fix: resolve conflicts for PR #421

Add audit vs cleanup phase tracking so reconciliation audits stay read-only
unless cleanup is explicitly authorized with delete capability proof, safety
proof, and before/after snapshots. Block gitea_delete_branch and merged-cleanup
execution during audit phase, validate final reports for false no-mutations
claims, and document the boundary in the reconcile-landed-pr workflow.

audit_reconciliation_mode.py

@@ -0,0 +1,344 @@
+"""Audit vs cleanup phase gates for reconciliation workflows (#419).
+
+Audit/reconciliation tasks are read-only unless a separate cleanup phase is
+explicitly authorized with exact capability proof, safety proof, and
+before/after snapshots. Cleanup mutations must be classified in final reports;
+audit reports must not claim ``no mutations`` when cleanup occurred.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import re
+from typing import Any
+
+RECONCILE_WORKFLOW_PATH = "workflows/reconcile-landed-pr.md"
+
+PHASE_AUDIT = "audit"
+PHASE_CLEANUP = "cleanup"
+
+# Tasks that enter audit phase on capability resolution (read-only default).
+AUDIT_PHASE_TASKS = frozenset({
+    "reconcile-landed-pr",
+    "reconcile_landed_pr",
+    "reconcile_issue_claims",
+    "reconcile_merged_cleanups",
+})
+
+# Mutation tasks forbidden during audit phase (fail closed).
+AUDIT_FORBIDDEN_TASKS = frozenset({
+    "delete_branch",
+    "create_branch",
+    "push_branch",
+    "create_pr",
+    "commit_files",
+    "gitea_commit_files",
+    "mark_issue",
+    "lock_issue",
+    "claim_issue",
+    "close_pr",
+    "close_issue",
+    "create_issue",
+    "merge_pr",
+    "review_pr",
+    "submit_pr_review",
+    "comment_pr",
+    "comment_issue",
+    "set_issue_labels",
+})
+
+# Shell/git commands audit phase must not run.
+AUDIT_FORBIDDEN_COMMAND_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:^|\s)(?:git\s+(?:push|branch\s+-D|worktree\s+remove)|"
+    r"gitea_delete_branch|delete_remote_branch)",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+
+_NO_MUTATIONS_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:no\s+mutations|mutations\s*:\s*none|no\s+unsafe\s+mutation)",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+_CLEANUP_OCCURRED_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:delete_remote_branch|remove_local_worktree|git\s+branch\s+-D|"
+    r"git\s+worktree\s+remove|remote branch.*deleted|worktree.*removed|"
+    r"cleanup\s+phase\s*:\s*(?!none\b)\S)",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+_EXTERNAL_STATE_RE = re.compile(
+    r"^\s*[-*]?\s*external[- ]state mutations\s*:",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+_GIT_REF_RE = re.compile(
+    r"^\s*[-*]?\s*git ref mutations\s*:",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+_CLEANUP_MUTATIONS_RE = re.compile(
+    r"^\s*[-*]?\s*cleanup mutations\s*:",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+_CLEANUP_PHASE_AUTH_RE = re.compile(
+    r"^\s*[-*]?\s*cleanup phase (?:authorized|authorization)\s*:\s*true",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+_DELETE_CAPABILITY_RE = re.compile(
+    r"^\s*[-*]?\s*delete.?branch capability(?: proven)?\s*:\s*true",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+_BEFORE_AFTER_RE = re.compile(
+    r"^\s*[-*]?\s*before/after (?:state )?snapshot\s*:",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+_SAFETY_PROOF_RE = re.compile(
+    r"^\s*[-*]?\s*(?:branch|worktree) safe to remove\s*:\s*true",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+
+_session: dict[str, Any] | None = None
+
+
+def _blank_session() -> dict[str, Any]:
+    return {
+        "phase": PHASE_AUDIT,
+        "entered_from_task": None,
+        "cleanup_authorized": False,
+        "cleanup_authorization": {},
+    }
+
+
+def current_phase() -> str | None:
+    """Return active reconciliation phase or None when unset."""
+    if not _session:
+        return None
+    return _session.get("phase")
+
+
+def active_record() -> dict[str, Any] | None:
+    """Return a copy of the session record, if any."""
+    return dict(_session) if _session else None
+
+
+def clear_phase() -> None:
+    """Clear reconciliation phase state."""
+    global _session
+    _session = None
+
+
