Boris Johnson’s popularity rating plummets to all-time low

• Michael Gove to chair Covid Cobra today - while isolating

• PM had 'miserable Christmas' last year, says Chief Whip

• Boris Johnson has 'full confidence' in party-going aide

• Leadership challengers begin to stir

• Tory ex-minister raped and abused wife, judge finds

• Covid latest: Scotland facing 'tsunami' of omicron infections', warns Sturgeon

Boris Johnson’s personal ratings have fallen to an all-time low, plunging 11 points since the middle of November, a YouGov poll has found.

The Prime Minister's net favourability rating is now -42, with two-thirds of the British public saying they have a bad opinion of him. Just under a quarter (24 per cent) said they have a positive one. Crucially, 41 per cent of Conservative voters now have an unfavourable opinion of Mr Johnson - up five per cent since Nov 17-18.

Despite this, Sir Keir Starmer’s net favourability is virtually unchanged though at -14, down one point since the start of December.

Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, had an unmoved net favourability score of -three. Liz Trus, the Foreign Secretary and his would-be rival for the crown, has to contend with the fact that half of Britons don't know who she is.

The findings come amid a brewing backbench rebellion, with one peer saying Tories were now openly discussing how to get rid of Mr Johnson.

Lord Barwell, chief of staff under Theresa May, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "There are definitely those conversations happening - MPs have talked to me about it. That doesn't mean it is going to happen. But Boris, more than anyone, his position depends on being seen as an electoral asset. If over time that goes, he really is in trouble."

04:04 PM

And that's it for another day...

This week might not go down as one of Boris Johnson's best - even if he did welcome a baby daughter to the world.

The Prime Minister was forced to give an "unreserved apology" at the start of PMQs after the now-infamous video of officials laughing emerged, to get his Cabinet Secretary to investigate claims of a lockdown-busting Christmas party, to then have that inquiry expanded to look at three events.

He now faces more questions about the funding for the refurbishment of the flat above No 10. With all these revelations, his personal ratings are sinking like a stone.

It's no wonder Downing Street was quiet today. But the pressure is only just beginning to ratchet up.

There are two huge challenges around the corner: Yet another vote on Covid regulations, which growing numbers of Tory MPs are vowing to block; and yet another by-election, this time in Owen Paterson's former constituency of North Shropshire.

If 'blockbuster Boris' fails to keep that seat blue, we could be witnessing the beginning of the end.

For more news and analysis, carry on reading below.

03:51 PM

Is Labour's poll lead stablising?

Ever since the row over Owen Paterson, Labour has chalked up a series of poll leads - but there has been an understandable question-mark over how durable that lead was.

Increasingly, it seems the opposition party's lead is stabilising - and perhaps even growing.

Here's another poll from this week, just published, giving Labour a seven-point lead over the Tories.

03:46 PM

Tom Harris: The vaccine works. So why are we behaving as if it doesn't?

Since this is the run up to Christmas, perhaps a festive-themed metaphor is required, based, perhaps, on a family favourite. Like “It’s A Wonderful Life”, writes Tom Harris.

Imagine the scenario: popular and big-hearted hero Boris Johnson examines his bleak life and wonders what the world would look like if events had transpired differently. What would have happened in an alternative reality, for example, where the Covid vaccine had never been developed?

We would probably still be wearing masks everywhere, still having to social distance wherever we went. Christmas would be under threat for a second year in a row, retailers and the hospitality sector would still be in dire straits. The NHS would be at risk of being overwhelmed. Again.

Back in the real world, isn’t it time we started asking what the point of the vaccine was?

Read more from Tom here

03:29 PM

Starmer to Tories: Are you willing to keep defending the indefensible?

Conservative MPs should act now and oust Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

Speaking to The Telegraph, the Labour leader urged Tory MPs to consider what the coming years before the next general election would be like under the current leadership.

"The question – and this is really the question that I think is central now – for the Cabinet, for ministers and for all Tory MPs, frankly, is are they prepared to endure the next two years of increased degradation of themselves and their party, being put out to defend the indefensible and bringing themselves and their party into further disrepute?

"Because this isn't going to change – he's unfit for office, it isn't going to change. Or are they going to do something about it?"

Read more here

03:23 PM

Boris Johnson's personal ratings plummet to all-time low

Boris Johnson’s personal ratings have fallen to an all-time low, plunging 11 points since the middle of November, a YouGov poll has found.

The Prime Minister's net favourability rating is now -42, with two-thirds of the British public saying they have a bad opinion of him. Just under a quarter (24 per cent) said they have a positive one.

Crucially, 41 per cent of Conservative voters now have an unfavourable opinion of Mr Johnson - up five per cent since Nov 17-18.

Despite this, Sir Keir Starmer’s net favourability is virtually unchanged though at -14, down one point since the start of December.

Rishi Sunak’s net favourability is also unmoved at -three.

03:11 PM

Wales' Covid guidance to be reviewed weekly, says Mark Drakeford

The Welsh Government will review its Covid guidance on a weekly basis over winter in response to the threat from the omicron variant, shifting away from the current three-week cycle.

Mark Drakeford, the First Minister, warned the public to prepare for the number of omicron cases to rise "quickly and steeply" over the coming weeks.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, he said: "We don't yet know how serious this form of the illness will be, but the sheer speed at which the variant moves means it has the potential to infect large numbers of people."

He continued: "That would then translate to a large number of hospital admissions over the next month just at the time the NHS is already under severe and intense pressure."

So far, one million people in Wales have had their booster jab, and the Welsh Government are to offer a third dose to everyone over 18 by the end of January.

