Her Majesty’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Dominic Raab, has been appointed de facto ‘Caretaker Prime Minister’ following the news of Boris Johnson’s admission to intensive care.
Although the position of ‘Acting Prime Minister’ or ‘Caretaker Prime Minister’ doesn’t exist in the constitution, Mr Raab will fulfil the duties of PM when necessary.
A Downing Street spokesperson said that Mr Johnson’s symptoms have worsened over the few hours and as such as been admitted to the intensive care unit.
Professor Derek Hill, a Professor of Medical Imaging at University College London, said that people should be in no doubt about the seriousness of the situation.
Professor Hill said: “His condition has now deteriorated so he has been admitted to intensive care where he is very likely to have been put on a mechanical ventilator to breath for him.“
He continued: “There is no doubt this turn of events means Boris Johnson is extremely sick.”
Statement from Downing Street in full:
“Since Sunday evening, the Prime Minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.
“Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the Prime Minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital.
“The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the First Secretary of State, to deputise for him where necessary.
“The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”