+def enter_audit_phase(task: str) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Enter read-only audit phase for a reconciliation task."""
+    global _session
+    normalized = (task or "").strip().lower()
+    _session = _blank_session()
+    _session["entered_from_task"] = normalized
+    return dict(_session)
+
+
+def authorize_cleanup_phase(
+    *,
+    operator_approved: bool = False,
+    workflow_authorized: bool = False,
+    delete_capability_proven: bool = False,
+    safety_proof: dict[str, Any] | None = None,
+    before_after_snapshot: dict[str, Any] | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Authorize cleanup phase after explicit approval and safety proofs."""
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    if not (operator_approved or workflow_authorized):
+        reasons.append(
+            "cleanup phase requires operator approval or explicit workflow "
+            "authorization"
+        )
+    if not delete_capability_proven:
+        reasons.append(
+            "cleanup phase requires exact delete_branch capability proof "
+            "(gitea.branch.delete)"
+        )
+    safety = dict(safety_proof or {})
+    if not safety.get("safe_to_delete_remote") and not safety.get(
+        "safe_to_remove_worktree"
+    ):
+        reasons.append(
+            "cleanup phase requires proof that branch/worktree is safe to remove"
+        )
+    snapshot = dict(before_after_snapshot or {})
+    if not snapshot.get("before") or not snapshot.get("after"):
+        reasons.append(
+            "cleanup phase requires before/after state snapshot"
+        )
+
+    if reasons:
+        return {
+            "authorized": False,
+            "phase": current_phase() or PHASE_AUDIT,
+            "reasons": reasons,
+            "safe_next_action": (
+                "remain in audit-only mode or supply operator approval, "
+                "delete_branch capability proof, safety proof, and "
+                "before/after snapshot before cleanup"
+            ),
+        }
+
+    global _session
+    if _session is None:
+        _session = _blank_session()
+    _session["phase"] = PHASE_CLEANUP
+    _session["cleanup_authorized"] = True
+    _session["cleanup_authorization"] = {
+        "operator_approved": operator_approved,
+        "workflow_authorized": workflow_authorized,
+        "delete_capability_proven": delete_capability_proven,
+        "safety_proof": safety,
+        "before_after_snapshot": snapshot,
+    }
+    return {
+        "authorized": True,
+        "phase": PHASE_CLEANUP,
+        "reasons": [],
+        "cleanup_authorization": dict(_session["cleanup_authorization"]),
+        "safe_next_action": "proceed with authorized cleanup mutations only",
+    }
+
+
+def check_audit_task_enters_phase(task: str) -> bool:
+    """Return whether resolving *task* should enter audit phase."""
+    return (task or "").strip().lower() in AUDIT_PHASE_TASKS
+
+
+def check_audit_mutation_allowed(task: str) -> tuple[bool, list[str]]:
+    """Fail closed when a mutation task runs during audit phase."""
+    normalized = (task or "").strip().lower()
+    phase = current_phase()
+    if phase != PHASE_AUDIT:
+        return True, []
+    if normalized in AUDIT_FORBIDDEN_TASKS:
+        return False, [
+            f"task '{normalized}' is forbidden in audit-only reconciliation "
+            "mode: switch to an explicit cleanup phase with operator approval "
+            "and exact delete_branch capability proof before cleanup mutations"
+        ]
+    return True, []
+
+
+def check_cleanup_execution_allowed() -> tuple[bool, list[str]]:
+    """Fail closed when cleanup execution is attempted without authorization."""
+    phase = current_phase()
+    if phase == PHASE_CLEANUP and (_session or {}).get("cleanup_authorized"):
+        return True, []
+    if phase is None:
+        return False, [
+            "cleanup execution requires an active reconciliation session; "
+            "resolve a reconciliation audit task first"
+        ]
+    return False, [
+        "cleanup execution forbidden in audit-only reconciliation mode; "
+        "call gitea_authorize_reconciliation_cleanup_phase with operator "
+        "approval, delete_branch capability proof, safety proof, and "
+        "before/after snapshot"
+    ]
+
+
