Coronavirus: Boris Johnson ‘could be back at work at No 10 on Monday’

Downing Street plays down talk of return and says prime minister still recovering at Chequers

Boris Johnson could be back at work at No 10 Downing Street as early as Monday, according to reports.

The prime minister is said to be planning to chair a Cabinet meeting next week after holding “catch-up” meetings with ministers.

Mr Johnson has been slowly edging himself back into the hot seat in recent days while receiving daily updates on the government’s coronavirus response.

He spoke to Donald Trump on Tuesday and had a telephone audience with the Queen on Wednesday night.

Ministers have now been told to prepare for the prime minister to be back at work on Monday, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The newspaper, which previously employed Mr Johnson as a columnist, also claimed he has been demanding government papers.

However, Downing Street told The Independent the prime minister’s return to duties had not been officially scheduled yet.

“The prime minister is currently continuing his recovery at Chequers,” a spokeswoman added.

No 10 stressed earlier this week that the prime minister is ”not formally doing government work” and would take advice from his medical team about any return to Downing Street.

Mr Johnson made his last public appearance on 12 April in a video thanking the staff of St Thomas’ Hospital for saving his life while he was in intensive care with coronavirus.

He is said to have raised concerns about a “second peak” of infection if the government lifts the severe lockdown restrictions too soon.

However, the cabinet is said to be divided over the best approach and ministers have refused to set out their “exit strategy” amid fears it could confuse the message to the public to stay at home.