Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Few vehicles have arrived to fanfare like the revived Ford Bronco. Returning to the SUV segment after more than a quarter-century, the Bronco is unquestionably the 4x4 of the moment. In order to better highlight just how capable these machines are, Ford invited us to the desert around Las Vegas for a full day of off-roading. While the automaker chose to head west, in search of improved terrain and weather, nature had other ideas.

Its only fitting that my first proper off-roading experience in the American West was to take place behind the wheel of the new Bronco. I spent many days as a kid shuffling the steering wheel in my fathers 89 Bronco, dreaming of skipping along the sunny open desert. What I hadnt expected was for the sky to dump a bunch of snow on the desert the night before our outing.

As we began an early-morning ascent of Nevadas Mt. Potosi, the carnage of the prior days snow storm and subsequent freeze-thaw was evident. We passed several vehicles that had been abandoned by their owners, unable to trek back to the highway. Our transport driver joked that these machines would be forced into hibernation at the current rate. I worried my sheer inexperience might put me in a similar situation.

The summit looked more like Salzburg than Sin City. While the automaker hadnt intended for this trip to involve icy conditions, the team wasnt that put off by the powder. If anything it seemed like the engineers and executives were excited to show off the full breadth of the Broncos chops.

I selected a two-door Wildtrak trim, complete with the 2.7-liter V-6 and 10-speed automatic. Once the First Edition offering fades away for the 2022 model year, this Wildtrak will slot just below the upcoming Bronco Raptor as one of the range-topping models. The SUV comes loaded with a ton of hardware for dominating trails, including the much-desired Sasquatch Package. This off-road package includes upgrades such as 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, larger 35-inch all-terrain tires, monotube shocks from Bilstien, upgraded differentials at both ends, and a unique 4.7:1 final drive ratio among other tweaks. Its a far more serious piece of kit than the old 89 I had sitting in the barn as a kid.

Our day was set to begin at Fords Off-Roadeo site, after which wed make our way out across the open desert and over the hills of the surrounding Bureau of Land Management property and the adjacent state land. While the lower elevation outside of the park itself would help eliminate the snow piles, the early part of the morning was unavoidably icy. This made our first challenge of the day, an articulation course over some bouldered terrain, nerve-wracking. While I knew the Off-Roadeo course wasnt going to push the limits of the Broncos suspension, sliding off your planned course was inevitable: the initial drop-in for the articulation test was completely iced over. We were essentially told to send it over edge and fight the urge to adjust the wheel until we stopped. At the precipice of the hill, it was determined that the Broncos Trail Control systemeffectively off-road cruise controlwould be key. While unable to fully fight against the ice, Trail Control effectively modulated wheelspin down the hill. That said, the drop-in was as close to an automotive luge experience as Id like to have. After coming to a halt inches from both a tree and a large boulder, I was at the start of my first articulation course.

From there, I was completely out of my off-roading element. Large rocks dotted both sides of the trail. Wheel placement became ever more crucial thanks to the weather conditions. With some help from the nifty front-facing camera and the G.O.A.T. modes, I slowly began to work my way through the course. I say slowly, as I routinely found myself fighting to catch up with the pack. Years of trying to keep cars in control on pavement worked against me, as excess counter-steering foiled the trucks ability to rise and fall with landscape. One of the Off-Roadeo trail guides popped by to drop a bit of wisdom.

You just have to trust the truck can do it.

Its not a revolutionary sentiment to someone in the know, but it was all that I needed to get settled in. Watching the line of Broncos ahead of me crest each obstacle, I began to feel more confident. As the articulation course came to an end, I was ready to let the Bronco do the hard work. Leaning on the expertise of my fellow drivers, we made our way into the open desert. After an hour or so of rolling, the Bronco fell into place in my head. Like the Wrangler with which it does battle, the Bronco is far more capable than most owners will have the pleasure of knowing. Its a machine for challenging your own limits, pushing personal boundaries, and experiencing the world less traveled. More than anything the Bronco is just plain fun to use on the trails, even if youve never done anything quite like that before.

Six-year-old me wouldve adored this thing, but not nearly as much as the adult me does.

