Analysis: Covid, energy prices, and local elections are just some areas that will continue to test the PM
With the start of a new year came a new haircut and suit for Boris Johnson as he fronted his first press conference of 2022 to reject calls for new coronavirus restrictions.
The prime minister’s flagging Downing Street operation had looked in dire need of a reset before Christmas after months of sleaze scandals, anger at Covid laws and the shock resignation of his Brexit negotiator, David Frost.
No 10 was hoping the festive break would stop talk of a Conservative leadership challenge and that Johnson’s decision to hold off restrictions would earn him a breather.
