Has Boris already gone? PM is now ‘commuting from Chequers to Downing Street’ after removal vans were spotted taking away his and Carrie’s belongings
- No10 fails to quell suggestions Boris Johnson has already moved out Downing St
- PM will spend time working from No10 but said to be commuting from Chequers
- He has just returned from a second summer holiday with his wife Carrie
Number 10 today failed to deny suggestions Boris Johnson has already moved out of his Downing Street flat as he enters his final fortnight in power.
The outgoing Prime Minister has returned from Greece – where he last week enjoyed a second holiday in quick succession with his wife Carrie – as he counts down his last days in office.
Mr Johnson held a phone call with US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz from his Chequers country retreat yesterday afternoon.
But, while the PM was due to be working from Downing Street today, Number 10 refused to say whether he would be staying overnight or returning to Chequers again.
After removal vans were last week spotted in Downing Street, while the Johnsons enjoyed another summer break in Greece, it was reported that the PM would not again be returning to his flat above Number 11.
Instead, Mr Johnson was said to be planning to spend the final two weeks of his premiership at Chequers – a 90-minute drive from Number 10.
Asked today whether the PM would now be commuting to Number 10 or staying in Downing Street this week, a spokeswoman would only say: ‘The PM will be working from Downing Street and Chequers this week.
‘I would only ever get into his working arrangements, which will be working from Downing Street and Chequers.’
The outgoing Prime Minister has returned from Greece – where he last week enjoyed a second holiday in quick succession with his wife Carrie – as he counts down his last days in office
Boris Johnson was said to be planning to spend the final two weeks of his premiership at Chequers – a 90-minute drive from Number 10
Removal vans were last week spotted in Downing Street while the Johnsons enjoyed another summer trip abroad
Number 10 aides also said the public could expect to see Mr Johnson ‘out and about’ in his final days in office, despite the PM having few official engagements listed for this week.
Last week, two removal trucks parked outside Number 10 as it was confirmed that work was ongoing for the ‘transition’ to the PM’s successor.
There have been rumours that the Johnsons are searching for a family home in Dulwich Village, south east London.
The PM is allowed to take away any of the furnishings he paid for himself as part of the controversial revamp of his Downing Street flat, above Number 11 – which could even include the £800-a-roll gold wallpaper.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer today continued his attack on Mr Johnson for leading a ‘zombie government’ as he sees out his time in office.
The PM has faced criticism for refusing to intervene over the cost-of-living crisis, with Downing Street repeatedly insisting that ‘significant’ fiscal decisions will be left to his replacement.
Either Foreign Secretary Liz Truss or ex-chancellor Rishi Sunak will be elected as Mr Johnson’s successor on 5th September.
The new PM is then expected to officially enter Downing Street the following day.
Up until then, Number 10 said Mr Johnson would be likely to spend his time restating support for Ukraine and highlighting existing Government measures to address soaring energy bills.
‘A large focus this week is on reiterating our support for Ukraine, and that is an unwavering commitment that we have to supporting Ukraine in the face of an illegal war,’ the Number 10 spokeswoman said.
‘The Government is also focused on supporting people with the cost of living and making sure that those who are eligible for the £37 billion of support that’s already available through our phased-in plan are availing themselves of it.’
Prior to their trip to Greece last week, Mr and Mrs Johnson had spent time at an eco-resort in Slovenia at the beginning of this month as a belated honeymoon.
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