skynewspolitics--2020-04-03--'I've lost half a stone': Hancock reveals 'very unpleasant' coronavirus effect

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has revealed he lost half a stone while suffering from coronavirus .
The cabinet minister tested positive for COVID-19 last week and entered self-isolation .
After a seven-day period , he left self-isolation on Thursday and announced a five-point action plan to achieve a `` significant '' increase in coronavirus testing .
It followed criticism of the government 's approach to testing and the UK 's low level of testing in comparison to countries such as Germany and South Korea .
Speaking to Sky News on Friday , Mr Hancock said he had been working `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson , who also contracted coronavirus , during his self-isolation .
Describing the effects of the disease , the health secretary said : `` It is rough , especially when you are on the downhill part of it - it 's very worrying because we 've all seen how serious it can get .
`` I had a couple of days when it was really very unpleasant and I 've lost about half a stone .
`` But , thankfully , I 've recovered and I 'm now feeling fine and it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 've talked to the prime minister all the way through this , he 's working very hard as much as he can from home , obviously , in Downing Street .
`` I 've worked with him every day all the way through and he 's doing what 's needed in taking the decisions and we all wish him a very speedy recovery . ''
Mr Hancock 's plan to increase testing to 100,000 tests per day in England by the end of this month includes the use of universities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing .
He admitted the target to `` ramp up '' the amount of testing was `` a big task , a big ask '' , with the current level of testing around 10,000 tests per day .
But the health secretary pointed to the building of a new make-shift NHS hospital in east London as an example of the government being able to achieve action in the face of the coronavirus crisis .
`` We 're opening the NHS Nightingale today , we managed to build that in nine days , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked companies that have n't ever made a ventilator before to step up to the plate and they 're delivering ventilators .
`` And now we need to do the same on testing . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Among criticism of the current level of testing in the UK have been concerns about the level of testing of NHS frontline staff .
The Royal College of Physicians has previously warned around a quarter of NHS doctors are off work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in isolation .
But Mr Hancock said that figure was `` wrong '' and 5.7 % of doctors and just under 8 % of all NHS staff are currently off work .
He added the government `` want to get that number down '' , which is why it is increasing the level of testing of NHS staff .
As of Thursday , 5,000 frontline staff had been tested , Mr Hancock said , with the families of hospital workers also having started to be tested as well .
Explaining the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exit the lockdown measures put in place by the government , Mr Hancock added : `` The first step is to get the rate of infection down so that that is n't increasing .
`` It takes some time after the lockdown is put in place to get that rate of infection , the rate of transmission down .
`` Then we need to make sure that we have the testing in place and the tracking so that if we release any of the measures , we do n't simply then have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was starting to spread when we brought the measures into place . ''

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has revealed he lost half a stone while suffering from coronavirus.
The cabinet minister tested positive for COVID-19 last week and entered self-isolation.
After a seven-day period, he left self-isolation on Thursday and announced a five-point action plan to achieve a "significant" increase in coronavirus testing.
It followed criticism of the government's approach to testing and the UK's low level of testing in comparison to countries such as Germany and South Korea.
Speaking to Sky News on Friday, Mr Hancock said he had been working "every day" with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who also contracted coronavirus, during his self-isolation.
Describing the effects of the disease, the health secretary said: "It is rough, especially when you are on the downhill part of it - it's very worrying because we've all seen how serious it can get.
"I had a couple of days when it was really very unpleasant and I've lost about half a stone.
"But, thankfully, I've recovered and I'm now feeling fine and it's very good to be back at work.
"I've talked to the prime minister all the way through this, he's working very hard as much as he can from home, obviously, in Downing Street.
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"I've worked with him every day all the way through and he's doing what's needed in taking the decisions and we all wish him a very speedy recovery."
Mr Hancock's plan to increase testing to 100,000 tests per day in England by the end of this month includes the use of universities and private businesses to establish more swab testing.
He admitted the target to "ramp up" the amount of testing was "a big task, a big ask", with the current level of testing around 10,000 tests per day.
But the health secretary pointed to the building of a new make-shift NHS hospital in east London as an example of the government being able to achieve action in the face of the coronavirus crisis.
"We're opening the NHS Nightingale today, we managed to build that in nine days," he said.
"On ventilators we asked companies that haven't ever made a ventilator before to step up to the plate and they're delivering ventilators.
"And now we need to do the same on testing."
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Among criticism of the current level of testing in the UK have been concerns about the level of testing of NHS frontline staff.
The Royal College of Physicians has previously warned around a quarter of NHS doctors are off work due to sickness or because they are in isolation.
But Mr Hancock said that figure was "wrong" and 5.7% of doctors and just under 8% of all NHS staff are currently off work.
He added the government "want to get that number down", which is why it is increasing the level of testing of NHS staff.
As of Thursday, 5,000 frontline staff had been tested, Mr Hancock said, with the families of hospital workers also having started to be tested as well.
Explaining the importance of testing in order for the UK to exit the lockdown measures put in place by the government, Mr Hancock added: "The first step is to get the rate of infection down so that that isn't increasing.
"It takes some time after the lockdown is put in place to get that rate of infection, the rate of transmission down.
"Then we need to make sure that we have the testing in place and the tracking so that if we release any of the measures, we don't simply then have the infection spread again in the way that it was starting to spread when we brought the measures into place."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-02--Chancellor unveils new measures to small and medium business loan scheme

