The prime minister and chancellor are now self-isolating after contact with Health Secretary Sajid Javid, who has tested positive for coronavirus.

No 10 initially said they would not have to isolate, as they were taking part in a pilot scheme that involves daily testing instead.

But opposition parties said it suggested there was “one rule for them and another for the rest of us”.

The PM later said they had “briefly” considered taking part in the scheme.

But Boris Johnson said it was “far more important that everybody sticks to the same rules and that’s why I’m going to be self-isolating until Monday 26 July”.

In a video published on Twitter, Mr Johnson added: “I know how frustrating it all is, but I really do urge everybody to stick with the programme and take the appropriate course of action when you’re asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace.”

He will now conduct meetings remotely at Chequers.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said on Twitter: “Whilst the test and trace pilot is fairly restrictive, allowing only essential government business, I recognise that even the sense that the rules aren’t the same for everyone is wrong.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the prime minister and chancellor had been “busted yet again for thinking the rules that we are all following don’t apply to them”.

He said the public have done so much to stick to the rules.

At a time when we need to maintain confidence in self isolation, parents, workers and businesses will be wondering what on earth is going on in Downing Street.

BBC

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