+def classify_cleanup_mutation(action: str) -> str:
+    """Map a cleanup action to the required mutation ledger category (#419)."""
+    normalized = (action or "").strip().lower()
+    if "delete_remote" in normalized or normalized in {
+        "delete_branch",
+        "gitea_delete_branch",
+    }:
+        return "external-state"
+    if "branch" in normalized and "delete" in normalized:
+        return "git-ref"
+    if "worktree" in normalized or "remove_local" in normalized:
+        return "cleanup"
+    return "cleanup"
+
+
+def assess_audit_reconciliation_report(report_text: str) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Validate audit/cleanup reconciliation reports (fail closed)."""
+    text = report_text or ""
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+
+    cleanup_occurred = bool(_CLEANUP_OCCURRED_RE.search(text))
+    claims_no_mutations = bool(_NO_MUTATIONS_RE.search(text))
+
+    if cleanup_occurred and claims_no_mutations:
+        reasons.append(
+            "report claims no mutations but documents cleanup mutations; "
+            "audit-only reports must not perform cleanup and cleanup reports "
+            "must not claim no mutations"
+        )
+
+    if cleanup_occurred:
+        if not _CLEANUP_PHASE_AUTH_RE.search(text):
+            reasons.append(
+                "cleanup mutations reported without "
+                "'Cleanup phase authorized: true'"
+            )
+        if not _DELETE_CAPABILITY_RE.search(text):
+            reasons.append(
+                "cleanup mutations reported without delete_branch capability "
+                "proof"
+            )
+        if not _BEFORE_AFTER_RE.search(text):
+            reasons.append(
+                "cleanup mutations reported without before/after state snapshot"
+            )
+        if not _SAFETY_PROOF_RE.search(text):
+            reasons.append(
+                "cleanup mutations reported without branch/worktree safety proof"
+            )
+
+        if re.search(r"delete_remote|remote branch.*delet", text, re.I):
+            if not _EXTERNAL_STATE_RE.search(text):
+                reasons.append(
+                    "remote branch deletion must be classified under "
+                    "External-state mutations"
+                )
+        if re.search(r"git\s+branch\s+-D|local branch.*delet", text, re.I):
+            if not _GIT_REF_RE.search(text):
+                reasons.append(
+                    "local branch deletion must be classified under "
+                    "Git ref mutations"
+                )
+        if re.search(r"worktree.*remov|remove_local_worktree", text, re.I):
+            if not _CLEANUP_MUTATIONS_RE.search(text):
+                reasons.append(
+                    "worktree removal must be classified under Cleanup mutations"
+                )
+
+    if (
+        RECONCILE_WORKFLOW_PATH.replace("workflows/", "") in text
+        or "reconcile-landed-pr" in text.lower()
+    ):
+        if cleanup_occurred and "audit phase" in text.lower():
+            if "cleanup phase" not in text.lower():
+                reasons.append(
+                    "report mixes audit phase with cleanup mutations without "
+                    "documenting cleanup phase transition"
+                )
+
+    proven = not reasons
+    return {
+        "proven": proven,
+        "block": not proven,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "cleanup_occurred": cleanup_occurred,
+        "claims_no_mutations": claims_no_mutations,
+        "safe_next_action": (
+            "proceed"
+            if proven
+            else "fix audit/cleanup report: separate audit from cleanup phase, "
+            "classify mutations, and do not claim no mutations after cleanup"
+        ),
+    }
+
+
+def assess_audit_command_allowed(command: str) -> tuple[bool, list[str]]:
+    """Block shell commands that perform cleanup during audit phase."""
+    phase = current_phase()
+    if phase != PHASE_AUDIT:
+        return True, []
+    cmd = (command or "").strip()
+    if AUDIT_FORBIDDEN_COMMAND_RE.search(cmd):
+        return False, [
+            f"command forbidden in audit-only reconciliation mode: {cmd!r}; "
+            "authorize cleanup phase before branch/worktree deletion or push"
+        ]
+    return True, []