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Going Off Road, On Ice, Where the Bronco Shines - RoadandTrack.com

Dont let your remodeling budget go over-board by hidden surprises understand what the average installed costs for Attic Insulation is in your zip code by using our handy calculator.

As an experienced licensed home improvement contractor, I know first hand what it should cost for various levels from Basic, Better, and of course the best.

The Attic Insulation cost calculator will provide you with up to date pricing for your area. Simply enter your zip code and the square footage, next click update and you will see a breakdown on what it should cost to have Attic Insulation installed in your home

Example: a 10 x 10 area equal 100 square feet.

On average, you can expect to pay between $1.25 to $3.00 per square ft to install attic insulation and material cost for Batt/Roll r-11 to r-38 insulation runs between 0.15 to 0.65 cents per square foot. An average-size attic of 1,200 square ft. will usually cost about $1,900-$2,800. Get free estimates from insulation companies near you

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Cost of Attic Insulation - Remodeling Cost Calculators

Dont let your remodeling budget go over-board by hidden surprises understand what the average installed costs for blown in attic Insulation is near you, by using our easy to use calculator.

As an experienced licensed home improvement contractor, I know first hand what it should cost for various levels from Basic, Better, and of course the best.

The attic blown in Insulation cost estimator will provide you with up to date pricing for your area. Simply enter your zip code and the square footage, next click update and you will see a breakdown on what it should cost to have attic blown in Insulation installed in your home

Example: a 10 x 10 area equal 100 square feet.

On average, you can expect to pay between $1.25 to $2.00 per square ft. to install attic insulation and material cost for Cellulose/Fiberglass with a R-value of: r-30 to r-60 insulation will cost between 0.15 to 0.65 cents per square foot. An average-size attic of 1,200 square ft. will usually cost about $1,600-$2,700. Get free estimates from insulation companies near you

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Cost of Attic Blown in Insulation Calculator - Get (2022 ...

Attic Condensation in Winter: What Causes it & How to Prevent itOur Roofers Explain Why Attic Condensation Problems Happen & How to Stop them from Becoming a Bigger Issue

One of the most common questions roofing contractors in Waukesha get is about attic condensation.

Oftentimes homeowners in Southeast Wisconsin think they have a more serious problem.a roof leak, but usually this is NOT the case.

Below we explain what exactly attic condensation is and how to avoid it.

Attic condensation generally happens during winter & spring months when warm, moist air from the main living area rises into the attic space. When that warm, moist air meets the chilly underside of your roofs deck, condensation occurs.

In the winter, attic condensation often turns into frost, which actually doesnt pose any threat. However, when the frost melts, it turns back into condensation, which makes everything it touches wet usually insulation and wood. Now, your wood frames, rafters, roof sheathing and attic insulation is vulnerable to mold and rot, which can cause larger problems, such as a roof leak.

There are a few signs to look for when trying to determine if you have an attic condensation problem:

In order to stop condensation (and frost) from developing in your attic you need to do 3 things:

For a short-term fix you can put a dehumidifier in your attic, but understand that you may be emptying it multiple times a day until you can get a roofer to come out and implement the aforementioned solutions.

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Attic Condensation in Winter: What Causes it & How to ...

With the high cost of new construction preventing homeowners from adding square footage to their homes, many are understandably looking to make existing space work harder for themincluding any unfinished space. Attics are a top pick when homeowners decide to gain some extra storage or add a guest room, but not all attic flooring structures are up to the task of supporting the weight of a new living space. If youve ever wondered whether or not your attic would support decking for storage or, even better, a loft conversion, keep reading. Well explain the most important factors and how to find out what you can safely do with your attic space.

A common misconception is thatit takes little more than the installation ofsome decking over the attic joists to ready an attic for move-in. In some houses, this may be the case; in many others, however, the original joist structure that supports the ceiling of the room beneath was never designed to hold anything more than the ceiling drywall. In part, it boils down to joists:

Beyond the size of joists, the spacing betweenthem shouldalsobe taken into consideration. Standard joist spacing for the installation of attic flooring materials is 16inches on center (OC), meaning the distance from the center of one joist to the center of the next joist is 16 inches. Joists in attics that were never intended for the installation of flooring or conversion to a living space are often 16 inches OC or 24inches OC.

