Downing Street has hit back at “vicious and cowardly” attacks on Ms Symonds, according to the Sunday Telegraph. The paper says a “war of words” between Mr Johnson, Mr Cummings and Mr Cain was sparked by a bitter row – fuelled by Ms Symonds’ antipathy towards them. One insider also tells the Telegraph “no decision is ever final” because the PM appears to need to consult his partner – but another source says this claim is “laughable”.