Surrey MPs among ministers self isolating after Australian politician tests positive
Dominic Raab and Michael Gove both met Australia's Deputy Prime Minister in recent days
Three Cabinet ministers including Boris Johnson's second in command Dominic Raab have entered self-isolation after coming into contact with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister, who has tested positive for coronavirus.
Michael Gove was the third minister to be revealed to have taken the measure, having met Barnaby Joyce in London on Monday, a spokesman for the Communities Secretary said.
Mr Raab, who is the Justice Secretary as well as being Deputy Prime Minister, and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps also entered isolation having met Mr Joyce this week.
The Australian politician subsequently tested positive while travelling to Washington DC and is self-isolating for 10 days.
Mr Shapps was forced to pull out of an HS2-related visit to Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, as he was due to mark a major contract signing with Hitachi to manufacture rolling stock.
Mr Shapps tweeted: "Sorry not to be travelling to @HitachiRailENG in County Durham today to welcome huge new @HS2ltd rolling stock contract.
"Have taken precaution of cancelling visit & have taken PCR test after being in contact with Australian Deputy PM this week - who's tested positive for Covid."
A spokeswoman for Mr Raab said: "He is getting tested and he is self-isolating while we wait to hear whether the Australian Deputy Prime Minister has Omicron or not."
Mr Joyce, who is fully vaccinated, said in a Facebook post on Thursday that he had been experiencing mild symptoms and decided to get tested.
He said he will remain in isolation while seeking further advice.