If your existing attic flooring isnt adequate for conversion to a living space, all is not lost. Virtually any attic floor can be brought up to codeits just a matter of how much additional structural support it will require.

Modifying an attic floors joist system is a job for the pros. But before even they can start on a job that involvesaltering your homes structure, theyll almost certainly have to pull a permit. This involves submitting a plan of the intended modifications to the local building authority, who will analyze the plans and issue a remodeling permit if the plans meet building codes. Only then can they get to work.

The type of modifications selected for reinforcing the joists will depend on the recommendations of the engineer, but the following methods are commonly used to beef-up undersized attic joists:

Consult a flooring expert

Find licensed flooring experts in your area and get free, no-commitment estimates for your project.

When houses are constructed, specific walls are selected to be load-bearing walls and designed to support the weight of the structure above them. Houses thathave been constructed with the idea of finishing out a future living space in the attic will not require joist reinforcement nor additional vertical reinforcement.

If your home wasnt designed to support a futureattic conversion, not only will the joist system require modification, an engineer may require additional vertical reinforcement installed in the floor(s) below the attic to support the new attic weight. This could involve installing structural posts in one or more areasof the home (which can often be hidden within an existing wall).

Other structural issues are also factors, including whether there is adequate space to install a stairway to the attic. Building code often requires stairway access to the attic if the space is to be used as a bedroom. If you intend to install only a sitting loft, you might get by with just a ladder.

The headroom in the attic will determine how much usable floor space you have. While local codes vary, many communities will not permit the ceiling in a finished living area (attics included) to be lower than 6 8 to 76 from the floor. That doesnt mean you cant use the attic areas where thesloped ceiling is lower;that space just wont count toward your homes official living space. For example, you could construct storage cabinets or cubbies in the low-sloped sides of the attic; when an appraiser measures the square footage of the finished attic, though, only the portion where the ceiling meets minimum height standards will be recorded as living space.

A limited amount of usable floor space can obviously impact how you intend to use the space. Small bedrooms are cozy set in an attic with slanted ceilings, butyou may want to reconsideryour plans if your usable floor space doesnt fitmuch more than a bed.

If your attic joists wont bear the weight necessary to finish out a living space but the engineer cleared them to support floor decking for light storage, you can install -inchplywood or oriented strand board (OSB) in 4-foot-by-8-foot panels over existing 16-inch OC joists.For joists spaced 24 inches OC, use thicker, -inch plywood to prevent sagging between them. If youre familiar with basic carpentry and framing techniques, installing decking for attic storage is a DIY-friendly project. Just remember:This type of attic flooring will providestorage spacefor overflow items and seasonal items, but it wont pass muster as a living space floor.

Attic flooring intended for a living space must be installed in compliance with building codes. Some communities will allow homeowners to do their own construction, but they are still subject to all inspections required by the building authority. Accepted floor decking for a living space is typically -inch tongue-and-groove subflooring, glued and screwed to the joists. The manufacturer of the subflooring may specify an attachment pattern, such as one screw every 6 inches along the edge of the panel and every 8 inches in the field (center of the panel).

Even if permitted by your community, converting an attic to a living space is a complex project that most homeowners are not prepared to tackle. It involves installing outlets, switches, and (potentially) water-supply lines and drainage pipes if a bathroom will be added. Attics are fresh-air ventilated so provisions must be made to reroute the attics ventilation through the rafter spaces and the rafters must then be insulated. An attic conversion is a great way to expand your homes living space, but best to leave the work to a licensed contractor.

Consult a flooring expert

Find licensed flooring experts in your area and get free, no-commitment estimates for your project.

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Attic Flooring 101: All You Need to Know - Bob Vila

Many homeowners at some point consider changing the way that their kitchen looks. We tend to spend a lot of time in our kitchens, and various upgrades are a great way to make the room more exciting. Many people choose to upgrade their kitchens by replacing their cabinets. The following are some things to consider when thinking about replacing your kitchen cabinets.

This will depend on the state of the cabinets that you currently have. If your existing cabinets are falling off of the wall or have water damage, it is worth it to replace them. If you simply dont like how your cabinets look, cabinet refacing may be a better option.

