Dominic Raab deputises as PM as Boris Johnson in intensive care

Dominic Raab arrives at Downing Street this morning Shell-shocked Dominic Raab is taking the reins of government today as Boris Johnson battles coronavirus in intensive care - sparking fears of a power vacuum in No10. Asked who will be in control of the nuclear deterrent and armed forces, the PM's spokesman said: “In relation to national security matters the First Secretary of State and the Cabinet have the authority and the ability to respond in the Prime Minister’s absence.” The Queen is being kept informed about Mr Johnson's condition, but she will not grant audiences to Mr Raab while he is standing in for the premier. The Prime Minister, who was admitted to St Thomas' Hospital in London last night, was taken to intensive care at 7pm this evening Mr Raab raised concerns as he was seen coughing leaving the Foreign Office to go to Downing Street this morning Mr Gove revealed today that he has gone into self-isolation after a family member started showing coronavirus symptoms Downing Street infection timeline March 10: Health minister Nadine Dorries became the first MP to test positive for coronavirus, shortly after attending a Downing Street reception. Only two hours before his move to intensive care, No10 was insisting Mr Johnson was still spearheading the government's coronavirus response, despite de facto deputy Mr Raab chairing the morning crisis meeting. Dominic Raab, a karate black belt, is married without any children to Erika, a Brazilian-born marketing executive Mr Raab, also First Secretary of State, is primed to take charge of the government's coronavirus response, but it is understood he is not a temporary prime minister Armed police patrol St Thomas' hospital, where the PM is in intensive care Dominic Raab: Karate black belt and relative Cabinet novice The MP for Esher and Walton worked as an in-house lawyer for the Foreign Office in 2000, before returning to the department in Boris Johnson's post-election reshuffle.