The chancellor is extending the coronavirus loan scheme for small and medium businesses who have been affected by the disease .
The government 's Covid Business Interruption Loan , a funding package , was originally created for firms who were unable to secure regular commercial financing during the economic downturn of the virus .
But now Rishi Sunak has extended CBILS to all viable small and medium business who have faced financial difficulty during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The government is also stopping lenders from requesting personal guarantees for loans under £250,000 and making operational changes to speed up lending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News revealed the chancellor would soon unveil an overhaul of his emergency aid scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) amid warnings about a deluge of insolvencies .
Since 23 March , around 1,000 loans worth around £90m have been processed .
The number is expected to increase in the coming days and weeks as banks get used to the new system .
Rates charged to firms for loans are also expected to be kept as low as possible - given that the Bank of England 's base rate is at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the state is guaranteeing them .
However there will not be a cap on the rates banks can charge .
The issue is among those to be discussed when the chancellor holds talks with bank chief executives next week .
The chancellor also announced a new measure for bigger companies .
The Covid Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme will offer loans of up to £25m to firms with an annual turnover of between £45m and £500m , also 80 % guaranteed by the taxpayer .
Mr Sunak said : `` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to businesses to help manage their cashflows during this difficult time - with millions of pounds of loans and finance being provided to hundreds of firms across the country .
`` And now I am taking further action by extending our generous loan scheme so even more businesses can benefit .
We have also listened to the concerns of some larger businesses affected by COVID-19 and are announcing new support so they can benefit too .
`` This is a national effort and we 'll continue to work with the financial services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of government support , through loans and guarantees , reaches as many businesses in need as possible . ''
The government is also stopping lenders from requesting personal guarantees for loans under £250,000 and making operational changes to speed up lending approvals .
It previously pledged to cover the first twelve months of interest and fees .
Adam Marshall , director general of the British Chamber of Commerce , praised the new measures .
He said : `` We 're pleased that the Chancellor is listening and responding to the real-world concerns posed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgently trying to access financial support .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Improvements to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan scheme will help firms get access to cash more quickly , and the announcement of a new loan scheme for mid-sized companies closes a significant gap in existing support .
`` Chambers of Commerce will continue to work with government and the banks to ensure that support reaches businesses at the front line . ''

The chancellor is extending the coronavirus loan scheme for small and medium businesses who have been affected by the disease.
The government's Covid Business Interruption Loan, a funding package, was originally created for firms who were unable to secure regular commercial financing during the economic downturn of the virus.
But now Rishi Sunak has extended CBILS to all viable small and medium business who have faced financial difficulty during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: Thousands of businesses have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak
The government is also stopping lenders from requesting personal guarantees for loans under £250,000 and making operational changes to speed up lending approvals.
The news comes after Sky News revealed the chancellor would soon unveil an overhaul of his emergency aid scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amid warnings about a deluge of insolvencies.
Since 23 March, around 1,000 loans worth around £90m have been processed.
The number is expected to increase in the coming days and weeks as banks get used to the new system.
Rates charged to firms for loans are also expected to be kept as low as possible - given that the Bank of England's base rate is at a record low of 0.1% and that the state is guaranteeing them.
However there will not be a cap on the rates banks can charge.
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The issue is among those to be discussed when the chancellor holds talks with bank chief executives next week.
The chancellor also announced a new measure for bigger companies. The Covid Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme will offer loans of up to £25m to firms with an annual turnover of between £45m and £500m, also 80% guaranteed by the taxpayer.
Mr Sunak said: "We are making great progress on getting much-needed support out to businesses to help manage their cashflows during this difficult time - with millions of pounds of loans and finance being provided to hundreds of firms across the country.
"And now I am taking further action by extending our generous loan scheme so even more businesses can benefit. We have also listened to the concerns of some larger businesses affected by COVID-19 and are announcing new support so they can benefit too."
The government is also stopping lenders from requesting personal guarantees for loans under £250,000 and making operational changes to speed up lending approvals.
It previously pledged to cover the first twelve months of interest and fees.
Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chamber of Commerce, praised the new measures.
He said: "We're pleased that the Chancellor is listening and responding to the real-world concerns posed by firms across the UK who are urgently trying to access financial support.
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"Improvements to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan scheme will help firms get access to cash more quickly, and the announcement of a new loan scheme for mid-sized companies closes a significant gap in existing support."
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said businesses needed to see the details of the scheme "as quick and easy access to funds will be vital for many retail businesses that have been forced to cease trading, or seen trading significantly curtailed as part of the response to the crisis".
"Otherwise we risk losing many otherwise viable businesses and the jobs that they provide for hundreds of thousands of people across the UK."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-03--PM to stay in isolation due to high fever and COVID-19 symptoms

Boris Johnson has revealed he will remain in self-isolation as he is still suffering from a symptom of coronavirus .
The prime minister entered self-isolation in 11 Downing Street for seven days last Thursday night after testing positive for COVID-19 .
However , despite those seven days now having passed , Mr Johnson will remain away from others as he still has a high temperature .
In a video posted to his Twitter account on Friday , the prime minister said : `` Although I 'm feeling better and I 've done my seven days of isolation , alas I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a minor symptom .
`` I still have a temperature and so , in accordance with government advice , I must continue my self-isolation until that symptom itself goes . ''
Mr Johnson also used the video message to urge the public to stay at home ahead of the weekend , when warmer weather is being forecast .
`` I just want to say one crucial thing , one quick thing to everybody thinking about this weekend and what may be some fine weather , '' the prime minister added .
`` Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be starting to think that this is all going on for quite a long time , and they 'd rather be getting out there and , particularly if they 've got kids in the household , everybody may be getting a bit stir crazy .
`` And there may be just a temptation to get out there , hang out and start to break the regulations .
`` And I just urge you not to do that .
Please , please stick with the guidance now .
`` This country has made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done absolutely brilliantly well in delaying the spread of the virus .
`` Let 's stick with it now . ''
Mr Johnson made a brief appearance at the door of 11 Downing Street on Thursday night to join the national applause for NHS workers .
And he urged Britons to remember that moment in following the government orders to remain at home .
He added : `` Remember that incredible clapping again last night for our fantastic NHS .
`` We 're doing it to protect them and to save lives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As he self-isolates , the prime minister has come under pressure over the UK 's current level of coronavirus testing , when compared with other countries such as Germany and South Korea , as well as the level of testing of NHS staff .
Mr Johnson used the video message to hail Thursday 's news that the government is targeting 100,000 tests per day in England - as revealed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hancock has ended his own self-isolation after also testing positive for coronavirus and was present at Friday 's opening of the new makeshift Nightingale Hospital in east London .
He earlier revealed he lost half a stone due to the `` really very unpleasant '' effects of COVID-19 .

