complying to the police and local authorities.

Police will also check compliance in Covid-19 hotspots and among groups considered to be "high-risk" as well as following up reports from members of the public of people who have tested positive but are not self-isolating.

Prosecutions could follow in "high-profile and egregious" cases of non-compliance.

As with other coronavirus rules, there will be specific exemptions for those who need to escape from illness or harm during their isolation, and for those who require care.

Changes to support for those in receipt of benefits or on a low income will initially affect up to four million people who cannot work from home in England, the government said.

The one-off payment of £500 is above both statutory sick pay of £95.85 per week and a previously-announced additional award of £182 for those told to self-isolate in highest risk areas of intervention.

• THE LIFE SCIENTIFIC: In charge of one the most successful Covid-19 vaccine projects in the world
• YOUR WORK, YOUR MONEY: Financial help if you’re forced to quarantine

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2020-09-19 22:09:08Z
52781072133712

Covid: £10,000 fines for self-isolation breaches - BBC News

People in England who refuse an order to self-isolate could be fined up to £10,000, the government has said.

The new legal duty requires people to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus, or are traced as a close contact, from 28 September.

New measures also include a one-off £500 support payment for those on lower incomes, and a penalty for employers who punish those told to self-isolate.

A further 4,422 new Covid-19 cases and 27 deaths were reported on Saturday.

There were 350 new cases reported in Scotland, the highest daily increase since May, 212 new cases in Wales, and 222 in Northern Ireland.

Fines will initially start at £1,000 rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders, and for "the most egregious breaches". Up until now, advice to self-isolate has been guidance only.

Announcing the new rules for England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the best way to fight the virus was for everyone to follow the rules.

"So nobody underestimates just how important this is, new regulations will mean you are legally obliged to do so if you have the virus or have been asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace. People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines.

"We need to do all we can to control the spread of this virus, to prevent the most vulnerable people from becoming infected, and to protect the NHS and save lives", he said.

At-a-glance: What are the new rules?

• People in England who are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace face fines of £1,000 - up to £10,000 for the worst offenders - if they fail to do so
• This includes those who test positive and those identified as close contacts of confirmed cases
• It also includes employers who force staff to ignore an order to self-isolate
• NHS Test and Trace will make regular contact with those isolating to check compliance
• The measures apply from 28 September and will be enforced by police and local authorities
• Those in receipt of benefits or on low income and who cannot work from home may receive a £500 one-off payment if self-isolating

Those attracting the highest penalties are described as including those who stop other people from self-isolating, such as an employer who insists a staff member comes to work in violation of an order.

The penalties are in line with those for people who fail to quarantine for 14 days after returning to the UK from a country not on the list of low risk nations.

In Bolton, one returning holidaymaker, who did not self-isolate and instead went on a pub crawl, is being partly blamed for the town's spike in cases.

Iron fist in a velvet glove

The prime minister is concerned that existing regulations are too often being flouted and are not being effectively enforced.

The government's scientific advisers have suggested as many as 4 out of 5 people who should be self-isolating bend or break the rules.

So, from 28 September in England, fines initially of £1,000 can be levied, rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders.

But the iron fist is encased in a velvet glove.

Following pilot schemes in some parts of Lancashire, a £500 lump sum will be available to people on benefits or on low incomes who have to self-isolate and who cannot work from home.

The UK government hopes the new measures will be replicated in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - which all have powers to set their own coronavirus rules.

Officials said NHS Test and Trace would be in regular contact with individuals told to self-isolate and would report any suspicions that people were not complying to the police and local authorities.

Police will also check compliance in Covid-19 hotspots and among groups considered to be "high-risk" as well as following up reports from members of the public of people who have tested positive but are not self-isolating.

Prosecutions could follow in "high-profile and egregious" cases of non-compliance.

As with other coronavirus rules, there will be specific exemptions for those who need to escape from illness or harm during their isolation, and for those who require care.

Changes to support for those in receipt of benefits or on a low income will initially affect up to four million people who cannot work from home in England, the government said.

The one-off payment of £500 is above both statutory sick pay of £95.85 per week and a previously-announced additional award of £182 for those told to self-isolate in highest risk areas of intervention.

• THE LIFE SCIENTIFIC: In charge of one the most successful Covid-19 vaccine projects in the world
• YOUR WORK, YOUR MONEY: Financial help if you’re forced to quarantine

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2020-09-19 22:03:19Z
52781072133712

Boris Johnson's allies angered by 'brutal and personal' attack on the PM - Daily Mail

Boris Johnson's allies are angered by 'brutal and personal' attack on the PM which describes him as 'miserable, worn out and short of money'

• PM's brush with death, dealing with pandemic and financial concerns take toll
• He was also said to be missing his former wife in an unflattering published piece
• But friends responded with anger at gloomy portrayal of his mood and health

By Brendan Carlin Political Correspondent For The Mail On Sunday

Published: 22:01 BST, 19 September 2020 | Updated: 22:01 BST, 19 September 2020

Boris Johnson is now a man with 'misery etched on his face' as Covid and money troubles wear down the formally 'ebullient' and 'cajoling' figure of old.