03:05 PM

Andrew Griffiths 'deeply disappointed' by court ruling on publication

Andrew Griffiths said in a written statement: "I am deeply disappointed that the Court of Appeal has allowed the publication of proceedings in the family court. Publication is a huge legal step with implications for me, my daughter and many others.

"Whilst there remain legal constraints on what I can say, because the entirety of the judgment has not been published, I strongly denied the allegations put to me. However, the Family Court, which I believed to be private, made findings against me on the balance of probabilities. It is important that the media does not misrepresent the findings or proceedings.

"I love my daughter very much and my aim has always been to protect her from publicity so that she can come to terms with these proceedings away from the glare of publicity. I will continue to do what I can to repair the damage that publication of this case has caused and I will support my daughter in every way that I can."

03:03 PM

Tory MP vows to support other victims of domestic violence

Kate Griffiths, the MP for Burton, has welcomed the decision allowing details of her rape case to be made public.

She told PA news agency it was "a positive step forward in a legal battle that has taken a huge emotional and financial toll on my family".

The Tory backbencher added: "I supported publication of the Family Court's findings - and waived my right to anonymity - because I recognise the unique position I am in to campaign to improve the outcomes of cases such as this, for those who endure domestic violence, and the actions taken to protect the children involved.

"When I stood for election as Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter, I promised I would be a voice for those who have been victims of domestic abuse.

"I am committed to working with colleagues across Parliament to improve both the support available to - and the outcomes for - those who have been through similar experiences to me."

02:59 PM

Former minister raped and physically abused wife, court finds

A former Conservative minister has been found to have raped and physically abused his wife by a family court judge, who considered evidence at a private trial.

Judge Elizabeth Williscroft also concluded that Andrew Griffiths, 51, the former MP for Burton and small busines minister, pressurised Kate Griffiths, into engaging in sexual activity, and used "coercive and controlling behaviour".

Mr Griffiths, who once worked as Theresa May's chief of staff, resigned in July 2018 after a Sunday newspaper reported that he had sent "depraved" messages to two women constituents. His wife is now the MP for Burton.

Judge Williscroft made findings, on the balance of probabilities, against Mr Griffiths, in November 2020. Three appeal judges today dismissed his appeal and ruled that findings made by Judge Williscroft, and Mrs Justice Lieven, could be made public.

02:57 PM

Northern Ireland's First Minister calls for 'greater joined-up approach' to Covid across UK

Northern Ireland's First Minister has called for a "greater joined-up approach" across the UK to Covid, ahead of today's four-nation Cobra meeting.

Paul Givan said: "The Prime Minister has called a meeting of the Cobra committee that will take place later this afternoon.

"It is to share information in terms of the current data analysis which is taking place, also what kind of policy responses would be considered and to have a greater joined-up approach across the United Kingdom.

"I am sure there will be an update from the UK Government later this evening."

He added: "Both the Scottish and Welsh first ministers were asking for a meeting of the Cobra committee. I supported them in that call, so I welcome that this has been escalated by the Prime Minister."

02:41 PM

Ben Elton: 'Mrs Thatcher was a woman of principle’

At 62, Ben Elton is a grandee of British comedy. He was at the epicentre of “alternative” comedy in the early Eighties; a bespectacled, Thatcher-bashing and hypnotically garrulous figure. His whirlwind, bravura hosting of Channel 4’s Saturday Live in the mid-Eighties was watched by millions, and helped spur the proliferation of the stand-up circuit.

His face still eminently recognisable, his talk quick and animated, his hair – admittedly – a lot greyer, Elton has plenty to say about his youthful exploits.

But in a watershed moment on stage, he was complimentary about "Thatch" during his new show when it toured in 2019.

"I always recognised she was a person of genuine principle," he explains. "I always believed she was doing what she did because she believed it from the bottom of her heart. I hate what she did but I didn’t see her as personally reprehensible."

Read more from our interview here

02:27 PM

Lord Geidt demands clarification after fresh evidence on flat donations emerge

Lord Geidt has demanded clarification from No 10 after an Electoral Commission investigation into the refurbishment of Boris Johnson's flat raised concerns the Prime Minister may have misled the standards adviser.

Downing Street did not deny suggestions that the peer had been angered by the watchdog's report raising doubts about the Prime Minister's denial that he knew a Tory peer was behind donations for the works costing more than £112,500. But it is thought that Lord Geidt would not formally reopen his investigation after his latest discussions with Downing Street officials.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We are liaising with Lord Geidt to answer any further questions he may have but beyond that I wouldn't get into any private conversations he has with his independent adviser."

He declined to say whether the peer has been provided with the WhatsApp messages between Mr Johnson and donor Lord Brownlow that the Electoral Commission has seen.

02:13 PM

Reopen probe into flat donations or face questions about independence, Lord Geidt told

Boris Johnson's standards adviser must reopen his investigation into donations for the refurbishment of the Downing Street flat or face questions about his independence, a former chairman of the committee on public standards has said.

Sir Alistair Graham told Sky News Lord Geidt must look again at the "evidence that was not available at the time when he carried out earlier investigation, in which he cleared the Prime Minister of breaching the ministerial code.

"If he doesn't... well, people will begin to suspect whether he is sufficiently independent, or whether, given he was appointed the Prime Minister, he is too close to come to an independent conclusion about his behaviour."

The public has already concluded that Mr Johnson "doesn't care much about standards in public life," as he has been "casual throughout his working life about following the rules".

02:03 PM

Former standards chief 'bemused' by lack of police probe into Downing Street parties

The public "must be bemused" by the amount of time it is taking to establish whether a Christmas party took place last year, a former chairman of the committee on public standards has said.

Sir Alistair Graham told Sky News: "You would think there were clear records of what happens in No 10 Downing Street - the public must be bemused and all the poll evidence shows they believe parties took place outside the rules that were in place at the time."