Keep in mind that it generally costs a few thousand dollars to completely replace the cabinets in a kitchen. You must consider your base cabinets, drawers, and any other custom cabinetry that you might have. If you have a lot of cabinets in your kitchen, then you could be looking at an expensive project.

There are a few signs to look for that could indicate that you need new cabinets. You could, of course, replace your cabinets just because you dont like them. However, the following are signs that you need to replace your cabinets for health and safety concerns.

If you decide on cabinet replacement, consider how you want them to look. Dont just pick something that is trendy now. Instead, choose a style and color that is timeless. The National Association of Home Builders put out a studythat found that kitchen cabinets usually last about 50 years. You will want to pick a cabinet color and style that will still look good 50 years from now.

Another thing you should consider is the other cabinetry in your house that you might want to replace. One good thing about replacing both types of cabinets at the same time is that they will look cohesive in your home. The more cabinets you replace, though, the more your project will cost.

One option that you have to consider when thinking about replacing your cabinets is refacing them instead. Cabinet refacing is simply replacing the kitchen cabinet doors instead of the entire cabinet. You might want to only replace the cabinet doors if the rest of the cabinet is in good condition.

However, if the entire cabinet is in poor condition, it makes more sense to replace the whole cabinet rather than just the kitchen cabinet door.

If you are thinking about replacing your cabinets, consider Reliance Cabinetry, the top cabinetry specialists in Richmond Hill. Call us today at (912) 785-8508 to get started.

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Top 5 Best Cabinet Replacement Concerns for 2021

Are your kitchen cabinets looking a little dated? Maybe your cabinets have seen better days, and no matter how hard you clean them, they look dirty and worn.

If you're no longer happy with your kitchen, the problem could lie with your cabinets. A new set of cabinets can completely change the look of the room.

Still not sure that it's time to make the change? Here are seven signs you need a kitchen cabinet replacement.

Damage, such as noticeable scratches, dents, or cracks, drastically affects the look of your kitchen cabinets. Cabinets covered in flaws are not only an eyesore, but they reflect poorly on your home too.

Water damage is another common concern. If the wood feels soft or squishy, that's a red flag. It means the wood has been damaged and isn't structurally sound anymore.

If the flaws are only surface deep, you may be able to resurface them. However, noticeable damage such as water damage, chips, or deep gouges can't be repaired. You're better off replacing your cabinets.

Certain styles come and go, and if your kitchen screams "80s cabinets," it's time to let them go. They're only affecting the look and value of your home.

If you're planning a kitchen renovation soon, this is the perfect time to swap out the old cabinets and replace them with something more modern.

Of course, it's important that you're happy with your kitchen design as you'll be the one living there. That's why you can follow some of the latest kitchen trends, but you don't have to!

Choose designs and styles that work for you and your home.

Adding to the last point, if your kitchen cabinets don't match the look and feel of the rest of your house, it's time to replace them. Perhaps you've recently remodeled the living room and dining room or put down new flooring. Old cabinets can stick out like a sore thumb in these instances.

This can really detract from the aesthetic of your house. Thankfully, replacing or upgrading the cabinets should make your house flow again.

Not sure which style to go with? White cabinets are a classic style that looks great in any home. They also help to brighten up a room and can benefit smaller kitchens by bouncing the light around.

Cleaning your kitchen cabinets helps them to look their best, but there may come a time cleaning alone doesn't cut it. Whether it's fading paint or damaged wood, no amount of cleaning and polishing can bring these cabinets back to their former glory.

Age and general use wear cabinets down. Depending on the quality of your cabinets, they may have reached the end of their lifespan. If you can't stand the look of your cabinets anymore, that's a sure sign you need new ones.

Do you have cabinets that won't close or open?

There's nothing quite as frustrating as doors that won't open or close properly. If one of your cabinet doors sticks, doesn't stay closed or looks crooked, it's a sign it's time for new kitchen cabinets.

What causes cabinets to become misaligned?

The most common reason is age. As cabinets age and with repeated use, they can warp. This can cause them to stick, create gaps, or hang crookedly. Unfortunately, replacing the doors alone isn't enough, so you'll have to replace the entire cabinet.

A kitchen layout plays a huge part in how efficiently your kitchen works. Unfortunately, cheap or incorrectly installed cabinets can create problems.

