Politics

Government abandons White House-style TV briefings – after £2.6m spend on new studio

The government has abandoned plans to hold White House-style televised briefings – despite spending £2.6m on a new studio.

Boris Johnson’s press secretary, Allegra Stratton, who had been expected to front the new media briefings, will now become spokeswoman for the COP26 climate change summit.

Ms Stratton said: “I am delighted to be starting this new role.

“The COP26 climate conference is a unique opportunity to deliver a cleaner, greener world and I’m looking forward to working with the prime minister and Alok Sharma to ensure it is a success.”