Asked if he felt the investigation by Simon Case, the Cabinet Secretary, would get to the heart of the matter, he replied: "The Cabinet Secretary is appointed by the Prime Minister and inevitably very close to the Prime Minister. But I believe in the integrity of the civil service and I am sure he will do a thorough professional job."

However he expressed surprise that the matter was not being investigated by the police, saying: "If a member of the public had broken the rules would the police investigate? I suspect they would."

"There is fairly concrete evidence that parties took place outside the rules at the time and I am bemused as to why they cannot investigate if there was a possible breach."

01:43 PM

Ben Wright: Illogical Plan B leaves battered businesses in limbo

Hypocritical. Illogical. Unnecessary. Broadly speaking these are the three main charges that have been levelled against the Government after it activated Plan B and imposed fresh restrictions on our way of life in an attempt to curb the spread of the omicron variant of Covid, writes Ben Wright.

The first is unanswerable. If this Government has a scintilla of moral authority left in reserve – a rather large “if” – then it is fast evaporating under the glare of the Partygate controversy. We can now be fairly certain that, while the rest of the country was in lockdown, MPs, government officials and civil servants were holding parties - with catering no doubt provided at taxpayer expense.

There have been plenty of scandals during Boris Johnson’s time as Prime Minister. The difference this time is that the stench of hypocrisy is so pungent it may result in many people turning their noses up at the new rules.

Read more from Ben here

01:31 PM

Dominic Cummings claims Boris Johnson 'knew but did not attend' Christmas party

Dominic Cummings has claimed the Prime Minister knew about an alleged party in Downing Street last year, but did not attend.

Boris Johnson's former chief aide was asked: "Did the Prime Minister know about/attend the party, however fleetingly?"

He responded: "He knew but I think did not attend, tho remember the geography - to get upstairs he has to walk past that area where he could see it - if he was not Chequers..."

Mr Cummings made the comments during a question and answer session.

It is not clear which alleged gathering Mr Cummings was referring to.

01:21 PM

Chopper's Politics: Plan B? It's not Conservative, claims senior Tory MP

Fresh from shouting "Resign!" at Health Secretary Sajid Javid in the Commons, backbench Conservative MP William Wragg joins Christopher Hope on this week's Chopper's Politics podcast.

Appearing on the first edition of the podcast since the government announced a move to Plan B Covid measures, Mr Wragg wouldn't be drawn on how large a Commons rebellion against these restrictions might be. "Not big enough in my opinion, but I can only speak for myself so at least one," he explained.

"They're not Conservative things to do. It's so out of character from the Boris Johnson I thought I knew, the great writer of columns for your esteemed publication.

"I can imagine, in that position, exactly what he'd be writing, so I can't fathom it."

Listen to the interview in full above

01:09 PM

Douglas Ross released from isolation after testing negative

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross is no longer self-isolating after testing negative for Covid-19.

Mr Ross took a PCR test after a member of his staff tested positive for coronavirus.

The unnamed worker was in Holyrood, Edinburgh, on Wednesday, but received a positive result from a lateral flow test later that night.

Mr Ross did a lateral flow test late on Wednesday afternoon, which was negative, and then took a PCR test as a precaution.

He may be free from isolation - but several ministers are not. Find out more here

01:00 PM

Country facing 'tsunami of infections', warns Nicola Sturgeon

Scotland could see a "tsunami of infections" from the new omicron variant, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

The new Covid strain "threatens a rapid and large surge" in cases, with modelling showing infections could rise as high as 25,000 a day in the worst case scenario.

The most-likely range of the worst-case scenario will see cases hit a little over 15,000. In the best-case scenario, cases will peak at just over 1,250.

Ms Sturgeon told a coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh on Friday following publication of the paper: "The fact is, we do face a renewed and very severe challenge in the face of the new omicron variant.

"To be blunt, because of the much greater and faster transmissibility of this new variant, we may be facing - indeed we may be starting to experience - a potential tsunami of infections."

12:59 PM

Lobby latest: No 10 defends 'balanced' decision to allow contacts to remain free

Downing Street has defended its decision to allow contacts of those who test positive for coronavirus to take daily tests rather than isolate.

Under Plan B restrictions, those who come into contact with anyone who has tested positive no longer needs to isolate, as long as they continue to test negative.

This is a "reasonable way to ensure or to reduce the risk of spread whilst also reducing the impact, on an individual level, of self-isolation," No 10 said.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said clinical advice had been taken and "we're trying to strike the right balance between public health measures and obviously the impact that self-isolating can have on an individual level".

However that advice is now at odds with what is happening in Scotland - see post below

12:56 PM

Household contacts must isolate in Scotland again

Household contacts of positive coronavirus cases in Scotland will be forced to self-isolate regardless of testing negative for the virus, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

The First Minister said the Scottish Government will "consider its next steps very carefully" in the wake of the new Omicron variant spreading through the country.

But she told the coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh: "Given that Omicron is now becoming dominant, our response to it has to be more general."

She added: "From tomorrow, our advice will be that all household contacts of any confirmed Covid case should isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status and even if they initially get a negative PCR test.

"I know this is not easy and we will obviously keep it under review, we will also ensure careful exemptions for critical services but we believe this to be essential at this moment to help slow transmission."

Rules for close contacts not living in the same household as the positive case remain unchanged.

12:50 PM

Government 'pooh-poohed' the need to ramp up boosters, says Sir Keir Starmer

The Government has been "too late" in taking measures during the pandemic, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

Asked if more should be done to help businesses through the effects of the Plan B measures, he said: "I think the Treasury does need to look at the impact this is going to have on businesses. Obviously, we'll have to assess that as we go along.

