Boris Johnson news: PM under attack for 'schmoozing Tory donors while ignoring flood victims', as Sajid Javid issues public warning to leader
All the latest developments as they happened
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Your support makes all the difference.Boris Johnson has been attacked by Jeremy Corbyn over his week-long absence from public view, as the Labour leader accused the “part-time PM” of “schmoozing Tory party donors” instead of visiting flood-hit communities in the north and Midlands.
The row comes as Labour demanded an investigation into the true scale of homelessness across the UK after figures showed more than 28,000 people are sleeping rough in a year – five times higher than the government admits.
Elsewhere, the respected Institute for Fiscal Studies said chancellor Rishi Sunak will have to hike taxes – or entrench austerity – to pay for a “giveaway” budget, while Sajid Javid warned his successor not to go on a spending splurge.
To follow events as they unfolded, see our live coverage below
Johnson under pressure on climate change
Sir Ed Davey says global action on climate change at the COP26 summit in Glasgow will only happen if the host nation commits to engaging with other big nations. He asks the PM to meet presidents Xi of China, Modi of India and Trump of the US.
Johnson says he spoke to Xi just last week. He says there will be a 'drumbeat' of action leading up to the summit in November.
Sajid Javid expected to make a resignation statement shortly
Ex-chancellor Sajid Javid is due to speak after PMQs - in line with the custom allowing former cabinet ministers to address MPs after leaving government.
He's sitting behind Theresa May and alongside Nusrat Ghani, who was sacked in the reshuffle.
PM ‘does not share views’ of controversial adviser
Here’s the moment Boris Johnson was put on the spot by an SNP MP over the Andrew Sabisky row.
Sajid Javid makes resignation statement
The former chancellor dramatically quit his position at the Treasury during the cabinet reshuffle after being asked to sack his closest aides by No 10.
Javid tells MPs it has been eight years since he's been on the back benches but it is the 'circle of life'. He says he had hoped 'for a little longer to make a difference' in government.
He says he is proud of his record and he has never made a decision or given advice that he did not believe was in the national interest.
Javid says there is 'no one size that fits' in the relationship between No 10 and No 11, but it has always been that advisers advise, ministers govern and ministers pick their own advisers - in a dig at Johnson.
He says the arrangement proposed by the PM were not conditions he could accept 'in good conscience'. He will not dwell on the past - the comings or goings, he jokes in a clear dig at Dominic Cummings.
He says he hopes his successor Rishi Sunak will be given space to work without fear or favour - and he praises Sunak for his work as his deputy at the Treasury. He jokes that he wanted Sunak to keep his role as chief secretary during the reshuffle but didn't get his way.
Javid says he proud of the work that has been done already, and praises Johnson's record in government.
Javid says Treasury must be able to work free of interference
Javid turns his focus to the Treasury ahead of the Budget - and makes an argument for his fiscal rules to remain in place to ensure the government can balance the books.
He says the Treasury must play its role as a finance ministry and says he is a low tax Tory.
Rumours have been flying round Westminster that his successor Sunak is preparing to scrap them.
Boris Johnson makes a point of order, where he praises Javid for all his work.
‘We expect more cases’, says Hancock of coronavirus
Health secretary Matt Hancock is making a statement about the coronavirus outbreak.
He told the House: “7,132 people have been tested for the virus – so far 13 people in the UK have tested positive, of whom eight now have been discharged from hospital. We expect more cases here.”
“We have a four-point plan: contain, delay, research and mitigate. We’re taking all necessary measures ... in the coming days we will roll out a wider public health information campaign.”
Labour MP say colleagues keeping their distance after virus scare
Alex Sobel says his Labour colleagues seem “reluctant” to sit close to him. Almost two weeks ago the MP for Leeds North West said he was to be tested for coronavirus after going to a conference attended by a person who later tested positive for the disease.
“I’m in for the Coronavirus statement. My colleagues seem reluctant to sit to close to me!”
Jacob Rees-Mogg poses with crisps
The Commons leader has shared a photo of himself with a couple of leading crisp brands. It follows chancellor Rishi Sunak’s selfie with a bunch of Yorkshire Tea teabags, which caused a few idiots to call for a boycott.
Javid warns Johnson against spending splurge
Our deputy political editor Rob Merrick has more on the statement by the ex-chancellor Sajid Javid – who offered a pointed warning for the PM not to go on a spending splurge in next month’s budget.
In a Commons statement, the former chancellor said the “critical” rules he drew up – to balance the budget and reduce debt – must not be abandoned, or taxes raised.
“It would not be right to pass the bill for our day-to-day consumption to our children and grandchildren,” Javid said.
He also took a cheeky swipe at Dominic Cummings’ role in his shock resignation.
All the details here:
‘No need’ to close schools with suspected coronavirus cases, says Hancock
More now on the earlier statement by health secretary Matt Hancock, who warned against panic measures by schools when it comes to suspected coronavirus cases
“If anyone has been in contact with a suspected case in a childcare or educational setting, no special measures are required while test results are awaited,” he told the Commons. “There is a no need to close the school or send other students or staff home.”
“Once results arrive, those who test negative will be advised individually about returning to education.
“In most cases closure of the childcare or education setting will be unnecessary. But this will be a local decision based on various factors including professional advice.”
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