Queen WON’T be given weekly updates by Dominic Raab while Boris Johnson is in intensive care
THE Queen WON’T be given weekly updates by Dominic Raab while Boris Johnson is in intensive care.
The Foreign Secretary is running the country while the Prime Minister has treatment, but will not be having the same regular chats with her Majesty.
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Before the PM was transferred last night he officially passed on responsibilities to his de facto deputy, Dominic Raab.
Mr Raab, who is also the First Secretary of State, will now run the Government and take charge of the fight against the virus.
Despite this he is not following all of the PM's responsibilities, and will miss out on weekly chats with the Queen.
The PM's spokesman today said: "Buckingham Palace and her Majesty have been kept regularly involved on the PMs condition and that will continue.
"The Cabinet Secretary and the PM’s Principal Private Secretary will continue their correspondence with the Royal household on their behalf."
Asked if Mr Raab would also take over the weekly chats, the spokesman made clear this was not the case.
He said: "No, its been agreed that weekly audiences will not go ahead in absence of the PM."
Mr Raab will now enjoy a range of new powers, including holding National Security meetings.
The spokesman said: "We have an existing, robust national security architecture, that will continue to function."
However, the former boxer will not have the power to sack ministers and reshuffle the cabinet.
The PM's spokesperson added: "It's not a circumstance we would envisage arising."
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It comes as No10 said Mr Johnson is stable and still in good spirits after a night in intensive care.
The PM has had more oxygen support but has NOT needed a ventilator or any more breathing help, it was revealed this lunchtime.
In a joint statement from Downing Street and St Thomas’ hospital, they said: “The PM has been stable overnight and remains in good spirits.
“He is receiving standard oxygen treatment and is breathing without any other assistance.
“He has not required mechanical ventilation or non-invasive respiratory support.”
Michael Gove is today also self-isolating after a member of his family developed coronavirus symptoms.
The Cabinet Secretary has no symptoms but is isolating for the time being.
He tweeted this morning: "Many thanks for kind messages. In accordance with the guidance, I am isolating at home after a member of my family started to display mild symptoms of coronavirus on Sunday.
"I have not displayed any symptoms and am continuing to work as normal."
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