"But the most important thing I think is that we get the necessary measures in place to control the virus.

"I have to say there's a degree of frustration, because we were saying to the Government, long ago that we should have had measures like masks. We should have boosted the boosters and got that regime ramped up weeks ago.

"The Government pooh-poohed that it's now doing it but again, as ever, too late.

12:47 PM

Omicron will 'run riot through population', warns Nicola Sturgeon

The omicron variant will "run riot through this population", Nicola Sturgeon has said - warning the same applies to other countries.

It is likely to become the dominant variant of Covid in Scotland in "days, not weeks", she said.

The First Minister told a press conference: "Most cases will be mild, but [with] a bigger number [of cases] - even a smaller percentage will pose a real risk.

"That is why we are asking people to be sensible, take precautions and try to slow it down."

12:46 PM

Lobby latest: Christmas parties are up to individuals, says No 10

Downing Street said it was up to individual businesses to decide whether Christmas parties should go ahead.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We do not think there is a need to cancel people coming together in hospitality venues like that."

Asked whether it was therefore the wrong message for the Chancellor to cancel Christmas drinks, he said: "It's down to individual businesses and indeed departments to make a decision on what's right.

"We're simply saying as a matter of fact there's nothing in the guidance or the regulation that requires individuals to do so. We want people to keep using hospitality. We know that's important, and we're confident people will."

12:45 PM

Lobby latest: No 10 plays down suggestion of 'Plan C'

No 10 has said there were "no plans" to go further with coronavirus restrictions - despite suggestions that a Plan C is being readied.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "There's no plans to go beyond what we've set out already.

"Obviously we need to keep the characteristics of this variant under review, and we would act if necessary, but there's no plans to go beyond what we set out."

He said: "As a responsible Government, of course, you would expect us to... we have an array, already, of options available to us in terms of what measures we can take to mitigate a growth of any variant or virus.

"But there are no plans to go beyond that currently."

12:44 PM

Lobby latest: Boris Johnson has full confidence in party-going communications director

Boris Johnson has full confidence in Jack Doyle to continue his role as communications director, Downing Street has said.

Reports suggest Mr Doyle handed out awards at an alleged rule-breaking Christmas party in No 10,

When asked, the Prime Minister's official spokesman replied: "Yes."

Asked if Mr Doyle had offered his resignation, the spokesman said: "Not that I'm aware of."

The spokesman also said Mr Johnson retains full confidence in adviser Ed Oldfield after he appeared in the leaked footage that prompted Allegra Stratton to resign.

12:43 PM

Lobby latest: Downing Street cancels Christmas party

Downing Street has cancelled its Christmas party, the Prime Minister's official spokesman has confirmed.

No 10 previously said it was the intention to have a festive bash this year - despite other ministers opting for a virtual party on Zoom.

Asked on Friday, the spokesman said: "I think we've made clear since the latest situation with Omicron, obviously that's taking up great deal of time at the moment. There's no plans for that in No 10."

Asked when the decision was taken, the spokesman said: "Following the decision on Plan B and the latest data that we've got."

12:41 PM

People should 'think carefully about unnecessary contact', says Nicola Sturgeon

People should "all think a bit more carefully about unnecessary contact", Nicola Sturgeon has said as she warns about the impact of the omicron variant.

She noted it was "not fair" to have to ask people to cancel their Christmas parties, and was "considering and pressing the UK Government for more financial support", as a result.

The First Minister said there were "no easy options" as a result of the current situation, adding: "I can't rule out further measures and can't avoid the advice I have shared today."

12:38 PM

Michael Gove to chair Cobra today - while isolating

Michael Gove is to hold a Cobra meeting with the first ministers of the devolved nations on Friday afternoon.

In his role as minister for intergovernmental relations, Mr Gove will chair the meeting with the first ministers and deputy first ministers to discuss Covid-19 data and co-ordination on the response.

Nicola Sturgeon confirmed she would be joining the Cobra during her press conference warning about the rapid rise of the omicron variant this afternoon.

Mr Gove is one of the ministers currently isolating.

12:35 PM

Nicola Sturgeon: Omicron is immensely concerning development

While omicron is hoped to be less severe the "brutal arithmetic" of any wave means there could be a "massive" number of people hospitalised, putting further strain on the NHS, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

A "significant strain" will also be put on the economy given the number of people who would be required to self isolate as a result of the transmissibility of the new variant, the First Minister said, noting there have been 60 ScotRail cancellations today alone.

"Omicron is an immensely concerning development... it is concerning for the UK and indeed the world," she says.

12:31 PM

Nicola Sturgeon: Omicron may be starting 'new wave'

Scotland's First Minister has warned of the possibility of a new wave of coronavirus sweeping across the country as a result of the new omicron variant of Covid-19.

The First Minister warned that Scotland's R-rate would possibly rise above two, with cases doubling every two to three days.

She reported 5,018 positive cases of coronavirus on Thursday, adding: "Now, this is one day's figures, but as you can see it is a sharp rise on the average of around 2,800 per day that that we have been reporting recently.

"It underlines our fear that a new wave may indeed be starting."

12:30 PM

Dominic Cummings denies involvement in leak of video

Dominic Cummings has denied having anything to do with the leak of a clip showing Allegra Stratton and other No 10 aides laughing about a "fictional" Christmas party.

In one of his semi-regular 'ask me anything' sessions, the former chief of staff was asked if he had any involvement with the video, and whether he was "complicit" in an attempt to oust Boris Johnson.

Mr Cummings simply replied: "No."

12:23 PM

Sir Keir Starmer: Boris Johnson is not fit for office

Boris Johnson is "not fit for office", Sir Keir Starmer has said.

