Appointment of a White House-style spokesperson shows how uncomfortable Boris Johnson is with close interrogation

The prime minister intends to hand over the chore of speaking to the press to someone who will take the grillings for him, says Andrew Woodcock

Boris Johnson outside No 10 (PA)

Boris Johnson’s welcome return to the Downing Street lectern after more than a month’s absence proved the power of the press conference and its dangers for the politician taking part.

Johnson’s “rule of six” announcement dominated the TV bulletins and newspaper headlines, getting the vital public health message across in a way no social media campaign can. 

But he was also forced to watch his own scientific adviser tell the world that it would be “completely wrong” to assume that the PM’s multi-billion pound drive for regular mass coronavirus testing would actually work.