For instance, you might have cabinets that won't open at the same time or crash into one another. Similarly, you want cabinet doors and drawers to open without banging into other doors or appliances.

Maybe you simply don't have enough space to store your cookware, kitchen utensils, and dishes. Disorganized kitchens make cooking and prepping meals a headache.

In this case, you might need a better layout and a design with more storage options.

Maybe you need taller cabinets that can hold more. What about a Lazy Susan insert? Rotating shelves make it easy to find what you need in the kitchen.

Perhaps you want a cabinet to hide the microwave or trash can or a spice drawer. These are all possible upgrades that can enhance the look and feel of your kitchen.

Maybe you moved into an older home, and you don't like the look of the kitchen. Whether the cabinets are dated or if the previous owner painted them a color you don't like, you don't have to settle.

If you don't like the wood used or the color of the cabinets, there are plenty of options on the market to choose from. Here are a few different choices you can consider:

As you're considering your options, think about how well the look of the cabinets will match the other aspects of your kitchen design. For example, you'll want to choose a style that goes with the type of metal you have for the kitchen faucet. You also want to think about the style and color of the countertop and other hardware in the kitchen.

Do any of these warning signs sound familiar? If so, it's time for a kitchen cabinet replacement. You'll be so glad that you made the choice to swap out your old cabinets once you see how it changes the look and feel of your kitchen!

Nuform Cabinetry offers a wide selection of assembled or RTA cabinets. We also offer a free 3D design and quote, so what are you waiting for? Take a look at our selection of kitchen cabinets, and contact us today.

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7 Signs You Need a Kitchen Cabinet Replacement

If you are looking for replacement cabinet doors, Cabinet Door World has what you need. Replace your kitchen cabinet doors easily. Shop now and save!

Replacing your cabinets can be expensive, labor intensive, and often requires the aid of a contractor. Save time and money by simply replacing the doors and drawer fronts. The best part of this solution is that if you choose, you can easily do it yourself.

We provide quality unfinished and finished replacement cabinet doors in a wide variety of styles and colors. If you want to update the look of your kitchen cabinets or your bathroom cabinets, you should find the perfect solution for you in our selection of doors and drawer fronts!

Whether you are looking for shaker cabinet doors or raised panel cabinet doors with an arch or cathedral style, we have something for everyone!

So don't let worn kitchen cupboard doors stress you out. Replace them. Cabinet Door World makes it easy.

All of our products are 100% made in the USA with materials sourced from trees harvested in the USA.

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Cabinet Doors | Kitchen Cabinet Doors | Custom Replacement ...

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am hesitant to enter into an argument with Derrick Smith, someone whom I hold in high regard for his many years of sterling service to our country. However, it is incumbent on me to set the record straight.

Contrary to his assertion, I had no second thoughts about appointing him as minister of national security in September 2008. Our parliamentary margin did not factor in that consideration. Derrick had shadowed that portfolio for many years, developed a keen understanding of the issues and, importantly, built a strong relationship with the rank and file of the police through the Police Federation. He was a valued member of the Cabinet. Indeed, I also assigned him responsibility as leader of the House.

The security portfolio is undoubtedly the most challenging of Cabinet assignments. It is the one that has to respond to our failures as a society that are outside of its remit. We have had seven ministers of national security in the last 20 years a measure far less of the competence of the appointees, but more of the fierceness of those challenges that has resulted in a high turnover rate. In addition, Derrick, unfortunately, was experiencing formidable health challenges that had kept him out of office for an extended period.

As confirmed by my official diary at the Office of the Prime Minister, I met with Derrick at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2008, and advised him that he would be reassigned to the Ministry of Mining and Telecommunications. An official announcement of this change and the appointment of the late Col Trevor MacMillan as the new minister of national security was made on Monday, May 12, 2008. While his disappointment was clearly obvious, he agreed to accept the new portfolio assignment. For Derrick to claim that I did not have the decency to discuss the matter with him is egregiously untrue.

I do not recall, but it is possible that, given the agility of local journalists and the fact that I would have held prior consultations to ascertain Colonel MacMillans availability and willingness, and to negotiate a vacancy in the Senate to facilitate his appointment, there may have been speculation in the media regarding the impending change. This may be what has led to the blurring of Derricks memory and his failure to recall that we met on Saturday, May 10, 2008.

