Boris Johnson was the leader of senior ministers who wore a mask to the House of Commons today, as senior Tories refused.
The Prime Minister was joined by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Justice Secretary Dominic Raab and Health Secretary Sajid Javid in covering his face in the Commons at Prime Ministers Questions.
But other Tory frontbenchers including Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg and Scottish Secretary Alister Jack were among those still declining to take action to prevent the spread of Covid.
It happened after Labour leader Sir Keir starmer, who had come down with Covid this morning, was forced to miss PMQs as well as the Budget – the fifth isolation he has made.
Rishi Sunak and Dominic Raab joined the Prime Minister in covering their faces at Prime Ministers Questions.
Other Tory frontbenchers, including Alistair Jack and Jacob Rees Mogg, were still refusing to take action to stop the spread of Covid.
Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband acted as Sir Keir Sterner at Prime Minister’s Questions, while the Labour leader was isolating.
Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband acted as Sir Keir Sterner at Prime Minister’s Questions, while the Labour leader was isolating.
Miliband was Labour’s leader between 2010 and 2015. He joked that it was “just like the old days… I just want both sides to be reassured that this is the only time I’m back.
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves will take over and respond to the Budget in place of the leader.
The current guidance in England is to wear a mask in enclosed and crowded spaces where people ‘come in contact with people you don’t normally meet’.
Yesterday, people working in the Houses were instructed to wear masks on Westminster. The rule does not apply for MPs. Some, including Mr Rees Mogg, have indicated that they will not cover up in Commons.
Last week, Somserset MP claimed that facial masks were unnecessary because Tory MPs know each other’s faces and have a ‘convivial, fraternal spirit.
On Monday Solicitor General Alex Chalk announced he was remaining at home, having tested positive without showing any symptoms of coronavirus.
The father of three, aged 45, was present in the House of Commons on Wednesday to answer Prime Ministers Questions.
Television images show him standing at a bar in the packed chamber with his face uncovered. His diagnosis will reignite debate over MPs covering up their faces in the Chamber.