Dominic Raab has said he was worried that Boris Johnson would die after the prime minister was taken into intensive care with coronavirus in April. The foreign secretary, who stood in for Johnson when he became unwell, told the Conservative party conference on Saturday that he was often asked how he felt during that time, and admitted he was “really worried that we might lose him”. He said coronavirus had affected every community and nearly taken the life of Johnson, whom he called a “friend as well as a leader”. “I worried for Carrie [Symonds, Johnson’s partner] pregnant with baby Wilf,” he said. “But I always had faith that with the outstanding NHS care he received and his fighting spirit, he’d pull through.”
Raab said Covid-19 had shown what was achievable when society comes together, and the mission of the Conservative government was to build back the economy stronger and greener. ”As we reinforce all four nations of our precious union, we will only realise our full potential with a truly global vision for Britain,” he said. Raab also spoke about Brexit, telling the conference that the UK would not be “held over a barrel by Brussels”. He said: “Yes we want a free trade deal with the EU, but any deal must be fair. The days of being held over a barrel by Brussels are long gone. Under the Conservatives, there is no question. Our government will control our fisheries, our parliament will pass our laws and our courts will judge them.” He said he wanted to “level up opportunities for every child … reinforce the bonds of our four great nations,” adding: “Let’s re-establish our rightful place in today’s world as a truly global Britain.” The conference also heard from the Cabinet Office minister, Michael Gove, who said the delivery of free ports, HS2 and the prime minister’s lifetime skills training guarantee would help create opportunities across the country. Speaking in conversation with the West Midlands mayor, Andy Street, Gove also discussed the possibility of a trade deal with the EU. “I suspect there will be one or two ups and downs along the way, but I am optimistic that we will get a deal,” he said. “But if we don’t, we have been making extensive preparations to be ready for anything.” The party announced it would open a new campaign headquarters in Leeds in an attempt to deliver for the former “red wall” areas that helped vote Johnson into power at the last election. Amanda Milling, a co-chair of the party, opened the online conference on Saturday with the announcement that staff would be moved to Leeds to focus attention on the region.