What the papers say – April 30

Continued focus on Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the refurbishment of the Downing Street flat makes headlines on front pages at the end of the working week.

The Times leads on a poll suggesting the Conservative party has extended its lead over Labour ahead of local elections next week as the opposition’s accusations over the “fancy decor dispute” have failed to shift voters.

Metro writes Mr Johnson put his fiancee Carrie Symonds “in the frame” for the flat refurbishment, with the 33-year-old said to have insisted on a “lavish designer overhaul”.

The Sun carries a different angle, reporting Ms Symonds could be taking to the Strictly Come Dancing stage to help fund the work.

A potential fourth inquiry into the work leads The Independent.

The Guardian says Mr Johnson has been challenged over a reported refusal to hold an inquiry into the UK’s handling of the Covid pandemic.

While the Daily Express says the PM is “laser-focused” on securing the country’s Covid recovery amid the flat revamp row.

Sticking with Covid, and The Daily Telegraph reports Mr Johnson will be told social distancing can be scrapped from June 21 after a successful pilot scheme at the FA Cup semi-finals and Carabao Cup final.

The i reports people aged in their 30s will be offered vaccines in the coming fortnight, while the Daily Mirror carries comments from a “Covid expert” saying people who have had both jabs should “start living again”.

The Daily Mail writes the numbers of people getting ill with Covid have fallen to their lowest since the pandemic began, calling it a “huge boost for the nation”.

The Financial Times says the US economy is moving closer to pre-pandemic levels.

And the Daily Star leads on suggestions the current season of Line of Duty could be the last.