Boris Johnson is ‘keen to get back to work next week but Carrie and his doctors are urging him to take it easy’ as it emerges PM has spoken to deputy Dominic Raab by phone – but No10 insists he is NOT doing official work
- Boris Johnson continuing his coronavirus recovery at PM’s Chequers residence
- No10 says Mr Johnson spoke to his deputy Dominic Raab by phone yesterday
- Downing Street stressed the premier is still not carrying out any official work
- Sources say Mr Johnson is ‘keen’ to get back to work despite concerns
- Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID
Boris Johnson has spoken to his deputy Dominic Raab by phone as he recovers from coronavirus and is ‘keen to get back to work’, it emerged today.
The PM’s spokesman said he was in touch with the Foreign Secretary from Chequers yesterday – but is not doing any government work.
Sources have told MailOnline that Mr Johnson is eager to get back to Downing Street next week, especially as the Commons recess is due to come to an end.
However, his pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds and doctors are said to be concerned that might be too soon.
The news comes amid claims of drift at the heart of power while Mr Johnson gets over his stay in intensive care.
The lockdown measures were extended for at least another three weeks yesterday, with scientists still not confident the outbreak is under control.
Sources have told MailOnline that Boris Johnson (pictured giving a speech thanking the NHS for his treatment last week) is keen to get back to Downing Street
Mr Johnson is recovering at the PM’s country residence Chequers with his pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds
But there is growing anger about the lack of an ‘exit strategy’, with the curbs wreaking havoc on the economy.
Labour’s Keir Starmer accused Mr Raab of being ‘reluctant’ to sign off a plan while Mr Johnson is still absent.
The PM’s spokesman dismissed that idea as ‘just wrong’ today.
He said Mr Johnson spoke to Mr Raab by phone yesterday.
‘He continues his recovery at Chequers,’ the spokesman said. ‘He’s not doing government work…
‘He is focused on his recovery, he is not doing government work.’
Mr Johnson has not had any conversations with foreign leaders – although Ms Symonds did get a call from US First Lady Melania Trump this week.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps poured cold water on any hopes of imminent action today as he admitted an ‘exit plan’ from lockdown will not be unveiled for at least two weeks.
Mr Shapps revealed that medical and scientific advisers have been asked to present their options for easing the draconian social distancing measures in a fortnight’s time.
The extraordinary schedule emerged despite mounting pressure to show how the country can get out of the crisis that is threatening to tear the economy to shreds.
Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon fueled the row by insisting she is ‘treating the public like grown ups’ by unveiling her own ‘framework’ next week for how lockdown could be phased out.
Mr Shapps told LBC radio: ‘We’ve said now that this three-week period will contain a review by the scientists at the end of this month, so that’s actually only two weeks away, whilst they’ll be reviewing this.
‘And I hope we’ll be in a position to provide, well I know we’ll be in a position to provide, greater clarity.’
Boris Johnson has spoken to his deputy Dominic Raab (pictured) by phone as he recovers from coronavirus