The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, remains at the head of the Government despite being admitted to a London hospital due to the “persistent symptoms” of the coronavirus, Downing Street said on Monday, which has thus ruled out a provisional relief at the headquarters.
Johnson revealed the contagion on March 27, and seven days later confirmed that he would not abandon isolation because he continued to have “mild” symptoms, specifically fever. During that time, he continued to work from Downing Street and participated in video conference meetings.
However, his hospital admission has rekindled speculation about a possible transfer of powers, something that Housing Minister Robert Jenrick has ruled out for now. “He has worked very hard leading the government and constantly informing himself. This is how he will continue,” said the minister on the BBC.
A spokesman for Downing Street has explained that the ‘premier’ has had a “good” night and that he is “encouraged”, so he has also pointed out that he will continue with his work, reviewing official documents from the hospital bed, reports the chain Sky News.
In this sense, he pointed out that Johnson is only “under observation”, due to the persistence of symptoms, ruling out that Sunday’s admission was due to an emergency situation.
WHO WOULD HAVE YOUR PLACE?
The Government of the United Kingdom has not had a deputy prime minister since that position was occupied by Nick Clegg during the coalition stage between conservatives and liberal democrats, so in the event that Johnson had to withdraw the next position in terms of rank would be that of the minister of Exteriors, Dominic Raab.
However, the head of diplomacy has not been as relevant as other members of the Executive in these moments of crisis, so the BBC points to Michael Gove, considered the ‘number two’ de facto of the Government, and Matt Hancock, Head of Health, as main references.
