Leaders blasted the ‘shambles’ rules as gyms shut in Liverpool but remain open in Blackpool – while Lancashire’s leaders accused the government of ‘bullying’ and ‘blackmail’

Northern leaders erupted in fury today over new lockdown rules as they accused the government of “shambles”, “bullying” and “blackmail”.

It emerged Lancashire will follow Liverpool City Region into a Tier 3 lockdown – banning social gatherings and forcing all pubs that don’t operate as restaurants to shut.

But leaders in both regions were left furious after the details of the shutdown emerged at lunchtime.

Council leaders in Lancashire accused the government of “bullying” and “blackmail” after they were forced into accepting the status despite a lack of worker support.

Meanwhile, council leaders in the Liverpool City Region were angry that they will have to shut gyms while Lancashire do not.