More than a thirdof England’smost deprived areas have been locked out of funding aimed at addressing inequality across the country, new research has revealed. Boris Johnson’s government is facing a legal battle over whether it has been funnelling money from its ￡4. 8bn “ Levelling-Up Fund ” into Conservative-held areas to give it a political advantage. The High Court will decide whether the fund unlawfully sent cash to areas considered to be of “ political benefit ” to the Tory Party following a