A deeply unflattering portrait published yesterday suggested that the combination of his own brush with death, dealing with the pandemic and personal financial concerns had taken a terrible toll on the usually jovial PM.

Mr Johnson was also said to be missing his former wife Marina Wheeler despite his loving relationship with new partner Carrie Symonds, the mother to his five-month- old son.

'Carrie does genuinely love him and he loves her,' one friend is said to have remarked. 'But that's very different from what came before…What Marina gave Boris was grounding. Proper grounding in the hinterland of his political views.'

Boris Johnson pictured during Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons on September 2

The Prime Minister during a virtual press conference at Downing Street on September 9

The story of a Prime Minister weighed down and 'subdued' came in yesterday's Times which quoted colleagues, friends and Government sources to suggest all was not well with the once irrepressible Boris.

Allies of Mr Johnson responded last night with anger at the gloomy portrayal of the Prime Minister's mood, fitness and health. One voiced dismay at the 'brutal' and personal nature of the briefings given to the newspaper. 

But the reports come just one month after the father-in-law of key Johnson aide Dominic Cummings sparked speculation that Mr Johnson was hit so severely by his own serious Covid illness in the spring that he would quit No 10 in six months' time.

Sir Humphry Wakefield apparently let slip the remark to a visitor to the family's 13th Century, Grade I-listed Chillingham Castle in Northumberland, with the keen horse-rider warning: 'If you put a horse back to work when it's injured, it will never recover.'

The reports were strenuously denied by both Downing Street and Mr Johnson himself. However, the denials have not stopped even one senior Minister from privately speculating that the Prime Minister will not lead his party into the next Election expected in 2024.

And according to The Times yesterday, one witness present at a meeting with Tory MPs last week in Mr Johnson's wood-panelled Commons office said: 'He just seemed subdued. He was engaged but he certainly wasn't as lively as you'd expect.'

The witness mused: 'Does that go back to the illness? Is it the weight of responsibility or is it maybe just a recognition that he's not always very well briefed on things? Most likely it's some combination of all those.'

One senior Tory said to meet regularly with Mr Johnson had this opinion of how he was coping with the extraordinary challenges besetting him. 'This is all weighing very heavily on him. I think you can see it even in some of his public appearances – the sort of misery etched on his face.

'He doesn't seem to be enjoying being at the helm in rough seas.'

The 'all at sea' analogy comes hot on the heels of an unexpected attack on the Prime Minister's performance against Covid and Brexit from a traditional ally in the media – The Spectator magazine, which he used to edit. 

The Prime Minister is also said to be beset with worries over his personal finances and responsibilities. That involves still providing for four of his six children to different degrees and all that after going through an expensive divorce and seeing a dramatic drop in his income.

His income has dropped from more than £350,000 a year as a backbench MP – including a £275,000 contract with the Daily Telegraph – to just £150,000 as Prime Minister, out of which he also has tax liabilities for his Downing Street flat and has to pay for food sent up for him and Carrie.

Mr Johnson during a debate with Ed Miliband in the House of Commons on September 14

The Prime Minister giving evidence to the Commons Liaison Committee on September 16

One friend opined to The Times that 'Boris, like other Prime Ministers, is very, very badly served. He doesn't have a housekeeper – he has a single cleaner and they're worried about being able to afford a nanny. He's stuck in the flat and Downing Street is not a nice place to live.' Another claimed: 'He's always worried about money, he has a genuine need to provide for his family, all of them, and I think that does worry him.'

As for his recovery from Covid, one witness told The Times: 'He's pin sharp one day and then he will say to somebody in his own inimitable way, 'Why have you not briefed me on that?' and he'll be told, 'You were told that yesterday.' '

Some MPs, though, are worried about something more important than Mr Johnson's bank balance – his health. While No 10 and Mr Johnson himself insist he made a full recovery from Covid-19 in April, others who deal with him are not so persuaded. One told The Times: 'The recovery period for him has been really hard.

'At the beginning he was not allowed to go to Chequers at weekends because of the ban on moving from one place to another.

'The illness itself and having a baby was absolutely exhausting.'

Johnson aides reject those claims and point to his regular exercise regime – and the fact he has lost a stone and a half since leaving hospital. But added to all that, there were suggestions yesterday he could be missing the support of former wife Marina.

Insiders insist although he and Carrie love each other deeply, the relationship with Ms Symonds, 24 years his junior, is not the same in terms of support for Mr Johnson, despite the fact she is a former ministerial special adviser, ran the Tory Party's press operation and is said to be a key source of advice to the PM behind the scenes.

One person said to know Ms Symonds and Ms Wheeler well said: 'Carrie does genuinely love him and he loves her. But that's very different from what came before, and the pressures of living in Downing Street with a young baby and partner, however accommodating she might be. It's still bloody difficult.

'Marina was his intellectual match and, in terms of his view, everything was run by her or through her. She was instrumental in the organisation of his life from an intellectual standpoint.

'I don't think it is quite the same relationship with Carrie.'

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2020-09-19 21:01:50Z
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