Coronavirus: Boris Johnson urged to hand over power temporarily unless he recovers quickly
Boris Johnson has been urged to hand over power temporarily if he does not recover quickly from coronavirus, as he remained in a London hospital.
A deputy – presumably Dominic Raab, the so-called ‘designated survivor’ – should take over at No 10 if necessary, because no-one is “indispensable”, the prime minister was told.
The calls came from both Bob Kerslake, a former head of the civil service, and Andy Street, the Conservative West Midlands mayor, as fears grew over Mr Johnson’s condition.
Downing Street has sought to play down the severity of his symptoms, insisting they have not deteriorated and that he did need an ambulance – but it has been reported that he needed oxygen treatment.
The prime minister is expected to undergo blood tests, to judge the response of his immune response and to assess liver and kidney function. He will also undergo heart checks, doctors say.
Mr Kerslake said: “If he's not well enough, it would be sensible to step back and let others take on the role.
“I think in the end, if he's not well, he will have to reflect on this because the job's tough at the best of times and it's doubly tough now,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
And Mr Street said: “We all have to learn in life don't we that we’re not indispensable and the team around you will step into your shoes if he is not able to do what I know he will be so, so desperate to carry on doing himself.”
But Robert Jenrick, the communities secretary, insisted Mr Johnson remained in charge, saying: “I certainly expect he will be back at Number 10 shortly.”
more follows
