Boris Johnson ‘considers demoting Rishi Sunak’
Boris Johnson ‘considers demoting Rishi Sunak after Chancellor called for easing of travel restrictions ahead of relaxations being announced’
- Mr Sunak warned in a letter that Covid rules were damaging the UK’s economy
- But the PM was frustrated as he only learned about the details via the press
- Mr Johnson said to be considering Mr Sunak for Health Secretary in reshuffle
Boris Johnson is considering demoting Rishi Sunak, after the Chancellor called for the easing of travel restrictions before relaxations are announced next week, reports suggest.
The Sunday Times reported that a furious Prime Minister suggested the move after the leak of a letter from Mr Sunak, who warned that Covid rules were damaging the UK’s economy and ensuring it was lagging behind neighbours in the EU.
A senior source told the newspaper: ‘He said: ‘I’ve been thinking about it. Maybe it’s time we looked at Rishi as the next secretary of state for health. He could potentially do a very good job there.’
‘In an open meeting, after ranting about Rishi, he then suggested the Chancellor could be demoted in the next reshuffle.’
Mr Johnson was frustrated after only learning of details of the letter via the press, after officials failed to bring it to his attention, sparking a hunt for the leaker.
Boris Johnson is considering demoting Rishi Sunak, after the Chancellor called for the easing of travel restrictions before relaxations are announced next week, reports suggest
The Sunday Times reported that a furious Prime Minister suggested the move after the leak of a letter from Mr Sunak (pictured), who warned that Covid rules were damaging the UK’s economy and ensuring it was lagging behind neighbours in the EU
The newspaper reported that Mr Johnson is not expected to carry out his threat and noted the Prime Minister’s reputation for off-the-cuff remarks made ‘half in jest’.
A Treasury source said: ‘The Chancellor is solely focused on securing the country’s economic recovery and continuing to protect and create jobs.’
The leak of the comments, reportedly made in a meeting on Monday, will do little to help relations between No 10 and No 11.
The Chancellor is preparing for a tough spending review later this year as he attempts to repair the public finances following the coronavirus crisis.
That could put him on collision course with a Prime Minister who has promised there can be no return to austerity.
