Boris Johnson news - live: 'Significant gaps' remain in Brexit trade negotiations as PM urged to end reliance on Cummings

Pressure is mounting on Boris Johnson to end his reliance on Dominic Cummings, as confidence in his leadership stands on shaky ground over his handling of the pandemic, doubts over a brexit deal and recent rows over lockdown restrictions.

Ahead of the Conservative Party’s virtual party conference later today, several Tory MPs told The Independent that the prime minister needed to get out of his “bunker” and assert more grip.

It comes as Mr Johnson and the Cabinet Minister, Michael Gove, adopt an optimistic tone on agreeing a “good deal” with the EU, ahead of talks with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

Mr Gove said the EU must adjust to the UK “leaving its orbit”, adding: “As we leave the nest and become good neighbours rather than uncomfortable lodgers, the EU has to adjust.”