Boris Johnson has revealed he will remain in self-isolation as he is still suffering from a symptom of coronavirus.
The prime minister entered self-isolation in 11 Downing Street for seven days last Thursday night after testing positive for COVID-19.
However, despite those seven days now having passed, Mr Johnson will remain away from others as he still has a high temperature.
In a video posted to his Twitter account on Friday, the prime minister said: "Although I'm feeling better and I've done my seven days of isolation, alas I still have one of the symptoms, a minor symptom.
"I still have a temperature and so, in accordance with government advice, I must continue my self-isolation until that symptom itself goes."
Image: The PM made a brief appearance at the door of 11 Downing St on Thursday night to applaud NHS workers
Mr Johnson also used the video message to urge the public to stay at home ahead of the weekend, when warmer weather is being forecast.
"I just want to say one crucial thing, one quick thing to everybody thinking about this weekend and what may be some fine weather," the prime minister added.
"Because I reckon a lot of people will be starting to think that this is all going on for quite a long time, and they'd rather be getting out there and, particularly if they've got kids in the household, everybody may be getting a bit stir crazy.
"And there may be just a temptation to get out there, hang out and start to break the regulations.
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"And I just urge you not to do that. Please, please stick with the guidance now.
"This country has made a huge effort, a huge sacrifice, done absolutely brilliantly well in delaying the spread of the virus.
"Let's stick with it now."
Mr Johnson made a brief appearance at the door of 11 Downing Street on Thursday night to join the national applause for NHS workers.
And he urged Britons to remember that moment in following the government orders to remain at home.
He added: "Remember that incredible clapping again last night for our fantastic NHS.
"We're doing it to protect them and to save lives. Let's focus on doing everything we can.
"Stay at home folks, protect our NHS, save lives."
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As he self-isolates, the prime minister has come under pressure over the UK's current level of coronavirus testing, when compared with other countries such as Germany and South Korea, as well as the level of testing of NHS staff.
Mr Johnson used the video message to hail Thursday's news that the government is targeting 100,000 tests per day in England - as revealed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock - as a "big announcement".
Mr Hancock has ended his own self-isolation after also testing positive for coronavirus and was present at Friday's opening of the new makeshift Nightingale Hospital in east London.
He earlier revealed he lost half a stone due to the "really very unpleasant" effects of COVID-19.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-03--Coronavirus peak might come on Easter Sunday - health secretary

The peak of the UK 's coronavirus outbreak - with as many as 1,000 deaths a day leading up to it - may come on Easter Sunday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has suggested .
At the launch of the new makeshift NHS Nightingale Hospital in east London , Mr Hancock told Sky News it was `` perfectly possible '' the peak of the COVID-19 crisis in this country could occur around 12 April .
As of 5pm on Thursday , the total number of people to have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus stood at 3,605 - a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours .
It has been reported there could be 1,000 deaths every 24 hours until the coronavirus peak is reached in little more than a week 's time .
Asked about those reports , Mr Hancock told Sky News on Friday : `` I defer to the scientists on the predictions that they make .
`` I 'm not going to steer you away from that , I think that is one quite perfectly possible outcome .
`` Of course there 's uncertainty around that .
`` Part of the challenge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to it is that there are a lot of things that we do n't yet know and this is one of them .
`` But we 're prepared not only for that eventuality , but also in case it 's worse than that .
`` Because I want to make sure that the NHS is prepared for all reasonable outcomes as well as something that might be closer to the central projection . ''
Meanwhile , Nicola Sturgeon has warned the coronavirus peak in Scotland is still some way off .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be very clear that nothing I have seen gives me any basis whatsoever for predicting the virus will peak as early as a week 's time here in Scotland . ''
And her chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood also stressed : `` I have not been able to find that the peak will be as soon as we 're hearing in the media today .
Now is not the time to think that perhaps it will all be over soon .
`` We have always said that many months will be needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this virus and be sure that we 're not going to have a worse scenario later . ''
She added : `` At the moment we will not be able to give a clear date of when the peak will be .
What we will look for first is a slowing of the rate of people testing positive and we are not seeing that yet . ''
Mr Hancock attended the launch of the Nightingale Hospital , which has been built at London 's ExCel centre and has space for 4,000 beds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus last week .
He also confirmed the government is currently considering a plan for how people who have had COVID-19 and then recovered can later be authorised to return to work , such as through the issuing of certificates .
`` This is something I have strong personal interest in as I 'm sure you can imagine , '' the health secretary said .
`` Again , the science of not only how immune you are after having the disease - but also that you do n't transmit it once you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those things are things we think are probably the case . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker However , Mr Hancock admitted there was not yet a functioning antibody test to determine whether someone previously had the infection - and so are unlikely to contract it again .
`` It 's something that 's very frustrating , I 'd love one to be invented to worked effectively enough to be able to have confidence in using , '' he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a test as a potential `` total game changer '' in the battle against coronavirus .
It would show whether an individual had antibodies for COVID-19 which , if they did , would mean they could return to work if they were not showing symptoms .

