Calls for fresh probe into PM's flat refurbishment

The Independent's Morning Headlines email [View online]( December 10, 2021 [Morning Headlines]( 1 / [Ex-standards chief leads calls to reopen probes into flat refit after PM ‘misled’ inquiry]( An ex-standards chief is leading demands to reopen investigations into the funding of Boris Johnson’s lavish flat refurbishment, after evidence he “misled” an inquiry that cleared him of wrongdoing. Opposition parties joined Sir Alistair Graham in hitting out at the prime minister’s conduct – as the Electoral Commission also ruled the Conservatives broke electoral law over the controversy. The spotlight fell on Mr Johnson when its report revealed he personally asked for more funds for the redecorations, despite claiming – three months later – that he knew nothing about any payments by donors. 2 / [Tory rebellion leaves Boris Johnson relying on Labour votes to impose plan B Covid restrictions]( ‘Totally unacceptable’: Mandatory vaccination would split the party, warns Conservative MP 3 / [Ministers plan sweeping changes to local government as part of levelling up agenda, leaked paper reveals]( Exclusive: Draft levelling up white paper, seen by The Independent, reveals key details of government’s flagship policy 4 / [Not ‘serial killer’ but foxes behind cat mutilations in London, study finds]( Scientists find clear link between the mutilations and the presence of fox DNA on the dead cats 5 / [Jussie Smollett guilty of lying to police about hate crime attack, jury finds]( ‘Empire’ actor could face up to three years in prison for felony disorderly conduct charges The Big Question Who is eligible for a Covid booster jab? The new omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading across the UK and has prompted Boris Johnson to activate the government’s “Plan B” and bring in new social restrictions to curb the spread. As a result, members of the public are being urged to get their third vaccine jab to boost immunity as a matter of urgency. It had been hoped that the booster alone would be enough to fend off the virus this winter but the emergence of the new variant, thought to be more transmissible than its dominant delta predecessor, has forced Whitehall’s hand. So which groups are eligible for the immunity top-up given the recent rule change and where can they get one? [Read the full story >]( Watch / [Trio of camels pay festive visit to Salisbury Cathedral]( NUMBER OF THE DAY 40,000 Some 40,000, 3.26 per cent, of healthcare workers in the UK are estimated to have long Covid, according to the Office for National Statistics. This figure has risen by 5,000 since July. QUOTE OF THE DAY “I wanted to expose the criminality that runs through the heart of this corporation." – Actor Sienna Miller has said she feels “fully vindicated” after winning “substantial damages” from the publisher of The Sun newspaper in a case concerning alleged phone hacking. Other stories you might like [Trump’s effort to stop release of records to 6 January committee denied by federal appeals court]( [France to ask EU to start ‘litigation proceedings’ if fishing row not resolved]( [Jack Whitehall: ‘I’ve mined posh for the best part of a decade’]( Articles available exclusively to subscribers Sean O'Grady, The Independent: "[What next for Allegra Stratton?"]( If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. [The Independent]( Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.