docs/llm-workflow-runbooks.md

@@ -281,6 +281,21 @@ same-issue/same-operation lease blocks duplicate work. An expired lease still
 blocks takeover until a recovery review records why the prior work is abandoned,
 completed, or unsafe to continue.
 
+**Issue-lock recovery (#447):** Do not manually seed, restore, or delete
+`/tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json` as a normal recovery path. That file is global
+shared state and manual writes can clobber another session's live lease. Use
+`sanctioned recovery` instead:
+
+1. `gitea_lock_issue` on a clean `branches/` worktree (normal path).
+2. Own-branch adoption via #442 when the issue's exact branch is already pushed.
+3. Operator override only when explicitly authorized — record
+   `External-state mutations` and `operator override proof` in the final report.
+
+`gitea_create_pr` rejects lock files that lack sanctioned `lock_provenance`
+metadata. Final-report validation blocks handoffs that hide lock read/write/delete
+under `External-state mutations: none` or mix author PR creation with reviewer
+approval in one run. See also #438 (global lock redesign).
+
 Remote branches matching the issue number are also treated as active work unless
 the recovery review proves the branch is abandoned or superseded. Never delete
 or clean up a branch when it has an active lease, dirty worktree, open PR, or is

final_report_validator.py

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import inspect
 import re
 from typing import Any, Callable
 
+import issue_lock_provenance
 from review_proofs import (
     HANDOFF_HEADING,
     assess_controller_handoff,
@@ -870,6 +871,70 @@ def _rule_reviewer_mutation_ledger(
     )
 
 
+def _rule_shared_issue_lock_external_state(report_text: str) -> list[dict[str, str]]:
+    result = issue_lock_provenance.assess_issue_lock_external_state_report(report_text)
+    if result.get("proven"):
+        return []
+    return _findings_from_reasons(
+        "shared.issue_lock_external_state",
+        result.get("reasons") or [],
+        field="External-state mutations",
+        severity="block",
+        safe_next_action=(
+            "disclose gitea_issue_lock.json read/write/delete under "
+            "External-state mutations; never claim none after lock seeding"
+        ),
+    )
+
+
+def _rule_shared_manual_lock_pr_override(report_text: str) -> list[dict[str, str]]:
+    result = issue_lock_provenance.assess_manual_lock_pr_without_override(report_text)
+    if result.get("proven"):
+        return []
+    return _findings_from_reasons(
+        "shared.manual_lock_pr_override",
+        result.get("reasons") or [],
+        field="External-state mutations",
+        severity="block",
+        safe_next_action=(
+            "use gitea_lock_issue or #442 adoption instead of manual lock seeding; "
+            "if operator override was authorized, cite override proof"
+        ),
+    )
+
+
+def _rule_shared_author_reviewer_same_run(report_text: str) -> list[dict[str, str]]:
+    result = issue_lock_provenance.assess_author_reviewer_same_run_report(report_text)
+    if result.get("proven"):
+        return []
+    return _findings_from_reasons(
+        "shared.author_reviewer_same_run",
+        result.get("reasons") or [],
+        field="Review mutations",
+        severity="block",
+        safe_next_action=(
+            "split author PR creation and reviewer approval across separate "
+            "sessions and handoffs"
+        ),
+    )
+
+
+def _rule_audit_reconciliation_boundary(report_text: str) -> list[dict[str, str]]:
+    from audit_reconciliation_mode import assess_audit_reconciliation_report
+
+    result = assess_audit_reconciliation_report(report_text)
+    if result.get("proven"):
+        return []
+    return _findings_from_reasons(
+        "reconcile.audit_cleanup_boundary",
+        result.get("reasons") or [],
+        field="Audit/cleanup phase",
+        severity="block",
+        safe_next_action=result.get("safe_next_action")
+        or "separate audit from authorized cleanup and classify mutations",
+    )
+
+
 def _rule_reviewer_review_mutation(
     report_text: str,
     *,
@@ -889,10 +954,17 @@ def _rule_reviewer_review_mutation(
     )
 
