Johnson puts the case for more localism in England. Now he must deliver it.

The more radical his plans are, the more resistance there will be. But one can’t serve up a municipal omelette without breaking eggs.

Never mind CCTV. A sign should greet Javid in his new office. Saying “Welcome to Hell”.

His in-tray features: Covid, mental health, NHS reform…and social care. He’s set to be the most pressured Health Secretary since Lansley.

Interview with Dominic Raab: The EU’s approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol is “pretty analogue in a digital age”

The Foreign Secretary contends that by forming an aspirational coalition the Conservatives can gain votes in the North without losing support in the South.

Noises off: The Duncan Diaries are more amusing, and more valuable, than one might have expected.

His remarks about Johnson demonstrate the latter’s remarkable capacity to win round, even impress, critics who have lost all patience with him.

Philippa Stroud: A new department, a new approach? How the revised Foreign Office should recast our aid policy.

Success is most common where donors have focused in terms of the countries with whom they work on a long-term basis.

Stephen O’Brien: The challenge of converting world-class research into British economic success. Here’s an example than works.

We should double down on Product Development Partnerships, which are alive and well in the field of public health.

Roger Gale: Special relationship or coercion? America’s approach to extradition is not the conduct of an ally.

Biden has recently reaffirmed the Trump administration’s refusal to extradite Anne Sacoolas.

Nus Ghani: China and genocide. Our new proposal answers Ministers’ objections. So they should support it.

So the only question that remains, given this new compromise plan, is: what’s the Government’s objection now?

Garvan Walshe: Navalny’s given Putin a splitting headache. Here’s how to make it worse.

The prominence of Russians in the UK means that the UK can play an outside role in making the migraine even worse.

Paul Mercer: Covid tests, airport checks – and how to avoid British citizens from being stranded abroad

It would make more sense to add a requirement to attach the Covid Test Certificate to the form and enter its details at the same time.

Luke de Pulford: The UK has failed to stand up to China – and Raab must ensure that it does

The UN genocide system is broken and needs a shot in the arm from a country willing to stand and be counted.

David Lidington: We have left the EU and there is no turning back. Here’s what our new relationship with Europe should look like.

Above all, we need to focus on the strategic picture. Throughout the world democracy, human rights and the rule of law are under pressure.

WATCH: ‘I am not worried about Javid taking my job,’ insists Raab

“You have to look at who’s doing the talking up,” says the Foreign Secretary, when asked about rumours regarding a possible Cabinet reshuffle.

WATCH: Raab – ‘We can’t for the moment meet our target of spending 0.7 per cent’ on aid

“Britain is responding to a health emergency, but also an economic emergency, and every penny of public spending will rightly come under intense scrutiny.”

Brave New World

We fear the worst after Cummings’ departure, but Johnson must now make the best of it. That means a Cabinet shuffle.