ocal politicians in the north of England are furious that details of a second lockdown in the region leaked to the media before they had been consulted.
The pattern has repeated itself throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Council leaders and metro mayors complain that they have to pick up the pieces after restrictions such as the closure of pubs and restaurants are announced overnight, sometimes with immediate effect.
Mayors in the north offered Matt Hancock, the health secretary, a united front when they spoke earlier this week. They promised to support the next round of restrictions if they were consulted over the detail, and the government provided enough financial support for businesses affected in order to preserve jobs.
