Yesterday’s backbench reaction to his Commons statement suggests that most Tory MPs will back his proposals.
This rebellion had little in common with most others, but the names of many who oppose the Government now show a certain predictability.
Rob Stark meets a bloody end in Game of Thrones. But he won every battle he fought first – and the Greater Manchester Mayor is following his example.
Nineteen Conservative backbenchers spoke against the policy. It’s doubtful whether a top-down targets system will pass the Commons.
Growing anti-lockdown sentiment among northern Labour mayors and councils offer him new opportunities – and dangers.
These are early shots in the developing Tory backbench campaign against the restrictions, which are set to gain volume and velocity.
They can’t have been satisfied with the compromise reached yesterday over future votes on any changes to the Act’s provisions.
Over a third of those who asked a question during a Hancock statement yesterday were to some degree resistant to such shutdowns.
We’re now on Day Four of the controversy. This list began on Day Two and continues. One Minister has resigned from the Government.
Assuming no new revelations or his adviser’s resignation, he can either tough it out or order an inquiry.
They included seven former Cabinet Ministers, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and the Chairman of the 1922 Executive Committee.
Both men sit broadly on the centre-right of the Parliamentary Party. That there is no candidate from the centre-left is a sign of internal change.
Philip Davies, a famously long-standing and committed Brexiteer, is among their number.
That said, there was more backing for her from her party than some of today’s headlines suggest.