 
+_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES = (
+    _rule_shared_issue_lock_external_state,
+    _rule_shared_manual_lock_pr_override,
+    _rule_shared_author_reviewer_same_run,
+)
+
 _RULES_BY_TASK: dict[str, list[Callable[..., list[dict[str, str]]]]] = {
     "review_pr": [
         _rule_shared_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
         _rule_reviewer_legacy_workspace_mutations,
         _rule_reviewer_vague_mutations_none,
         _rule_reviewer_mutation_categories,
@@ -913,6 +985,7 @@ _RULES_BY_TASK: dict[str, list[Callable[..., list[dict[str, str]]]]] = {
     "reconcile_already_landed": [
         _rule_reconcile_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
         _rule_reconcile_stale_author_fields,
         _rule_reconcile_eligible_reviewed,
         _rule_reconcile_linked_issue_live,
@@ -920,29 +993,35 @@ _RULES_BY_TASK: dict[str, list[Callable[..., list[dict[str, str]]]]] = {
         _rule_reviewer_git_fetch_readonly,
         _rule_reviewer_legacy_workspace_mutations,
         _rule_reviewer_vague_mutations_none,
+        _rule_audit_reconciliation_boundary,
     ],
     "author_issue": [
         _rule_shared_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
         _rule_reviewer_vague_mutations_none,
     ],
     "work_issue": [
         _rule_shared_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
         _rule_reviewer_vague_mutations_none,
     ],
     "issue_filing": [
         _rule_shared_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
     ],
     "inventory": [
         _rule_shared_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
         _rule_reconcile_pagination_proof,
     ],
     "issue_selection": [
         _rule_shared_controller_handoff,
         _rule_shared_email_disclosure,
+        *_SHARED_ISSUE_LOCK_RULES,
     ],
 }
 

gitea_mcp_server.py

@@ -538,12 +538,15 @@ import task_capability_map  # noqa: E402
 import review_proofs  # noqa: E402
 import agent_temp_artifacts
 import issue_lock_worktree  # noqa: E402
+import issue_lock_provenance  # noqa: E402
 import already_landed_reconcile  # noqa: E402
 import author_mutation_worktree  # noqa: E402
 import issue_claim_heartbeat  # noqa: E402
+import issue_work_duplicate_gate  # noqa: E402
 import merged_cleanup_reconcile  # noqa: E402
 import reconciler_profile  # noqa: E402
 import reconciliation_workflow  # noqa: E402
+import audit_reconciliation_mode  # noqa: E402
 import review_merge_state_machine  # noqa: E402
 import native_mcp_preference  # noqa: E402
 
@@ -585,7 +588,7 @@ def _load_existing_issue_lock() -> dict | None:
     if not os.path.exists(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE):
         return None
     try:
-        with open(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE, encoding="utf-8") as f:
+        with open(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             data = json.load(f)
         return data if isinstance(data, dict) else None
     except Exception:
@@ -679,6 +682,119 @@ def _branch_entry_name(branch: dict | str) -> str:
     return str(branch.get("name") or branch.get("ref") or "")
 
