Boris Johnson expected to announce easing of Covid rules later today

We could be saying goodbye to Plan B soon

Boris Johnson is expected to announce the lifting of 'plan B' covid restrictions on Wednesday. The Prime Minister is due in the Commons to address MPs for PMQs this afternoon, during which time he is expected to discuss the cabinet's assessment of the most recent covid data. According to the BBC, a spokeswoman for the government said the decision was a "finely balanced" one, though did add that the latest data was "encouraging". https://twitter.com/PoliticsJOE_UK/status/1483421586749333508 Despite the potential easing of restrictions, Johnson is still likely to be gearing up for a tough session in the Commons as cross-party outrage over the 'partygate' scandal rages on. Reports suggest that as many as 20 Tory MPs are planning to send in letters of no confidence in their leader amid a huge shift in support among his own backbenches. At least 54 Tory MPs need to submit a letter of no confidence to trigger a vote. Calls from the other side of the aisle for the PM's resignation have also grown in recent days. It is thought that this potential move to ease restrictions is an attempt to assuage ill sentiment in his own camp, as more Tory MPs have been calling for the relaxation of covid measures for some time. Plan B measures, which include face masks and covid passes, are due to expire on 26 January anyway, and it is expected the government will not renew them. The most recent spate of measures was introduced to slow the spread of the Omicron variant in December in order to administer more booster jabs before the wave reached its peak. Yesterday, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he was 'cautiously optimistic that we will be able to substantially reduce restrictions next week.' Related links Dominic Cummings: Boris Johnson lied to Parliament over partygate Line of Duty stars reprise roles to slam Boris Johnson in brutal AC-12 interview Keir Starmer says he did nothing wrong after photo emerges of him drinking with staff in lockdown