The peak of the UK's coronavirus outbreak - with as many as 1,000 deaths a day leading up to it - may come on Easter Sunday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has suggested.
At the launch of the new makeshift NHS Nightingale Hospital in east London, Mr Hancock told Sky News it was "perfectly possible" the peak of the COVID-19 crisis in this country could occur around 12 April.
As of 5pm on Thursday, the total number of people to have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus stood at 3,605 - a rise in the tally of 684 in 24 hours.
It has been reported there could be 1,000 deaths every 24 hours until the coronavirus peak is reached in little more than a week's time.
Asked about those reports, Mr Hancock told Sky News on Friday: "I defer to the scientists on the predictions that they make.
"I'm not going to steer you away from that, I think that is one quite perfectly possible outcome.
"Of course there's uncertainty around that.
"Part of the challenge of communicating about this disease and our response to it is that there are a lot of things that we don't yet know and this is one of them.
"But we're prepared not only for that eventuality, but also in case it's worse than that.
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"Because I want to make sure that the NHS is prepared for all reasonable outcomes as well as something that might be closer to the central projection."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 Hancock welcomes hospital opening
Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon has warned the coronavirus peak in Scotland is still some way off.
The first minister said: "I want to be very clear that nothing I have seen gives me any basis whatsoever for predicting the virus will peak as early as a week's time here in Scotland."
And her chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood also stressed: "I have not been able to find that the peak will be as soon as we're hearing in the media today. Now is not the time to think that perhaps it will all be over soon.
"We have always said that many months will be needed before we can get on top of this virus and be sure that we're not going to have a worse scenario later."
She added: "At the moment we will not be able to give a clear date of when the peak will be. What we will look for first is a slowing of the rate of people testing positive and we are not seeing that yet."
Mr Hancock attended the launch of the Nightingale Hospital, which has been built at London's ExCel centre and has space for 4,000 beds, after exiting self-isolation after testing positive himself for coronavirus last week.
He also confirmed the government is currently considering a plan for how people who have had COVID-19 and then recovered can later be authorised to return to work, such as through the issuing of certificates.
"This is something I have strong personal interest in as I'm sure you can imagine," the health secretary said.
"Again, the science of not only how immune you are after having the disease - but also that you don't transmit it once you've had the disease - both of those things are things we think are probably the case."
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However, Mr Hancock admitted there was not yet a functioning antibody test to determine whether someone previously had the infection - and so are unlikely to contract it again.
"It's something that's very frustrating, I'd love one to be invented to worked effectively enough to be able to have confidence in using," he added.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously described such a test as a potential "total game changer" in the battle against coronavirus.
It would show whether an individual had antibodies for COVID-19 which, if they did, would mean they could return to work if they were not showing symptoms.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-03--Tories investigated over £2.6m spending on EU elections they didn't want

The Conservatives and Green Party are under investigation over their spending during the European Parliament elections last May .
The Electoral Commission announced on Friday that it had opened investigations into the two parties `` as a result of their incomplete spending returns '' .
It also published the amount spent by the eight parties who reported spending of more than £250,000 during the regulated period between 23 January 2019 until polling day on 23 May 2019 .
The Brexit Party , who won last year 's EU elections , reported the most spending with £2,609,834 spent .
This meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent £2,600,026 on the elections they once promised not to hold .
Prime Minister Theresa May was forced to hold the EU elections after she delayed Brexit from the original deadline of 31 March last year .
This was despite her having repeatedly promised to take the UK out of the EU before April last year .
She was forced into the delay after MPs three times refused to support her Brexit deal in the House of Commons .
Mrs May resigned as prime minister shortly after the EU elections , in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst ever result in a national poll .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Liberal Democrats spent £2,468,148 on the EU elections , Labour spent £1,556,028 , the now defunct Independent Group for Change spent £886,681 , UKIP spent £643,100 , the Green Party spent £450,260 , and the SNP spent £257,005 .
Of the eight parties who spent more than £250,000 on the EU elections , the Electoral Commission said it was looking at five of them for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information that would give voters a complete picture of their campaign spending '' .
It did not name the other parties , but added that `` further investigations relating to other returns may follow '' .
Parties are required by law to provide complete lists of all campaign payments and supporting invoices or receipts for payments of more than £200 .
Louise Edwards , the Electoral Commission 's director of regulation , said : `` It is vital that voters are given the opportunity to see clearly and accurately how money is spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Where parties deliver returns that are not complete , we seek to get correct information before publication .
`` We can not delay publication for this , though .
In five cases on this occasion we have had to publish information that we are not satisfied is completely correct .
`` We are , as usual , considering those cases for further action in line with our enforcement policy . ''
Fines ranging from £200 to a maximum of £20,000 per offence are among the options available to the commission if it deems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservative Party spokesman said : `` We are aware of a small number of administrative issues with our return , and we have already been working with the Electoral Commission to correct these .
`` We are confident these technical matters will be resolved quickly and we are cooperating fully with the Electoral Commission . ''

The Conservatives and Green Party are under investigation over their spending during the European Parliament elections last May.
The Electoral Commission announced on Friday that it had opened investigations into the two parties "as a result of their incomplete spending returns".
It also published the amount spent by the eight parties who reported spending of more than £250,000 during the regulated period between 23 January 2019 until polling day on 23 May 2019.
The Brexit Party, who won last year's EU elections, reported the most spending with £2,609,834 spent.
Image: Nigel Farage's Brexit Party won last May's elections
This meant they marginally outspent the Tories, who spent £2,600,026 on the elections they once promised not to hold.
Prime Minister Theresa May was forced to hold the EU elections after she delayed Brexit from the original deadline of 31 March last year.
This was despite her having repeatedly promised to take the UK out of the EU before April last year.
She was forced into the delay after MPs three times refused to support her Brexit deal in the House of Commons.
Mrs May resigned as prime minister shortly after the EU elections, in which her Conservative Party finished fifth - their worst ever result in a national poll.
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The Liberal Democrats spent £2,468,148 on the EU elections, Labour spent £1,556,028, the now defunct Independent Group for Change spent £886,681, UKIP spent £643,100, the Green Party spent £450,260, and the SNP spent £257,005.
Of the eight parties who spent more than £250,000 on the EU elections, the Electoral Commission said it was looking at five of them for "submitting spending reports which are missing information that would give voters a complete picture of their campaign spending".
It did not name the other parties, but added that "further investigations relating to other returns may follow".
Parties are required by law to provide complete lists of all campaign payments and supporting invoices or receipts for payments of more than £200.
Louise Edwards, the Electoral Commission's director of regulation, said: "It is vital that voters are given the opportunity to see clearly and accurately how money is spent on influencing them at elections.
"Where parties deliver returns that are not complete, we seek to get correct information before publication.
"We cannot delay publication for this, though. In five cases on this occasion we have had to publish information that we are not satisfied is completely correct.
"We are, as usual, considering those cases for further action in line with our enforcement policy."
Fines ranging from £200 to a maximum of £20,000 per offence are among the options available to the commission if it deems enforcement action to be appropriate.
A Conservative Party spokesman said: "We are aware of a small number of administrative issues with our return, and we have already been working with the Electoral Commission to correct these.
"We are confident these technical matters will be resolved quickly and we are cooperating fully with the Electoral Commission."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-03--Corbyn's wife breaks silence to condemn those who 'vilified' Labour leader