 
+def _live_fetch_issue_duplicate_context(
+    h: str,
+    o: str,
+    r: str,
+    auth: str,
+    issue_number: int,
+) -> tuple[list[dict], list[str], dict]:
+    """Live open PRs, remote branch names, and claim state for one issue."""
+    base = repo_api_url(h, o, r)
+    open_prs = api_get_all(f"{base}/pulls?state=open", auth)
+    branches = api_get_all(f"{base}/branches", auth)
+    branch_names = [_branch_entry_name(b) for b in branches]
+    issue = api_request("GET", f"{base}/issues/{issue_number}", auth) or {}
+    comments = api_request(
+        "GET", f"{base}/issues/{issue_number}/comments", auth
+    ) or []
+    claim_entry = issue_claim_heartbeat.classify_issue_claim(
+        issue=issue,
+        comments=comments,
+        open_prs=open_prs,
+        branch_names=branch_names,
+    )
+    return open_prs, branch_names, claim_entry
+
+
+# Injectable duplicate-work context fetcher (#400). Production uses the live
+# Gitea API path above; unit tests patch this symbol instead of hitting the
+# network.
+issue_duplicate_context_fetcher = _live_fetch_issue_duplicate_context
+
+
+def _collect_issue_duplicate_context(
+    h: str,
+    o: str,
+    r: str,
+    auth: str,
+    issue_number: int,
+) -> tuple[list[dict], list[str], dict]:
+    return issue_duplicate_context_fetcher(h, o, r, auth, issue_number)
+
+
+def _assess_issue_duplicate_gate(
+    issue_number: int,
+    *,
+    h: str,
+    o: str,
+    r: str,
+    auth: str,
+    locked_branch: str | None = None,
+    phase: str,
+) -> dict:
+    open_prs, branch_names, claim_entry = _collect_issue_duplicate_context(
+        h, o, r, auth, issue_number
+    )
+    return issue_work_duplicate_gate.assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+        issue_number,
+        open_prs=open_prs,
+        branch_names=branch_names,
+        claim_entry=claim_entry,
+        locked_branch=locked_branch,
+        phase=phase,
+    )
+
+
+def _duplicate_gate_block_response(gate: dict, **extra) -> dict:
+    out = {
+        "success": False,
+        "performed": False,
+        "reasons": list(gate.get("reasons") or []),
+        "duplicate_gate": gate,
+        "safe_next_action": gate.get("safe_next_action"),
+    }
+    out.update(extra)
+    return out
+
+
+def _enforce_locked_issue_duplicate_recheck(
+    remote: str,
+    phase: str,
+    *,
+    host: str | None = None,
+    org: str | None = None,
+    repo: str | None = None,
+) -> dict | None:
+    """Re-check duplicate-work gates for the locked issue (#400)."""
+    lock_data = _load_existing_issue_lock()
+    if not lock_data:
+        return None
+    issue_number = int(lock_data.get("issue_number") or 0)
+    locked_branch = lock_data.get("branch_name")
+    if not issue_number:
+        return None
+    h, o, r = _resolve(
+        remote or lock_data.get("remote") or "dadeschools",
+        host or lock_data.get("host"),
+        org or lock_data.get("org"),
+        repo or lock_data.get("repo"),
+    )
+    auth = _auth(h)
+    gate = _assess_issue_duplicate_gate(
+        issue_number,
+        h=h,
+        o=o,
+        r=r,
+        auth=auth,
+        locked_branch=locked_branch,
+        phase=phase,
+    )
+    if gate.get("block"):
+        return gate
+    return None
+
+
 def _reveal_endpoints() -> bool:
     """Admin/debug opt-in (#120): include endpoint URLs and token source
     names in tool output. Off by default so normal LLM-facing responses
@@ -1151,48 +1267,21 @@ def gitea_lock_issue(
             issue_lock_worktree.format_issue_lock_worktree_error(lock_assessment)
         )
 
-    # 2. Check if the issue already has an open PR (reuse protection)
     h, o, r = _resolve(remote, host, org, repo)
     auth = _auth(h)
-    url = f"{repo_api_url(h, o, r)}/pulls?state=open"
-
-    try:
-        prs = api_get_all(url, auth)
-    except Exception as e:
-        raise RuntimeError(f"Could not list open PRs to verify issue lock: {e}")
-
-    for pr in prs:
-        pr_head = pr.get("head", {}).get("ref", "")
-        pr_title = pr.get("title", "")
-        pr_body = pr.get("body", "")
-
-        if expected_pattern in pr_head:
-            raise ValueError(
-                f"Issue #{issue_number} is already tied to an open PR (PR #{pr.get('number')}, branch '{pr_head}') (fail closed)"
-            )
-
-        patterns = [
-            f"closes #{issue_number}",
-            f"fixes #{issue_number}",
-        ]
-        text_to_check = f"{pr_title} {pr_body}".lower()
-        if any(p in text_to_check for p in patterns):
-            raise ValueError(
-                f"Issue #{issue_number} is already tied to an open PR (PR #{pr.get('number')}) via Closes/Fixes reference (fail closed)"
-            )
-
-    branch_url = f"{repo_api_url(h, o, r)}/branches"
-    try:
-        branches = api_get_all(branch_url, auth)
-    except Exception as e:
-        raise RuntimeError(f"Could not list branches to verify issue lock: {e}")
-    for branch in branches:
-        name = _branch_entry_name(branch)
-        if expected_pattern in name:
-            raise ValueError(
-                f"Issue #{issue_number} already has matching branch '{name}' "
-                "(fail closed)"
-            )
+    duplicate_gate = _assess_issue_duplicate_gate(
+        issue_number,
+        h=h,
+        o=o,
+        r=r,
+        auth=auth,
+        locked_branch=branch_name,
+        phase=issue_work_duplicate_gate.PHASE_LOCK,
+    )
+    if duplicate_gate.get("block"):
+        raise ValueError("; ".join(duplicate_gate.get("reasons") or [
+            f"duplicate work gate blocked issue #{issue_number} (fail closed)"
+        ]))
 
