PM backs Mogg in office return row

BORIS Johnson backed Jacob Rees-Mogg last night after a row over his drive to stop civil servants working from home.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries accused Mr Rees-Mogg, the minister responsible for government efficiency, of a ‘Dickensian’ approach as he pushes for a ‘rapid return to the office’.

He has left notes in empty Whitehall work spaces with the message: ‘I look forward to seeing you in the office very soon.’

The Prime Minister’s spokesman said Mr Rees-Mogg was seeking ‘to do everything possible to get the civil service to return to the pre-pandemic level’, adding: ‘That is supported by the Cabinet Secretary and obviously the Prime Minister.’