Jeremy Corbyn 's wife has broken her public silence to condemn those who `` vilified '' her husband and attacked him from inside the Labour Party .
Laura Alvarez , who has rarely spoken in public during Mr Corbyn 's four-and-a-half years as opposition leader , has defended her husband 's record on the day before he leaves the role .
Mr Corbyn will be replaced as Labour leader on Saturday when the contest to replace him finally ends .
Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer is widely expected to be named Mr Corbyn 's successor , following a months-long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lisa Nandy .
In a Daily Mirror article , Ms Alvarez thanked those Labour members who supported Mr Corbyn 's leadership , writing : `` It has seemed as though we were fighting for our country and our party every single day of the past five years . ''
`` Our members are not a 'rabble ' , they are the lifeblood of our movement , '' she added .
`` I will never regret our dream of a government which had proud ambitions for a better quality of life for everybody in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far-flung communities overseas .
`` It is now up to our movement to ensure that it does not remain a dream . ''
Ms Alvarez also revealed , over Mr Corbyn 's time as Labour leader , how `` incredibly hard '' it was to watch her husband `` vilified and to hear his words twisted by his political opponents and some in the media '' .
`` It has been even harder to watch him be attacked by his own party , '' she added .
In 2016 , following the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour MPs attempted to oust Mr Corbyn as leader .
And Ms Alvarez appeared to blame that moment for Mr Corbyn 's failure to win a general election victory .
`` The brutal irony is that if we had pulled together , we would have been ready to lead the country rather than suffer more austerity under the Tories , '' she wrote .
`` My greatest wish ahead of the 2017 general election was that the party would stay together so that we could beat them .
`` Unfortunately , my wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think of that lost moment when we were so close to winning for the people of the UK . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As her husband leaves office , Ms Alvarez said she and Mr Corbyn will `` continue to be dedicated to our causes ; human rights , social justice and peace around the world '' .
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell , Mr Corbyn 's closest political ally , told Sky News it `` looks as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new Labour leader on Saturday .
`` Keir and I get on well , he 's supported the last two manifestos and those policies , '' he said .
`` I think we 'll be an incredibly united party .
`` I 'm hoping he appoints Becky Long-Bailey to a senior position and Lisa Nandy , so all the candidates are in that shadow cabinet team . ''

Jeremy Corbyn's wife has broken her public silence to condemn those who "vilified" her husband and attacked him from inside the Labour Party.
Laura Alvarez, who has rarely spoken in public during Mr Corbyn's four-and-a-half years as opposition leader, has defended her husband's record on the day before he leaves the role.
Mr Corbyn will be replaced as Labour leader on Saturday when the contest to replace him finally ends.
Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer is widely expected to be named Mr Corbyn's successor, following a months-long leadership campaign versus rivals Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:25 In full: Corbyn criticises coronavirus testing
In a Daily Mirror article, Ms Alvarez thanked those Labour members who supported Mr Corbyn's leadership, writing: "It has seemed as though we were fighting for our country and our party every single day of the past five years."
"Our members are not a 'rabble', they are the lifeblood of our movement," she added.
"I will never regret our dream of a government which had proud ambitions for a better quality of life for everybody in the UK, as well as our far-flung communities overseas.
"It is now up to our movement to ensure that it does not remain a dream."
Ms Alvarez also revealed, over Mr Corbyn's time as Labour leader, how "incredibly hard" it was to watch her husband "vilified and to hear his words twisted by his political opponents and some in the media".
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"It has been even harder to watch him be attacked by his own party," she added.
In 2016, following the EU referendum result, the vast majority of Labour MPs attempted to oust Mr Corbyn as leader.
And Ms Alvarez appeared to blame that moment for Mr Corbyn's failure to win a general election victory.
"The brutal irony is that if we had pulled together, we would have been ready to lead the country rather than suffer more austerity under the Tories," she wrote.
"My greatest wish ahead of the 2017 general election was that the party would stay together so that we could beat them.
"Unfortunately, my wish was not granted and I will forever think of that lost moment when we were so close to winning for the people of the UK."
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
As her husband leaves office, Ms Alvarez said she and Mr Corbyn will "continue to be dedicated to our causes; human rights, social justice and peace around the world".
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell, Mr Corbyn's closest political ally, told Sky News it "looks as though" Sir Keir will be elected the new Labour leader on Saturday.
"Keir and I get on well, he's supported the last two manifestos and those policies," he said.
"I think we'll be an incredibly united party.
"I'm hoping he appoints Becky Long-Bailey to a senior position and Lisa Nandy, so all the candidates are in that shadow cabinet team."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-04--Starmer wins contest to succeed Corbyn as Labour leader

