Inside Politics: Rishi Sunak set to reveal local furlough scheme for pub workers

The chancellor hopes to soften the blow caused by coming restrictions in the north of England by unveiling a new plan to subsidise the wages of hospitality workers in affected areas, writes Adam Forrest

The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, says the country cannot afford it. In reality the country cannot afford not to do it (Getty)

Have you tried the new government website for career switches? Some furloughed workers have been told to try their luck as stunt doubles. Boris Johnson must wish he could call upon a stand-in right now. The PM faces fury from northern leaders over looming lockdown measures, and pressure to finally decide whether to go for a Brexit trade deal. Fortunately, Johnson has hired a mouthpiece to stand in for him at press conferences, the former TV journo Allegra Stratton. Unfortunately, she doesn’t start for another month – so the PM will have to explain any political stunts all by himself for a little while longer.

Inside the bubble

Our political editor Andrew Woodock on what to look out for today: