The Daily Telegraph says Boris Johnson was embroiled in a standoff with Labour mayors and his own health advisers on Thursday night over his plans for local lockdowns.
The Daily Star says Manchester is refusing to lockdown, as London faces further restrictions from this weekend.
The i says Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has accused the government of treating the region as “canaries in a coalmine”.
The Mirror also leads with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham refusing to accept Tier 3 restrictions.
The Metro says the prime minister has been accused of using northerners as “sacrificial lambs” in the battle against coronavirus.
The Financial Times says Boris Johnson is expected on Friday to try to force Brexit trade talks to a moment of crisis.