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Johnson plans more changes as pressure remains

The changes come after a swathe of resignations from among Boris Johnsons aides
The changes come after a swathe of resignations from among Boris Johnsons aides

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to make further changes to his Downing Street operation as he tries to maintain his grip on power.

He made new appointments over the weekend, with Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay becoming his chief of staff and journalist and former aide Guto Harri returning as his head of communications.

The Times newspaper has reported that Downing Street was hoping to announce the return of Emily Lawson as the new permanent secretary this week.

Ms Lawson, who currently runs NHS England's vaccination programme, was seconded to Downing Street's delivery unit - a team in charge of ensuring the government delivers on its policies - in April last year before returning to the health service in October.

Senior backbencher Tom Tugendhat, a potential leadership candidate if Mr Johnson is forced out, said the Prime Minister's future depends on how the "reset" goes.

Martin Reynolds is one of a number of people who recently resigned

The changes come after a swathe of resignations from among the prime minister's aides.

Mr Johnson faced calls to resign after a report into parties held at Downing Street was published last week and his refusal to apologise for a slur made against Labour leader Keir Starmer over the failure to prosecute Jimmy Savile.

A police investigation into the parties is continuing.

Around 15 Tory MPs have now publicly called for Mr Johnson to resign but not all have sent letters of no confidence to 1922 Committee chairman Graham Brady, although the true total of Conservatives who have turned against Mr Johnson may be far higher.

The total number of letters submitted is a closely guarded secret but if 54 are received by Mr Brady, a no confidence vote would be triggered.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid told Sky News: "I don't think there is going to be a leadership election.

"We have got a leader in place who is doing an excellent job, is getting on with the job, is delivering on the commitments that we made, and I am there to support him, along with the rest of us."

Meanwhile, Mr Starmer has been cleared of an allegation he broke lockdown rules after he was filmed drinking a beer in an office in April last year.

He has previously insisted he did nothing wrong, despite comparisons by his opponents to the allegations at Downing Street.

Police have now confirmed they did not believe any offence was committed.