NEWS
Middlesbrough revolts after mayor refuses to follow new lockdown rules
Boris Johnson is facing a coronavirus revolt in the north today as the elected independent mayor of Middlesbrough, Andy Preston, vowed to ‘defy’ new lockdown measures, accusing ministers of ‘ignorance’ after they brought in strict new measures for its population. In a video message Mr Preston said the restrictions went further than he and other local politicians had lobbied for, and in what is believed to be a first for a local politician, rejected the measures outlined in the Commons – Mail
More than 9,000 asylum seekers are living in 91 hotels across the country amid record number of Channel crossings – Mail
Covid cases doubled under most local lockdowns in England – Guardian
Ministers preparing for four million unemployed because of Covid crisis – Telegraph
Did BBC pass up All Creatures revamp because it was too white? Channel 5 rakes in record 3.3million viewers for new series after corporation felt it wouldn’t appeal to prized millennial audience – Mail
Oxford-educated museum curator who sparked fury for posting guide on vandalising statues leaves job after independent review – Mail
COMMENT
Despite the Rule of Six, in a free country dinner parties are for the many, not the few – Richard Littlejohn, Mail
Fate of Rolls-Royce exposes the Government’s woeful industrial policy – Ben Marlow, Telegraph
Boris Johnson knows he has to save Christmas – James Forsyth, Times