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Analysis: Covid, energy prices, and local elections are just some areas that will continue to test the PMWith the start of a new year came a new haircut and suit for Boris Johnson as he fronted his first press conference of 2022 to reject calls for new coronavirus restrictions. The prime minister’s flagging Downing Street operation had looked in dire need of a reset before Christmas after months of sleaze scandals, anger at Covid laws and the shock resignation of his Brexit negotiator, David Frost.No 10 was hoping the festive break would stop talk of a Conservative leadership challenge and that Johnson’s decision to hold off restrictions would earn him a breather. However, any reprieve looked to be shortlived, with growing unease among his MPs about the impending cost of living crisis, a further onslaught of sleaze allegations over the No 11 flat refurbishment this week, and continuing inquiries into lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street – all against a backdrop of Omicron.Tory insiders believe a leadership relaunch full of hope and optimism would be difficult to pull off at this stage. These are some of the key challenges he will have to navigate in the months ahead, if he wants to avoid placing his political fate in the hands of his own backbenchers. Continue reading...