Sir Keir Starmer has won the contest to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader .
The shadow Brexit secretary , who has been an MP since 2015 , beat front bench colleague Rebecca Long-Bailey and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy .
He described becoming leader as `` the honour and the privilege of my life '' .
`` I will lead this great party into a new era , with confidence and hope , so that when the time comes , we can serve our country again - in government , '' Sir Keir said .
The 57-year-old triumphed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the vote .
Ms Long-Bailey was second with 27.6 % , while Lisa Nandy was third on 16.2 % .
Sir Keir , who is named after Labour Party founder Keir Hardie , was widely expected to win the three-month contest .
Having been seen as the early favourite , he built up unassailable levels of support among Labour MPs and local constituency parties before the ballot of members opened in February .
Ms Long-Bailey congratulated Sir Keir , saying he would be a `` brilliant prime minister '' and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Number 10 '' .
`` We live in extraordinary and uncertain times , and it is now up to all of us to support Keir as best we can , '' she said .
Ms Nandy said : `` Congratulations to Keir and his team .
We have been competitors in this contest but never opponents , and he will have my full support in the challenges that lie ahead .
`` A united and strong Labour Party could not be more important than at this moment . ''
Angela Rayner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party 's new deputy leader .
She triumphed in the third round of voting ( 52.6 % ) , finishing ahead of Rosena Allin-Khan ( 26.1 % ) and Richard Burgon ( 21.3 % ) .
Ian Murray ( 14.3 % ) and Dawn Butler ( 10.9 % ) were eliminated in the earlier rounds of voting .
`` I want to thank everyone who took part in this election , and all those who have supported me through the campaign .
I promise that I will do everything I can to repay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Things have dramatically changed in our country in recent months but our values remain the same , and more important than ever . ''
Reacting to the result , Mr Corbyn said : `` Being Labour Party leader is a great honour and responsibility .
`` I look forward to working with Keir and Angela to elect the next Labour government and transform our country . ''
A planned special conference to unveil the winners of both contests was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The COVID-19 crisis - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be one of the big issues in Sir Keir 's early days as leader .
In his video message , Sir Keir said his election `` comes at a moment like none other in our lifetime '' because the COVID-19 pandemic has `` brought normal life to a halt '' but brought communities together .
He said : `` I can see this happening , people coming together to help the isolated and the vulnerable , checking on their neighbours .
`` So many volunteering for the NHS , millions of people doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to save lives . ''
Sir Keir promised that Labour under his leadership would `` engage constructively '' with the government as it responds to the crisis , `` not opposition for opposition 's sake '' .
He continued : `` Not scoring party political points or making impossible demands .
But with the courage to support where that 's the right thing to do .
But we will test the arguments that are put forward .
`` We will shine a torch on critical issues and where we see mistakes or faltering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they should we 'll challenge that and call that out . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has congratulated Sir Keir on his victory .
A spokesperson for the Labour leader said the pair spoke about the COVID-19 outbreak .
`` Keir offered to work constructively with the government on how best to respond to the coronavirus outbreak , accepted the prime minister 's offer to meet next week and agreed arrangements for Privy Council briefings and discussions , '' they said .
He also apologised to the Jewish community for antisemitism in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out this poison by its roots '' .
The issue dominated Mr Corbyn 's time as Labour leader .
There were accusations - strenuously denied by Mr Corbyn - that the party 's leadership did not do enough to tackle the problem .
Another challenge will be working to put Labour in position to win a general election once more , having last succeeded in this task 15 years ago .
Allies of Sir Keir said ahead of the announcement that the scale of his anticipated victory would determine how far he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own image .
He is likely to announce his first shadow cabinet appointments on Sunday , with his choice of shadow chancellor seen as a strong indicator of the path he intends to forge .
This will be watched keenly by those within Labour , at Westminster and in the country at large .
Sir Keir has already said he intends to stick to many of Mr Corbyn 's flagship policies , like abolishing tuition fees and nationalising key industries .
Mr Corbyn opted to stand down after five years as leader after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night for Labour saw the party register its worst performance at the ballot box since the 1930s .
Boris Johnson 's landslide victory was a far cry from two years prior , when Mr Corbyn defied expectations and ensured Theresa May lost the Tories ' parliamentary majority .
That proved to be the high point of his time as leader of the opposition , with Mr Corbyn serenaded with a rendition of `` Oh Jeremy Corbyn '' at Glastonbury .
He even reportedly declared to the festival 's founder that he would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a message on his Facebook page , Mr Corbyn declared that he would not be quiet now that he is returning to the backbenches .
`` I can assure you my voice will not be stilled , '' he said .
`` I 'll be out there campaigning for socialism , peace and justice , and I feel sure we 'll be doing that together . ''
Sir Keir paid tribute to his predecessor , saying Mr Corbyn `` led our party through some really difficult times and `` energised our movement @ @

