Rishi Sunak ‘focused on economy' amid reports 'apoplectic' Boris Johnson threatened demotion
While Downing Street has not denied the comments were made, it's worth bearing in mind that Boris Johnson has a habit of making off-the-cuff remarks, says Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen
Allies of Rishi Sunak have insisted he is focused on the health of the economy in his job as chancellor following reports suggesting an "apoplectic" Boris Johnson threatened to demote him to the position of health secretary.
The Sunday Times reported that a furious Boris Johnson suggested the move after the leak of a letter from the chancellor calling for the easing of travel restrictions, suggesting they were damaging the economy and leaving the UK at a disadvantage to its European Union rivals, ahead of the relaxations announced on Wednesday.
The newspaper reported that the first Mr Johnson knew of the letter was when details of it appeared in the media, suggesting officials had failed to flag it for his attention.
The Sunday Times reported this left the PM furious and questioning the motives of the leaker, with the letter appearing to undermine agreed policy and make it look like the Treasury was trying to push him into action.
A senior source told the newspaper: “He said: ‘I’ve been thinking about it. Maybe it’s time we looked at Rishi as the next secretary of state for health. He could potentially do a very good job there.’
“In an open meeting, after ranting about Rishi, he then suggested the chancellor could be demoted in the next reshuffle.”
In a statement to ITV News, Downing Street said it does not comment on private conversations.
It is also worth noting the PM's reputation for off-the-cuff remarks made “half in jest”.
It is not known what would happen to current Health Secretary Sajid Javid if Mr Sunak were to replace him.
A Treasury source said: “The chancellor is solely focused on securing the country’s economic recovery and continuing to protect and create jobs.”
The leak of the comments, reportedly made in a meeting on Monday, will do little to help relations between No 10 and No 11.
The chancellor is preparing for a tough spending review later this year as he attempts to repair the public finances following the coronavirus crisis.
That could put him on a collision course with a prime minister who has promised there can be no return to austerity.
Although a reshuffle is not expected imminently, the Sunday Times reported that Mr Johnson has previously considered International Trade Secretary Liz Truss as a potential chancellor, with Jacob Rees-Mogg as her deputy.
"The PM keeps talking about Liz Truss," a source said.
"He's always got on quite well with her. He thinks she's controllable."