Asked about the ongoing investigation into Boris Johnson's Downing Street flat refurbishment, the Labour leader told reporters: "It's absolutely important that we get to the bottom of this.

"This is just the latest allegation of dishonesty from the Prime Minister, we've had lie upon lie in relation to the parties going on in Downing Street. The Prime Minister is not fit for office, and people are paying the price for this.

"I'm up here in Northumberland, we're talking to people who've been really hard hit by the storms, really suffering. And their question is, where's the Government?

"The Government isn't there because the Government's up to his neck in dishonesty. So does this matter? It absolutely matters."

12:15 PM

Boris Johnson's 'firing squad not marching, but having discussions about timing', says Dominic Cummings

Boris Johnson can't trust anyone in his team and will "throw them all under the bus when he hears the echo of the firing squad’s boots", Dominic Cummings has said.

In a new post on his Substack blog, the former chief of staff said the firing squad was "not yet marching but the PM himself has provoked discussions about its assembly and timing."

Mr Cummings, who left Government just over a year ago, claims that Mr Johnson "knows things are sliding towards some crisis, he’s shocked by what his political team has told him about the strength of the Chancellor’s support in the Commons, but he doesn’t know what to do...

"He’s in a no-win situation with the disaster he’s created with No 11."

12:11 PM

Tory MPs 'having conversations' on how to oust Boris Johnson

Conservative backbenchers are having "conversations" about how to oust Boris Johnson, in the wake of multiple scandals and increased frustration at his handling of the pandemic, a Tory peer has said.

Lord Barwell, the former chief of staff under Theresa May, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme MPs were frustrated by Number 10's "self-inflicted wounds" such as the alleged Christmas parties, the refurbishment of the Downing Street flat and the row over Owen Paterson, noting that information was "being dragged out of them, piece by piece, day by day, which is incredibly damaging".

Asked about possible discussions to depose the Prime Minister, the peer said: "There are definitely those conversations happening - MPs have talked to me about it.

"That doesn't mean it is going to happen. But Boris, more than anyone, his position depends on being seen as an electoral asset. If over time that goes, he really is in trouble."

Lord Barwell noted there was "genuine anger" among the public over the Downing Street Christmas parties, which yesterday saw Labour gain a six-point lead over the Conservatives in a poll by Survation, with a four-point lead in a YouGov survey.

11:59 AM

Boris Johnson facing 'most difficult moment of premiership', says former No 10 aide

Boris Johnson's "standing with MPs is very, very low", a former prime ministerial aide has said.

Lord Barwell, who served under Theresa May, told Sky News that it was "the most difficult moment of his premiership" and the chatter in Westminster was full of leadership threats and "letters going in" that could depose him.

"He is going to have to change the way he runs the Downing Street operation if he is going to survive," the Tory peer said.

"You can take, to a degree difficulties where you are grappling with a complex policy issue, but when you keep shooting yourself in the foot - that MPs find very difficult to tolerate.

"Ultimately his future will be determined by his standing in the public," Lord Barwell added. "The Conservative Party always been ruthless with its leaders, but Boris Johnson more than any previous leader owes his position to the fact they believe he is an electoral asset.

"If the polls show that is no longer the case, he really is in trouble."

11:46 AM

Boris Johson's 'pattern of behaviour' is hugely damaging, says Tory peer

Conservative MPs who oppose new restrictions "see the world how they want it to be rather than it is", Lord Barwell has said.

The Tory peer and former chief of staff under Theresa May told Sky News: "I saw it with Brexit, and we are seeing it again with Covid."

He said this was the one challenge facing Boris Johnson that he had sympathy with the Prime Minister for, saying he is in "a very uncomfortable position that he is going to have to get these through with support of opposition".

But Mr Johnson's "credibility" has been undermined by recent rows, and the "pattern of behaviour.. where the Government has given the impression that there is one rule for them and another for everybody else".

This was "politically hugely damaging," he noted.

11:41 AM

Rishi Sunak: Levelling up into a leadership bid?

Liz Truss is not the only minister with leadership ambitions and a keen eye for judicious media appearances (see 10:41am for more).

Rishi Sunak likes to keep his powder dry, picking and choosing his photo opps with a less is more approach.

So the fact a spread of pictures, taken by the Treasury's own snapper, have landed today is certainly an interesting move - even if the general consensus in Westminster is that the Chancellor will have his work cut out with both backbenchers and the wider public before becoming a genuine leadership contender.

Mr Sunak is apparently in Bishop Auckland - one of the key Red Wall seats - to see how levelling up cash is being spent.

11:28 AM

MPs to quiz Solihull Council over killing of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes

MPs will grill members of Solihull Council over the killing of six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes early next year, after his stepmother and father were jailed, respectively for murder and manslaughter, last week.

Robert Halfon, chairman of the education committee, said:"While the Government’s review investigates, our session will examine what went so badly wrong and what needs to urgently change - both locally and more widely - if we are to prevent such a distressing case ever happening again.”

He added: "Lockdowns and school closures since last year will have exacerbated the safeguarding risks faced by many children and this shocking killing serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of doing all we can to protect the most vulnerable."

The session with Solihull Council will take place on Jan 11, with a separate session with the Children's Commissioner. Further details will be released later.

11:21 AM

Fraser Nelson: Fractious Cabinet doesn’t want to topple Boris. It wants to control him

It’s too much to say that Tory MPs have lost confidence in Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, writes Fraser Nelson. They never had much in the first place, which is why his chances of leading the party were seen as laughably low until the Brexit crisis.

He was chosen as a wild card, the only man who could turn Theresa May’s mess into a majority. That hasn’t changed. So it doesn’t matter how frustrated they get with him: he is still, by some margin, the best election-winner they have. Until that changes, he stays.