Sir Keir Starmer has won the contest to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader.
The shadow Brexit secretary, who has been an MP since 2015, beat front bench colleague Rebecca Long-Bailey and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy.
He described becoming leader as "the honour and the privilege of my life".
Image: Sir Keir beat Rebecca Long-Bailey (left) and Lisa Nandy (centre)
"I will lead this great party into a new era, with confidence and hope, so that when the time comes, we can serve our country again - in government," Sir Keir said.
The 57-year-old triumphed in the first round of polling, winning 56.2% of the vote. Ms Long-Bailey was second with 27.6%, while Lisa Nandy was third on 16.2%.
Sir Keir, who is named after Labour Party founder Keir Hardie, was widely expected to win the three-month contest.
Having been seen as the early favourite, he built up unassailable levels of support among Labour MPs and local constituency parties before the ballot of members opened in February.
Ms Long-Bailey congratulated Sir Keir, saying he would be a "brilliant prime minister" and "I can't wait to see him in Number 10".
"We live in extraordinary and uncertain times, and it is now up to all of us to support Keir as best we can," she said.
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Ms Nandy said: "Congratulations to Keir and his team. We have been competitors in this contest but never opponents, and he will have my full support in the challenges that lie ahead.
"A united and strong Labour Party could not be more important than at this moment."
Angela Rayner, meanwhile, has been elected as the party's new deputy leader.
She triumphed in the third round of voting (52.6%), finishing ahead of Rosena Allin-Khan (26.1%) and Richard Burgon (21.3%).
Ian Murray (14.3%) and Dawn Butler (10.9%) were eliminated in the earlier rounds of voting.
"I want to thank everyone who took part in this election, and all those who have supported me through the campaign. I promise that I will do everything I can to repay your trust," Ms Rayner said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:59 Sky's Sam Coates looks at what might be in store for the new Labour leader.
"Things have dramatically changed in our country in recent months but our values remain the same, and more important than ever."
Reacting to the result, Mr Corbyn said: "Being Labour Party leader is a great honour and responsibility.
"I look forward to working with Keir and Angela to elect the next Labour government and transform our country."
Unions widely welcomed the outcome, with Unite general secretary Len McCluskey saying it is "the job now of our movement to support them in this as they move forward".
However, left-wing campaign group Momentum, which supported Ms Long-Bailey, said it would "hold Keir to account and make sure he keeps his promises".
A planned special conference to unveil the winners of both contests was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:25 In full: Corbyn's last interview with Sky News as Labour leader
The COVID-19 crisis - and scrutinising the government's response - will be one of the big issues in Sir Keir's early days as leader.
In his video message, Sir Keir said his election "comes at a moment like none other in our lifetime" because the COVID-19 pandemic has "brought normal life to a halt" but brought communities together.
He said: "I can see this happening, people coming together to help the isolated and the vulnerable, checking on their neighbours.
"So many volunteering for the NHS, millions of people doing their bit to stop this virus and to save lives."
Sir Keir promised that Labour under his leadership would "engage constructively" with the government as it responds to the crisis, and not engage in "opposition for opposition's sake".
He continued: "Not scoring party political points or making impossible demands. But with the courage to support where that's the right thing to do. But we will test the arguments that are put forward.
"We will shine a torch on critical issues and where we see mistakes or faltering government or things not happening as quickly as they should we'll challenge that and call that out."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has congratulated Sir Keir on his victory. A spokesperson for the Labour leader said the pair spoke about the COVID-19 outbreak.
"Keir offered to work constructively with the government on how best to respond to the coronavirus outbreak, accepted the prime minister's offer to meet next week and agreed arrangements for Privy Council briefings and discussions," they said.
In his video message, Sir Keir also apologised to the Jewish community for the "grief" caused by antisemitism in the party and promised to "tear out this poison by its roots".
The issue dominated Mr Corbyn's time as Labour leader. There were accusations - strenuously denied by Mr Corbyn - that the party's leadership did not do enough to tackle the problem.
Another challenge will be working to put Labour in position to win a general election once more, having last succeeded in this task 15 years ago.
Allies of Sir Keir said ahead of the announcement that the scale of his anticipated victory would determine how far he is able to transform the party in his own image.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:15 Why did Labour lose its heartlands?
He is likely to announce his first shadow cabinet appointments on Sunday, with his choice of shadow chancellor seen as a strong indicator of the path he intends to forge.
This will be watched keenly by those within Labour, at Westminster and in the country at large.
Sir Keir has already said he intends to stick to many of Mr Corbyn's flagship policies, like abolishing tuition fees and nationalising key industries.
Mr Corbyn opted to stand down after five years as leader after December's general election.
A disastrous night for Labour saw the party register its worst performance at the ballot box since the 1930s.
Boris Johnson's landslide victory was a far cry from two years prior, when Mr Corbyn defied expectations and ensured Theresa May lost the Tories' parliamentary majority.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 'I was condemned for wanting to invest money'
That proved to be the high point of his time as leader of the opposition, with Mr Corbyn serenaded with a rendition of "Oh Jeremy Corbyn" at Glastonbury.
He even reportedly declared to the festival's founder that he would be in Downing Street by that Christmas.
In a message on his Facebook page, Mr Corbyn declared that he would not be quiet now that he is returning to the backbenches.
"I can assure you my voice will not be stilled," he said.
"I'll be out there campaigning for socialism, peace and justice, and I feel sure we'll be doing that together."
Sir Keir paid tribute to his predecessor, saying Mr Corbyn "led our party through some really difficult times and "energised our movement".


skynewspolitics--2020-04-04--He is a natural fit - but Starmer still provokes more questions than answers