Derrick draws a contrast between that experience and the JLPs decision to name Nigel Clarke as its candidate to replace him in North West St Andrew. In the latter case, he is reported as saying, the party leader, Andrew Holness, had the decency to discuss the matter and while it didnt end the way he had hoped, face-to-face, man-to-man discussions were held.

If, indeed, there had been speculation in the media in 2008 prior to my meeting with Derrick, the contrast escapes me because Derrick is quoted in The Gleaner of January 22, 2018, as saying, As we speak, nobody in the leadership of the party has mentioned anything to me about a likely replacement. I saw Clarkes name in The Gleaner this morning and I would believe a decent way to approach my replacement would be to have a discussion with me as to who I think fits the constituency.

Various references in the media, including The Sunday Gleaner story published on December 26, speak of Derricks dismissal in 2008. Derrick was not dismissed; he was reassigned to the Ministry of Mining and Telecommunications. Change in portfolio assignments is a prerogative that every prime minister has exercised in seeking to improve the effectiveness of the government.

BRUCE GOLDING

Former Prime Minister of

Jamaica

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Letter of the Day | Derrick Smith was reassigned, not dismissed - Jamaica Gleaner

A majority of Conservative voters at the last general election want Boris Johnson replaced as party leader and prime minister next year, a poll has found.

Sixty per cent of all voters said they backed the idea of the Tories ditching Mr Johnson 35 per cent were strongly in support.

More worryingly for the PM, strategic research firm Redfield & Wilton Strategies found a clear majority of Tory supporters have turned against him and want someone else in charge.

Fifty-three per cent of those who voted Tory in the 2019 election want him ousted from No10, according to the poll for MailOnline, 27 per cent in favour and 26 per cent strongly in favour.

Only 15 per cent of voters are opposed to the Tories getting rid of Mr Johnson and only 22 per cent of Tory voters are opposed to his removal.

Leading Conservatives have claimed that Tory MPs are now definitely having conversations on how to replace Mr Johnson in 2022 after a turbulent month on multiple fronts.

The PMs personal ratings have plummeted and the Tories have lost their poll lead to Labour following the Owen Paterson scandal, claims of parties held during last years Covid curbs and remaining questions over the funding of his flat.

The latest polls indicate that chancellor Rishi Sunakwould be the most popular replacement for Mr Johnson.

Forty-three per cent of adults surveyed said Mr Sunak would make a better prime minister.

By comparison, only 23 per cent of voters said foreign secretary Liz Truss another leading Tory touted for the job would make a better PM.

However, according to regular ConservativeHome surveys,Ms Truss remains the most popular cabinet member among Tory supporters. She maintains her commanding lead over other ministers a position she has held for over a year with a net satisfaction of +82.

Mr Johnsons opponents in the party would have to gather 55 signatures required for the powerful 1922 Committee of backbenchers to initiate a vote of no confidence in his leadership.

A majority of Tory MPs would then need to vote against Mr Johnson to spark a leadership contest decided by Tory party members.

One Conservative MP from a so-called red wall constituency toldThe Independent the polls would be the biggest factor in determining Mr Johnsons fate in 2022.

I dont think theres going to be any leadership push quickly, the backbencher said. The people who already want Boris out will let him keep finding a bit more rope. Its bad poll numbers that will rattle a wider group.

Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie hold video calls jab heroes Dr Laura Mount and carer Tom Jones on Christmas Day

(Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street)

The latest YouGov poll found that71 per cent of voters believe Mr Johnson was doing badly in his job approval ratings are now similar to those faced by Theresa May in the week before she was forced to resign.

This week, the audience at the WorldDartsChampionship chanted: Stand up if you hate Boris, while Leeds United fans were heard singing, Boris Johnsonis a c***, at the clubs match with Arsenal last weekend.

Mr Johnson and his wife Carrie were pictured on a sofa at Chequers, the prime ministers official country residence, speaking to NHS vaccination heroes on Christmas Day.

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Majority of Tory voters want Boris Johnson replaced in 2022, poll finds - The Independent