Government staff will take a “step back” from people’s lives and pursue “a smaller state”, the PM’s new top aide has said.
Steve Barclay told the Sunday Telegraph that while public health interventions and vast amounts spent in the pandemic were the right decisions, it was time for “a more enabling approach”.
Mr Barclay, who is a cabinet minister, was handed the key role a week ago.
No 10 says the prime minister will focus on domestic policy on a tour of parts of the UK this week.
It comes as Boris Johnson faces continued criticism and concern from some Conservative MPs about his leadership.
Mr Barclay’s appointment as chief of staff was part of a No 10 shake-up in the wake of civil servant Sue Gray’s initial report into Downing Street lockdown parties, and the ongoing police investigation into gatherings.
“It’s time to return to a more enabling approach. To trust the people, return power to communities, and free up business to deliver.”
Meanwhile, the prime minister said he would be “getting out of London” this week to focus on “the job of uniting and levelling up the country”.
Mr Johnson will travel to Scotland to visit a manufacturing site and meet with workers.
But the trip comes in the week he is required to respond to a police questionnaire about events in No 10 during lockdown.
The Met Police has said the questions, which have been sent by email to more than 50 people, “must be answered truthfully” and should be responded to within seven days.
The questionnaire has the same status as information given in an interview under caution.
But being contacted does not mean a fine would always be issued, the police have said.
Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has said it would be “very tough” for Mr Johnson to cling on to power if he is fined.