But a glorious revolution now seems to be underway. The king remains but his powers are being curtailed by parliament – or, in this case, his Cabinet.

Read more from Fraser here

11:15 AM

Government accused of refusing intelligence committee oversight on key legislation

The Government has been accused of refusing to accept the oversight role of Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) on two pieces of legislation related to national security.

The committee, in its report released on Friday, said it welcomed the National Security and Investment Act 2021 and the Telecommunications (Security) Bill but that "both pieces of legislation fail to provide for any scrutiny of these new powers".

Julian Lewis, the Conservative MP and chairman of the committee, said: "While the relevant departmental select committees can oversee the policy elements of these new powers, they obviously cannot effectively oversee the security elements since they do not have the requisite security apparatus (such as security-cleared staff, secure storage, accredited meeting space). Logically, that oversight responsibility can only fall to the ISC."

He added: "The Government refused to accept the ISC oversight role on either piece of legislation. The committee chose not to press its amendments in the interests of national security - since had we chosen to do so the Bills would have run out of time and been lost."

11:08 AM

Intelligence committee condemns Boris Johnson over no-show

The influential Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has said it is "unacceptable" that the Prime Minister had not yet met the committee.

In its report, the ICS said: "Since its establishment in 1993, the committee has met annually with the Prime Minister to discuss its work, report on key issues and raise any concerns.

"However, the committee has not had a meeting with a prime minister since December 2014.

"The committee regards this as unacceptable given the importance of the issues at hand: We trust the current Prime Minister will recognise this and we have therefore requested a meeting with him this year (2021)."

11:05 AM

Analysis: Pressure is on for North Shropshire by-election

When the North Shropshire by-election was triggered by Owen Paterson's resignation, some suggested Martin Bell - or another 'man in the white suit' - should run on an anti-sleaze ticket.

But this week's allegations of cheese and wine-fuelled Christmas parties, with games and a Secret Santa may have rendered that unnecessary.

The Leave-backing Tory stronghold should, by rights, be an easy win for Boris Johnson. And yet MPs are looking at this as a huge test case for whether it's time to cut the cord.

Westminster is always a brutal place, but for the Prime Minister it could prove particularly so. As something of a political chameleon, he has no broad caucus backing him (despite ostensibly being a One Nation Tory) and any support is predicated his pulling power at the ballot box.

If that goes - and the polls are not great - things could get pretty tricky for the PM.

10:53 AM

Boris Johnson had a 'miserable Christmas', says chief whip

Boris Johnson had a "miserable Christmas" last year, the chief whip has said, as he sought to explain how the Prime Minister might not be aware of what was happening in No 10.

Told people are furious after suffering a miserable Christmas under Covid restrictions, Mark Spencer replied: "And so did the Prime Minister, believe me, he also had a miserable Christmas dealing with all of this and dealing with the coronavirus epidemic, as many people did in No 10 working day and night trying to solve the challenges the country was facing.

"I'm told they were not drinking alcohol and having parties while that was going on."

Mr Spencer added: "When you describe it as a house, it's a department of government, this is a huge, huge building, literally with hundreds and hundreds of offices and rooms. No single person could account for what's happening in those buildings - they are huge buildings."

10:46 AM

Boris Johnson 'will not have lied about any parties', says chief whip

The chief whip has insisted Boris Johnson "will not have lied about any parties" in Downing Street that would have broken coronavirus rules.

Mark Spencer, the MP for Sherwood, told BBC Radio Nottinghamshire: "I'm assured that everybody in that building played by the rules, and that's why the Prime Minister has asked the Cabinet Secretary to do a thorough investigation to find out and establish the facts."

Asked if Mr Johnson should go if found to have lied, the whip said: "The Prime Minister will not have lied about any parties.

"My understanding is that there was no party, but we need to investigate that. The Cabinet Secretary will investigate it and we will establish the facts."

10:41 AM

Liz Truss distances herself from party row - as she woos MPs with exclusive dinners

Liz Truss has, for many months, been seen by MPs as being "on manoeuvres" to become the next leader of the Conservative party. The suggestion is she may now be upping the ante.

The Foreign Secretary, who has topped ConHome's league table of ministers for a year, might have a job that takes her out of the country for weeks at a time, but that hasn't stopped her and her allies holding dinners at 5 Hertford Street, one of the most exclusive private members clubs in London.

Asked about the row engulfing the current Prime Minister, she distanced herself completely, telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The Cabinet Secretary [Simon Case] is investigating all those questions, we will see results of that in due course.

"Last Christmas, I was spending my time getting trade deals... We were busy working on trade deals."

10:19 AM

Labour will back Government on Plan B vote, shadow minister confirms

Labour will support the Government's Plan B measures, a shadow minister has confirmed.

Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that while Labour did not necessarily trust Boris Johnson, the party did trust the public health experts who were advising the reintroduction of Covid measures.

He added: "Public health has always come first for the Labour Party during the pandemic. Despite the trouble the Government find themselves in, public health will still come before party politics".

Mr Streeting added: "It is more important for all of us to get ahead of this deadly pandemic and the variant which is sweeping rapidly through our country and which threatens to overwhelm the NHS, and tempting though it might be to inflict a parliamentary defeat on the Government, that would not be the right thing to do."

Without Labour, the Government was likely to have suffered a defeat as the numbers of Tory rebels grows

10:13 AM

French minister threatens legal action if UK makes no 'goodwill' gesture on fishing today

A minister in Emmanual Macron's government has threatened legal action if a deadline set by France for Britain to grant licences to its fishing boats expires without a last-minute compromise being reached.

France says that 104 of its boats still lack licences to operate in British and Channel Island waters which should have been granted under a Brexit deal Britain signed with the European Union in December last year.

