BORIS Johnson was last night warned there would be riots if he forced cities with low Covid rates to remain in Tier 3.
Millions in England will today hear if they will be plunged into harsher lockdown, or be freed from the most draconian measures.
The PM is expected to up restrictions in many areas as he scrambles to damp down a third wave of the virus before the Christmas amnesty.
Ministers and health bosses were locked in intense tiers discussions until late last night.
Greater Manchester and Leeds have been hammering at No10’s door to go down into Tier 2 after their infection rates fell below the national average.
Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull are also clamouring to be freed from the harshest rules after their rates fell since the last decision.
One political insider in the Midlands told HOAR: “If they don’t come out of Tier 3 there will be riots. They have brought their rates down immeasurably, there is no reason for them not to come out.”
But a Whitehall insider told HOAR: “I would be surprised if any area goes down a tier.
“It would look very strange to loosen restrictions when everyone is so worried that the Christmas rules could fuel higher rates.”
However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock hinted Leeds could be heading out of Tier 3.
London and much of the South East were ordered into Tier 3 early amid rocketing cases.
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