London politics news LIVE: Boris Johnson hoping for fresh start following mass exodus of No10 staff

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Tory MP doubts Liz Truss’ trip to Russia

Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick questioned Liz Truss’ planned trip to Russia on Monday morning.

Ms Truss is scheduled to meet her counterpart, Sergei Lavrov to discuss the Ukraine crisis.

Ahead of the trip, Mr Jenrick told BBC Radio 4’s The Westminster Hour programme: “I’m not sure it is actually wise to go to Moscow.”

“I think that honors Vladimir Putin and plays into his hand. I just question the good sense of going to Moscow and honoring Vladimir Putin at a time when he is so aggressive towards Ukraine.

“I’m not sure that’s wise.”

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Good morning, and welcome to the Evening Standard’s live blog

Here’s your morning round up:

– After a wave of departures from No10, the Prime Minister appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay as his new chief of staff and journalist and Guto Harri as head of communications.

– It is thought the Prime Minister will also announce Dame Emily Lawson as permanent secretary this week.

– Tory peer, Sir Charles Walker has called on the Prime Minister to resign following the backlash from partygate.

– Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng throws his support behind the Prime Minister over the weekend, saying: “I think the Prime Minister has been very clear that he wants a reset in No10. He was very clear speaking to Conservative MPs on Monday and what we saw last week was following him through with that commitment.”