He's a "true ally" who has performed "extraordinary service", says Boris Johnson. But Downing Street director of communications Lee Cain won't be in his post much longer, amid reports of internal tensions in Downing Street. Thanking the prime minister for his "loyalty and leadership", Mr Cain says he's leaving next month. The departure comes after Mr Johnson offered him the role of No 10 chief of staff, provoking consternation among some MPs, some ministers, and other government insiders, according to our political editor Laura Kuenssberg. One Tory source even suggested Mr Johnson's fiancee, Carrie Symonds, had expressed misgivings.
Mr Cain, a former Daily Mirror reporter who wore a chicken outfit to mock Conservative politicians during the 2010 election campaign, went on to become a key figure in the Leave campaign. News of his departure from Downing Street prompted speculation about the future of Dominic Cummings, the PM's chief adviser. However, the BBC has been told he won't be quitting right now. The hullabaloo has left some Tory backbenchers fed up. Charles Walker, vice chairman of the influential 1922 committee complains of "far too much intrigue at No 10". Meanwhile, Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner calls it "pathetic and childish". As our political editor puts it: "Rather than a government united in trying to confront a pandemic, a picture emerges instead of rival groups vying for influence over the prime minister." Read her analysis.

Six weeks out from Christmas, with most retailers forced to shut, some stores deemed "essential" stand accused of taking advantage to cash in on seasonal demand. One retail chain boss complains "rushed legislation" has left a "very unfair playing field" and Sheffield toy store owner Hellen Stirling Baker agrees. She says her local supermarket is packed with children's playthings. "Big supermarkets are capitalising on the fact they are able to sell non-essential goods alongside their essentials," she tells us. Similarly, while bookshops are shut, large newsagents such as WH Smith can continue trading in line with government guidance. However, it argues it isn't really benefiting, since lockdown has left fewer shoppers on the High Street. The government insists restrictions are necessary to slow the spread of coronavirus and says those forced to close can access financial help.

If you're looking for a glimmer of light, we bring news of an additional bank holiday to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee . The bad news is you'll have to wait until 2022 to enjoy it. By 6 February of that year, the Queen will have spent 70 years on the throne. And the plan is to stage a series of events over a four-day bank holiday weekend, from 2-5 June. Buckingham Palace says the 94-year-old monarch hopes as many people as possible will have the opportunity to join what ministers are billing as a "once-in-a-generation show". And, with a bit of luck, we might by then be free to enjoy it.

The resignation of one of Boris Johnson's aides, communications director Lee Cain, leads some papers. It was triggered when the prime minister's fiancee, Carrie Symonds, "effectively vetoed his promotion" to the role of Downing Street chief of staff, says the Daily Telegraph. The Times says it could signal the end of "the Vote Leave faction" in No 10. "Save Covid vaccines for the NHS," is the i's headline. It carries a warning from England's deputy chief medical officer Prof Jonathan Van-Tam that distribution should be based on need "to stop wealthy [people] jumping the queue". Meanwhile, the Guardian says government scientists have admitted millions of Britons could get "a less effective vaccine than the highly promising frontrunner if it helps to save lives". Read the review.

After singer Brian Johnson lost his hearing, it looked like AC/DC's career was over. We have the story behind the band's comeback. And Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills is retiring his show's Innuendo Bingo feature with a promise it will go out with a bang. Newsbeat offers a, frankly, puerile look at a feature that saw presenter Sarah Cox hope for a "gob full" and actor Hugh Jackman confronted with Seve Ballasteros' balls.

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