Europe Minister Clement Beaune held out the possibility of Britain granting "a few dozen more as a gesture of goodwill", which would means talk could continue.

"If they stick to their guns, then we will ask the European Commission to begin a legal complaint," he told the Franceinfo radio station on Friday morning.

09:57 AM

Allegra Stratton was 'fall guy': Tories demand fellow aide quits

Tory figures are calling for the adviser heard asking Allegra Stratton about a Downing Street Christmas party, amid allegations he was among those attending.

Ed Oldfield, who is 24 and the son of a Conservative party donor, is heard asking Ms Stratton about "reports on Twitter that there was a Downing Street Christmas party on Friday night".

A former Cabinet minister said: "I've looked at the video – she appeared in the video to be bewildered. She's been made into the fall guy here. I think those asking her the questions should be resigning, because while she was likely not at the party, they very likely were. She is clearly less culpable – but if those people were there, they clearly should go."

Andrew Mitchell, a former Cabinet minister, said: "I don't like the way Allegra was treated and obliged to come out onto her doorstep in tears and made to recant when she was not a principal figure involved in the wrongdoing."

A well placed source said on Thursday: "This is rough justice. Allegra had popped into the event for just a few minutes before going home, just as she said on the rehearsal video. But Ed was at the party, along with a lot of other people in that room."

Mr Oldfield did not respond to requests for comment yesterday.

09:41 AM

Two more Boris Johnson aides under pressure over Downing Street Christmas party

Two more of Boris Johnson's aides were under mounting pressure on Thursday night over their alleged involvement in the Downing Street Christmas party.

Jack Doyle, now Mr Johnson's director of communications, is understood to have handed awards to staff at the event on Dec 18, said to have been attended by up to 50 people.

Mr Doyle, at that time deputy communications chief, also gave a speech thanking members of his team for their efforts over the year.

Meanwhile Ed Oldfield, the special adviser who put Allegra Stratton on the spot at a rehearsal press conference, is under pressure to quit after sources insisted he had attended the event.

Last night sources insisted she had only briefly "popped into" the party before going home to her family while Mr Oldfield, Downing Street's head of broadcast, had attended for some hours.

09:25 AM

Boris Johnson's standards adviser called on to reinvestigate Downing Street flat refurb

Angela Rayner has called for ministerial standards adviser Lord Geidt to reinvestigate the funding of refurbishments at Boris Johnson's Downing Street flat.

After writing to Lord Geidt, Labour's deputy leader said: "We now know that in the days before he imposed the 2021 winter lockdown, the Prime Minister went from allegedly hosting an illegal party in Downing Street to asking super rich Tory donors to secretly fund the luxury refurb of his flat.

"Not only has the Conservative Party broken the law, but its Prime Minister has made a mockery of the standards we expect.

"If Boris Johnson refuses a fresh investigation, that standard will be lowered significantly - setting the bar woefully low for our country's public life."

09:13 AM

Boris Johnson's behaviour undermining public health message, claims Labour

A Labour frontbencher has claimed that "trust in the entire system of Government is hanging in the balance", following weeks of allegations about sleaze and rule-breaking.

Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he would not comment on operational police decisions, but suggested he felt the police should investigate the claims over the breaching of lockdown rules.

"It goes back to when Boris Johnson tried to destroy the entire parliamentary standard system to get his mate off the hook," he said.

"We don't start changing the laws or changing the rules to suit the behaviour of the Prime Minister. The law is the law. It must be applied equally.

"And this is the thing: Boris Johnson's character and behaviour starts to undermine a whole series of things, the system of standards in Parliament, the way the law is applied in the country and crucially, whether the Government can get its message across about public health at a critical time."

09:07 AM

Labour frontbencher: Boris Johnson is 'busy planning who to throw under bus next'

Boris Johnson is the "one thing" that rule-breaking advisers and ministers have in common, a Labour frontbencher has said.

Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Boris Johnson, through the lies he's told again and again and again, has stretched the boundaries of credibility... I'm sure Boris Johnson is busy planning who he is going to throw under the bus next.

"We've had the resignation of Allegra Stratton, there are questions now about the Prime Minister's communications director, but you know, whether it's Allegra Stratton, Jack Doyle, Dominic Cummings, Gavin Williamson, Matt Hancock, these people who have flagrantly broken the rules and in full view of the public with no accountability, they have one thing in common and that's the man who's appointed them and his judgment.

"And I'm afraid it's his untrustworthy nature, his disorganisation, his dishonesty, which is undermining trust in public health measures."

09:05 AM

Minister accused of ducking difficult interviews

A minister has been accused of ducking difficult interviews, after he failed to appear on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Justin Webb, presenting the Today programme on the radio station on Friday, said the Government had not offered a minister for interview despite noting that Mr Scully "toured the TV studios this morning".

He said Mr Scully was "was not prepared to come on the programme and face the kind of interview we might have conducted".

Earlier this week Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, pulled out of the entire broadcast round following the emergence of a video capturing senior officials laughing about a "cheese and wine" Christmas party.

09:01 AM

Minister: We are not mandating vaccines

A minister has conceded that the Government needed to "reassure colleagues" over the implementation of Plan B, and stressed vaccines will not become mandatory - after several MPs vowed to block any such move.

Paul Scully, the small business minister, told LBC: "There have been significant changes actually since the original Plan B was announced. So things like the so-called vaccine passports are not vaccine passports because we've allowed a negative lateral flow test to be included as proof to get you entry.

"And that's really significant because we want people to get vaccinated and we want people to get the booster, because that is the single biggest weapon that we've got against coronavirus.

"But we're not mandating vaccination and we're not cutting off entry to any of these things for people that can just have a test."