Is he the high-flying young human rights lawyer who some believe was the inspiration for Mark Darcy in The Diary of Bridget Jones ?
Is he the wily politician who quit the shadow cabinet in 2016 in an attempt to get rid of Jeremy Corbyn , then happily served as shadow Brexit secretary rarely speaking out against his boss ?
Or is he the bland leadership contender who amassed support from across the Labour Party by being all things to all people ?
The answer : Even his natural supporters are n't quite sure .
Sir Keir won the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enemies .
He carefully recruited staff for his campaign team from all wings of the party , avoided any whiff of controversy and bristled at attempts to categorise or pigeon-hole his politics .
He certainly looks the part .
Colleagues joke that Sir Keir is `` straight out of central casting '' and if an e-fit was created from all the attributes a political leader should possess , it would match him perfectly .
Most Labour members have now come to the realisation that Jeremy Corbyn 's replacement should be a winner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , distress and desolation that they felt after the party 's devastating general election performance in December .
Electability and unity have therefore been the two key tenets of Starmer 's campaign .
Uniting a divided party is a noble aim , yet there is scant evidence he is able to make tough decisions , especially those which may anger certain sections of his party .
Concentrating on collaboration and consensus has its limits .
With widespread confusion over what sort of a leader Keir Starmer intends to be , allies realise he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ define himself .
Otherwise others - particularly the Conservatives - will do that for him .
The most pressing , and perhaps consequential , decisions are who to put in his shadow cabinet , with the first appointments expected tomorrow .
Sorting Labour 's antisemitism problem is also a priority , and likely to be tackled within his first week .
Yet with party politics paused due to the coronavirus crisis , his biggest challenge may be striking the right tone in tense times - holding the government to account without attempting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unity .
Named after Labour 's first parliamentary leader Keir Hardie , he was born in Southwark , south London , and grew up in Oxted , Surrey .
His father was a toolmaker and his mother a nurse forced to quit her job due to Still 's Disease , an auto-immune condition which left her in a wheelchair and unable to eat .
He studied at Reigate Grammar alongside Norman Cook ( aka Fatboy Slim ) and Andrew Cooper , who later became a Tory peer and director of strategy to David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' politics and joined the Labour Party as a teenager .
He studied law at Leeds University and was a postgraduate student at Oxford .
His socialism was evident in his work as a young barrister .
He focused on human rights cases including assisting the `` McLibel Two '' - a pair of environment activists sued by McDonald 's for distributing a leaflet critical of the company .
He was later appointed Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) running a large organisation in the Crown Prosecution Service , experience that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grips with Labour 's unwieldy structures .
He was knighted in 2014 .
In 2015 Keir Starmer succeeded Frank Dobson as MP for Holborn and St Pancras , a safe Labour seat in central London .
A lifelong pro-European and internationalist , in 2016 he was appointed shadow Brexit secretary , a role in which he edged the party towards backing a second referendum , a position criticised by many for helping lose pro-Leave seats in Labour 's northern heartlands .
Married with two children , Sir Keir is a football fan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arsenal season ticket holder , he has witnessed the perils of leadership and splits amongst supporters .
Like Arsene Wenger , Jeremy Corbyn was loved by many for his fundamental philosophy and the purity of his mission .
But in both politics and football , fans ultimately want a winner .
If Keir Starmer is to get his team back to winning ways it will be over many years through steady , solid leadership .
But until we find out who he really is , it is tough to judge how he might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains a man who provokes more questions than answers .

Who is Keir Starmer?
Is he the high-flying young human rights lawyer who some believe was the inspiration for Mark Darcy in The Diary of Bridget Jones?
Is he the wily politician who quit the shadow cabinet in 2016 in an attempt to get rid of Jeremy Corbyn, then happily served as shadow Brexit secretary rarely speaking out against his boss?
Or is he the bland leadership contender who amassed support from across the Labour Party by being all things to all people?
The answer: Even his natural supporters aren't quite sure.
Sir Keir won the Labour crown without picking a side or making enemies. He carefully recruited staff for his campaign team from all wings of the party, avoided any whiff of controversy and bristled at attempts to categorise or pigeon-hole his politics.
He certainly looks the part. Colleagues joke that Sir Keir is "straight out of central casting" and if an e-fit was created from all the attributes a political leader should possess, it would match him perfectly.
Image: Sir Keir during his DPP days
Most Labour members have now come to the realisation that Jeremy Corbyn's replacement should be a winner. It is difficult to underestimate the pain, distress and desolation that they felt after the party's devastating general election performance in December.
Electability and unity have therefore been the two key tenets of Starmer's campaign. Uniting a divided party is a noble aim, yet there is scant evidence he is able to make tough decisions, especially those which may anger certain sections of his party.
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Concentrating on collaboration and consensus has its limits.
With widespread confusion over what sort of a leader Keir Starmer intends to be, allies realise he will only have a short time to define himself. Otherwise others - particularly the Conservatives - will do that for him.
The most pressing, and perhaps consequential, decisions are who to put in his shadow cabinet, with the first appointments expected tomorrow. Sorting Labour's antisemitism problem is also a priority, and likely to be tackled within his first week.
Yet with party politics paused due to the coronavirus crisis, his biggest challenge may be striking the right tone in tense times - holding the government to account without attempting to sow division at a time of national unity.
Named after Labour's first parliamentary leader Keir Hardie, he was born in Southwark, south London, and grew up in Oxted, Surrey.
His father was a toolmaker and his mother a nurse forced to quit her job due to Still's Disease, an auto-immune condition which left her in a wheelchair and unable to eat.
He studied at Reigate Grammar alongside Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) and Andrew Cooper, who later became a Tory peer and director of strategy to David Cameron.
Sir Keir adopted his parents' politics and joined the Labour Party as a teenager. He studied law at Leeds University and was a postgraduate student at Oxford.
His socialism was evident in his work as a young barrister. He focused on human rights cases including assisting the "McLibel Two" - a pair of environment activists sued by McDonald's for distributing a leaflet critical of the company.
He was later appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) running a large organisation in the Crown Prosecution Service, experience that he claims is perfect preparation for getting to grips with Labour's unwieldy structures. He was knighted in 2014.
In 2015 Keir Starmer succeeded Frank Dobson as MP for Holborn and St Pancras, a safe Labour seat in central London.
A lifelong pro-European and internationalist, in 2016 he was appointed shadow Brexit secretary, a role in which he edged the party towards backing a second referendum, a position criticised by many for helping lose pro-Leave seats in Labour's northern heartlands.
Married with two children, Sir Keir is a football fan and plays five-a-side on Sundays. As an Arsenal season ticket holder, he has witnessed the perils of leadership and splits amongst supporters.
Like Arsene Wenger, Jeremy Corbyn was loved by many for his fundamental philosophy and the purity of his mission. But in both politics and football, fans ultimately want a winner.
If Keir Starmer is to get his team back to winning ways it will be over many years through steady, solid leadership. But until we find out who he really is, it is tough to judge how he might achieve that.
For now, he remains a man who provokes more questions than answers.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-03--Coronavirus crisis 'could peak at 1,000 deaths a day' around Easter Sunday