.@DominicRaab to @BBCr4today: "Those staff would have been working under gruelling conditions."

Suspect thousands of NHS staff who genuinely were "working under gruelling conditions" [PPE round-the-clock, staff shortages] did not have after-work drinks in workplace like No.10.
NEW: Asked about Dominic Raab’s ‘“suits you sir” defence, and his “gruelling conditions” defence, PM’s spokesman says: “I haven’t seen the specific comments from the deputy prime minister.”
Also from Lobby briefing:

Does Mrs Johnson normally attend No.10 work meetings?
No.10: “Downing Street is also a private residence. It’s effectively her garden so she’s able to use it whenever she wishes."
Why are staff drinking wine at a work meeting?

No.10: “It was not against the regulations to have a drink for those individuals who are outside, outside working hours.”
As the Cabinet meets today to discuss an 'update' on Covid, govt defences of the No10 "garden gathering" look like thin gruel indeed.

My latest for @theipaper

inews.co.uk/opinion/domini…

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More from @paulwaugh

18 Dec
It's Saturday, the end of a long, long week in politics.
Catch up on it all with @theipaper Weekend, with excellent intel and analysis from @HugoGye @RichardVaughan1 @singharj @ChaplainChloe, @janemerrick23 and @katyballs Image
Includes this excellent long read on anger among Tory MPs over 'partygate', with one attacking "those elite fuckers" in Downing Street.

inews.co.uk/news/politics/…
Plus, this @katyballs temperature check on backbench next steps. One govt insiders says: "No one wants a leadership contest now – not even the people who could replace Boris”

inews.co.uk/news/analysis/…
Read 6 tweets
16 Dec
Now @TomTugendhat has been granted an Urgent Question in the Commons demanding an explanation of this;
.@JamesCleverly tells MPs: “Internal work has taken place that has not been signed off by ministers….There will not be 10% staff cuts to the FCDO.”
Foreign Office minister Cleverly then admits “changes are inevitable" (so will it be 5% or 9%?) .."when ministers make ultimate decisions…”
Read 5 tweets
15 Dec
Ouch. @TomTugendhat asks why he's heard Foreign Office facing 10% staff cuts. @BorisJohnson says @trussliz says that's actually "FAKE NEWS!"
Except, it wasn't fake news.
Here's the email to staff.
Will @BorisJohnson come to the Commons to correct the record this afternoon..?
.@DavidLammy tells me: "It would appear, not for the first time, the only person spreading fake news is Boris Johnson. The Government is shrinking our diplomatic presence, and the PM can’t even own up to it...
Read 7 tweets
15 Dec
The subplot in yesterday's Tory rebellion could become the main plot of the next election: NHS waiting lists, staff shortages and the Tories' record since 2010.

My latest for @theipaper

inews.co.uk/opinion/nhs-st…
1922 Cttee Treasurer Geoffrey Clinton-Brown put his finger on this on @BBCRadio4 TheWorldTonight.
Suggested @BorisJohnson facing leadership challenge "unless..he can start addressing the really big issues in this country, how do you deal with the backlog in the health service?"
Clifton-Brown said if the PM "came clean on everything" (about No10 parties), had a long term strategy on Covid...he could claw it back. But if he doesn't then I think there will be trouble."
Read 4 tweets
14 Dec
The Tory rebels have already won the argument against 'vaccine passports', even if they lose the vote tonight

My latest for @theipaper
inews.co.uk/opinion/tory-r…
Key issue is what ministers say publicly today.
No.10 insists 'no plans' to change lateral flow test alternative to Covid jjab status.
But more potential rebellion cd be lower if ministers go on record with what PM and Javid told @danny__kruger privately

dannykruger.org.uk/news/statement…
He's finally done it: guarantee of no vaccine-only curbs on access to services.
@sajidjavid just told @Alex_Stafford he would never support 'vaccine passports'.
Says govt will ensure 'there's always an option for lateral flow tests".
"I would not support a vaccine only option"
Read 6 tweets
14 Dec
.@BorisJohnson's taken the credit for the NHS vaccine rollout.
But will he take the blame if his pre-Christmas rush on boosters fails to meet his targets?

inews.co.uk/news/politics/…
Senior NHS figures are worried about the new target being unrealistic.

As @oliver_wright and @Smyth_Chris cite NHS sources saying they worry they're being "set up to fail".
thetimes.co.uk/article/we-can…
Asked if this is a "stretch target", @DominicRaab tells @BBCr4today "it is a challenging target, we are not setting easy targets."
Read 4 tweets

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