Is Boris Johnson out of the woods?

As Downing Street aides prepare to publish Sue Gray’s report later today, there is a growing sense amongst Boris Johnson’s allies that they are turning a corner after a month of torrid headlines. The government is now trying to move attention to Levelling Up and the situation in Ukraine; the fact that the report into partygate will be redacted when it comes to the most serious suspected breaches of Covid guidelines will help them shift the focus. It means that much of the sting will be taken out of the report. No. 10 plans to use any breathing space as a result to convince MPs the government is focussing on getting on with the day job.

Boris Johnson is expected to U-turn on mandatory jabs for NHS staff – a policy loathed by many Tory MPs. The Prime Minister has also pledged a Brexit Freedoms Bill to cut EU red tape to mark the two-year anniversary of the UK leaving the EU.