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Friday morning news briefing: Where's Boris Johnson, the absent PM?

Is the Government actually taking its own 'working together' advice?
Is the Government actually taking its own 'working together' advice?

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Are Johnson and Sunak pulling in different directions?

"Where's Boris?" is a refrain that has dogged the Prime Minister during the coronavirus crisis. Never has Mr Johnson been more conspicuous by his absence than at yesterday's Commons statement by the Chancellor. As Rishi Sunak introduced his winter economy plan (read the key points at a glance), the PM was nowhere to be seen. He later emerged at a police station in Northamptonshire. With the PM advocating ever more draconian measures as Mr Sunak was trying to rescue the economy, Camilla Tominey asks: Are they pulling in different directions? And will the Chancellor's measures to replace furlough with a wage subsidy be enough to make up for the damage caused by new Covid-19 restrictions? Jeremy Warner argues the Government is floundering in a disaster of its own makingMatt sees the funny side of the crisis in today's cartoon.

A revolt against the latest lockdown rules certainly speaks of a disconnect between Mr Johnson and the party faithful who propelled him to power in July last year. Dozens of Conservative backbenchers last night backed a bid by rebels to force the PM to put all future lockdown measures to a vote of MPs. Read a full list of Tory rebels supporting the amendment tabled by Sir Graham Brady, the 1922 Committee chairman. And this is a full run-down of the new restrictions now in force.

Army Major finally exonerated over Iraqi's death

An Army major subjected to eight investigations over the death of an Iraqi 17 years ago has finally been exonerated after a senior judge concluded witnesses had colluded against him. Major Robert Campbell said his military career and mental health had been destroyed by the Ministry of Defence's "hounding" of him. An 88-page report into the death of Saeed Shabram, who drowned in a Basra dock in 2003, concluded that Major Campbell had tried to save him - only to find himself the victim of a conspiracy to convict him. Chief Reporter Robert Mendick has the full background on claims of record-tampering.

Revealed: Cost of Harry and Meghan's Africa tour

It began as a landmark, charm offensive royal tour to Africa. It ended as a launch pad for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's "road to freedom". Official accounts have now revealed the cost to the public purse as a quarter of a million pounds, making it the most expensive royal trip last year. And, amid an outcry over Prince Harry's unprecedented intervention into American politics this week, Harry Mount argues that he is in danger of ruining the US love affair with the Royal family.

At a glance: More coronavirus headlines

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

US 2020 | A stream of Republican senators publicly pushed back on Donald Trump for not committing to the peaceful transition of power if he loses the election in November. US Editor Ben Riley-Smith reports how some of the party's most prominent names issued statements in what amounted to a rebuke of the president from members of his own party. With 39 days until the election, I can recommend our new WhatsApp group for updates and analysis direct to your smartphone.

Around the world: Cities on alert after officers shot

American cities are on high alert after two police officers were shot in Louisville, Kentucky, during protests over the decision not to charge the force for killing Breonna Taylor. Read our report from US Correspondent Josie Ensor. View more striking world pictures in our daily gallery.

Comment and analysis

Editor's choice: Features and arts

  1. Outdoors living | How to prepare your home for a cosy alfresco autumn

  2. 10pm curfew | 'The fun can carry on after pubs shut - it's just different'

  3. UK's rarest cars | 1979 Citroen CX 2400 GTi - only three left on British roads

Business and money briefing

Pound in your pocket | The vast majority of British citizens would support a 10p in the pound increase in income tax for high earners, a report has claimed, as the country braces itself for major tax rises in the coming years. Adam Williams explains the major decisions that must be made about how such tax increases would be applied.

Sport briefing

Missing drugs tests | Drugs testing in tennis has fallen by alarming levels during the Covid-19 pandemic. As the sport prepares for the start of the French Open on Sunday, Simon Briggs can reveal that some of the world's leading players were barely tested in the five months between the suspension of the tours in early March and last month.

Tonight's dinner

Mushrooms with spicy garlic butter and fragrant rice | Sweet and spicy mushrooms by Eleanor Steafel are the ultimate autumn comfort food. Read on for the recipe.

And finally... for this morning's downtime

Is this how your house will look in 2030? | Self-cleaning wardrobes. Mirrors that check health. Toilets that monitor your dietary habits... Harry de Quetteville examines in detail how Covid-19 could change the way we live over the next decade.