Lockdown-sceptic Conservative MPs claim that their ranks are growing. As senior Tories lined up to condemn new Covid rules, Mr Johnson was warned that he faces the biggest rebellion of his premiership. 

Deputy Political Editor Lucy Fisher reports on the likely rebels who will join die-hard critics in voting against the Government next Tuesday. 

Your fellow Telegraph readers have also been sharing their lack of faith in new restrictions – including via our WhatsApp groups (sign up for free audio updates direct to your phone). 

In other developments today:

Tory fine over donation

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson has been accused of misleading his standards adviser after an official investigation into his Downing Street flat refurbishment found he had contacted a Tory donor asking for more funds to be released. The controversy over the makeover of Number 11 has been reignited after the Electoral Commission announced today it was fining the Conservative Party £17,800 for breaking laws around the reporting and recording of donations. The inquiry also uncovered private messages and bank statements – some of which now raise significant questions over the Prime Minister’s own involvement.

PM’s wife gives birth

As he grapples with multiple political crises, Mr Johnson is also wrestling with another dilemma: how much time off to take after the arrival of his latest baby. His wife Carrie gave birth to their second child, a daughter, today after a tumultuous 24 hours for Downing Street. Mr Johnson is understood to have been present throughout the delivery of his seventh child. With two babies as a midlife man, Mr Johnson might benefit from the advice of William Sitwell on the art of older parenting.

Comment and analysis

Around the world: New Zealand stubs out tobacco

New Zealand plans to ban young people from ever smoking in one of the world’s toughest restrictions on tobacco – despite earlier moves effectively “decriminalising” the use of recreational drugs. The country currently outlaws tobacco sales to under-18s and it was announced today that, from 2027, the age ban would increase by one year annually to keep the cohort smoke-free. Giovanni Torre reports on the historic approach of Jacinda Ardern’s Labour government to drugs.

Thursday interview: Cary Elwes – ‘My job was to get Marlon out of his trailer’

The star of The Princess Bride talks to Tim Robey about working with Marlon Brando – and being related to the real-life Scrooge. Read the full interview.