08:32 AM

Minister: It's been a difficult week for the Government

It has been "a difficult week for the Government", the small business minister has admitted.

Paul Scully said it was key to "get to the bottom" of allegations about parties and gatherings, telling the BBC Breakfast an investigation had been launched because "we want to see beyond doubt that there were no rules broken, which is what the assurances have been to the Prime Minister, and that's what I've heard.

"I wasn't there. I don't know."

But he would not be drawn on whether No 10 press chief Jack Doyle should still be in his job, after fresh allegations about other gatherings over the 2020 Christmas period at No 10.

Mr Scully said other key messages were getting lost amid the saga.

He added: "Look, I feel very comfortable about the Prime Minister's integrity. Clearly though, I don't feel comfortable about the fact that it's been a difficult week for the Government."

08:30 AM

Downing Street bash was 'gathering' rather than 'party', minister suggests

A minister has described the alleged Christmas party at Downing Street as a "gathering", because the word "party" implies a greater degree of organisation and entertainment.

Paul Scully, the small business minister, told LBC he was using the word gatherings because the word party suggested "balloons and poppers and these kind of things".

He said: "It suggests that there's big invitations going out and lots of people coming in from out... from elsewhere and those kind of things".

He said he did not know how many allegations there now were about parties or gatherings across Government departments during lockdown measures in late 2020.

However The Times reports this morning that the bash was planned for three weeks with invitations sent to officials and aides on WhatsApp.

08:26 AM

Tory MP: The truth on 'these serious issues' must come out

A senior Tory MP said that "the truth must come out" about the various allegations levelled at Downing Street.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, who is treasurer of the 1922 Committee, told the BBC: "What we need from all of this is a really straightforward version from the Prime Minister on all of these serious issues - whether it's by investigation of the most senior (civil) servant Simon Case on the Downing Street parties, whether it's by investigation by Lord Geidt on the donations to the Downing Street flat - all of these things need to be investigated and the truth must come out."

He added: "The whole parties issue could have been investigated in a day or two, a week or so ago, and the correct version given - whoever it was who organised whatever it is that we don't know or do know that happened.

"The truth should have been given and then the appropriate action against those who organised these parties - if that's what they were, or gatherings... the appropriate disciplinary action should have been taken.

"And I think now as other commentators have said, the Prime Minister needs to get a grip on all of these matters."

08:23 AM

Mood among Tory MPs 'not good', says former minister

A senior Conservative MP has said the mood among her colleagues is "not good", ahead of a fresh vote on Covid measures.

Boris Johnson faces the biggest rebellion of his premiership over the latest set of restrictions. Last night almost 30 backbenchers had condemned the latest Plan B rules and indicated their intention to join a revolt when the measures are put to a vote next Tuesday.

This morning Nus Ghani, a former minister and the vice chair of the 1922 committee, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The mood in parliament is not good.

"Listening to the statement from the House Secretary was not easy because there did not seem to be the facts to hand about the level of restrictions coming into place."

08:19 AM

Boris Johnson did not know who 'underlying donors' were for flat refurb, says minister

A minister has insisted Boris Johnson did not know who the initial "underlying donors" were for the refurbishment of the Downing Street flat, a minister has said.

Yesterday the Electoral Commission fined the Conservative Party £17,800 for breaking rules on reporting donations after its own investigation – which included the "missing" evidence – found Mr Johnson had asked a Tory donor to fund the makeover.

The Telegraph understands Lord Geidt will consider his position if Mr Johnson does not satisfactorily explain why he did not share vital evidence with him when he investigated the affair earlier this year.

Asked about this, Paul Scully told LBC radio: "I am not aware of Lord Geidt's position.

"The Prime Minister been really clear in the investigation in terms of the fact he didn't know who underlying donors were for the refurbishment - that came out clearly in the result of the investigation."

He added: "The system worked under blind trust whoever spent the money was up to chairman of the trust, and the Prime Minister wouldn't know anything about that."

08:14 AM

Boris Johnson faces trio of leadership challenges, says Tory peer

Boris Johnson is facing a trio of challenges that could bring him down, a Conservative peer has said - the most "toxic" of which is the ongoing row over Downing Street Christmas parties.

Lord Barwell, former chief of staff to Theresa May, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme this had led to "genuine anger" among the public.

"This issue is hugely toxic for the Government because it speaks to a narrative that when all the rest of us had draconian restrictions on our lives," he said. "My mum spent Christmas Day on her own, which I found very distressing. This hugely cuts through with voters as we have seen with some of the polls in recent days."

Fresh allegations about whether Mr Johnson knew where the donations used to pay for the refurbishment of his flat are also potentially "serious".

Thirdly is the backdrop of a brewing Tory rebellion ahead of next week's vote on Covid regulations.

07:55 AM

Leadership challengers begin to stir

Boris Johnson has been warned that he faces the biggest rebellion of his premiership over new Covid restrictions, as Tory MPs insist there is "no justification for these restrictions upon liberty".

By Thursday night, almost 30 backbenchers had condemned the latest Plan B rules and indicated their intention to join a revolt when the measures are put to a vote next Tuesday.

Their numbers are expected to grow in coming days – and anger was not confined to the back benches, with predictions rife that ministers may quit as the backlash grows.

Wider questions about Mr Johnson's leadership have begun to arise during a week of turmoil for Number 10.

07:53 AM

Good Morning

This week might have felt like the longest one in Boris Johnson's political life - and it's not over yet.

Lord Geidt, the PM's standards adviser, is on the brink of quitting over fresh revelations about the Downing Street flat refurbishment.

Meanwhile Tory MPs are increasingly happy with the top in Number 10 - and are making moves.

Here is today's front page.