     work_lease = _build_author_issue_work_lease(
         issue_number=issue_number,
@@ -1208,6 +1297,10 @@ def gitea_lock_issue(
         "repo": r,
         "worktree_path": resolved_worktree,
         "work_lease": work_lease,
+        "lock_provenance": issue_lock_provenance.build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+            tool="gitea_lock_issue",
+            claimant=work_lease.get("claimant"),
+        ),
     }
 
     try:
@@ -1238,6 +1331,39 @@ def gitea_lock_issue(
     return result
 
 
+@mcp.tool()
+def gitea_assess_work_issue_duplicate(
+    issue_number: int,
+    branch_name: str | None = None,
+    phase: str = issue_work_duplicate_gate.PHASE_LOCK,
+    remote: str = "dadeschools",
+    host: str | None = None,
+    org: str | None = None,
+    repo: str | None = None,
+) -> dict:
+    """Read-only duplicate-work gate for author sessions before mutations (#400)."""
+    read_block = _profile_operation_gate("gitea.read")
+    if read_block:
+        return {
+            "success": False,
+            "performed": False,
+            "reasons": read_block,
+            "permission_report": _permission_block_report("gitea.read"),
+        }
+    h, o, r = _resolve(remote, host, org, repo)
+    auth = _auth(h)
+    gate = _assess_issue_duplicate_gate(
+        issue_number,
+        h=h,
+        o=o,
+        r=r,
+        auth=auth,
+        locked_branch=branch_name,
+        phase=phase,
+    )
+    return {"success": not gate.get("block"), **gate}
+
+
 @mcp.tool()
 def gitea_create_pr(
     title: str,
@@ -1298,6 +1424,14 @@ def gitea_create_pr(
     except Exception as e:
         raise RuntimeError(f"Could not read issue lock file: {e} (fail closed)")
 
+    lock_provenance_check = issue_lock_provenance.assess_lock_file_for_create_pr(
+        lock_data
+    )
+    if lock_provenance_check["block"]:
+        raise RuntimeError(
+            issue_lock_provenance.format_lock_provenance_error(lock_provenance_check)
+        )
+
     locked_issue = lock_data.get("issue_number")
     locked_branch = lock_data.get("branch_name")
     locked_worktree = lock_data.get("worktree_path")
@@ -1329,6 +1463,21 @@ def gitea_create_pr(
             f"PR title or body must contain 'Closes #{locked_issue}' or 'Fixes #{locked_issue}' exactly to ensure durable tracking (fail closed)"
         )
 
+    duplicate_block = _enforce_locked_issue_duplicate_recheck(
+        remote,
+        issue_work_duplicate_gate.PHASE_CREATE_PR,
+        host=host,
+        org=org,
+        repo=repo,
+    )
+    if duplicate_block:
+        return _duplicate_gate_block_response(
+            duplicate_block,
+            number=None,
+            issue_number=locked_issue,
+            branch_name=locked_branch,
+        )
+
     auth = _auth(h)
     url = f"{repo_api_url(h, o, r)}/pulls"
     payload = {"title": title, "body": body, "head": head, "base": base}
@@ -2933,6 +3082,20 @@ def gitea_commit_files(
     if blocked:
         return blocked
 
+    duplicate_block = _enforce_locked_issue_duplicate_recheck(
+        remote,
+        issue_work_duplicate_gate.PHASE_COMMIT,
+        host=host,
+        org=org,
+        repo=repo,
+    )
+    if duplicate_block:
+        return _duplicate_gate_block_response(
+            duplicate_block,
+            commit="",
+            branch="",
+        )
+
     verify_preflight_purity(remote)
     processed_files, source_proofs = _prepare_commit_payload_files(files)
 
@@ -3518,6 +3681,18 @@ def gitea_delete_branch(
             "permission_report": _permission_block_report("gitea.branch.delete"),
         }
 
+    audit_allowed, audit_reasons = (
+        audit_reconciliation_mode.check_audit_mutation_allowed("delete_branch")
+    )
+    if not audit_allowed:
+        return {
+            "success": False,
+            "performed": False,
+            "required_permission": "gitea.branch.delete",
+            "reasons": audit_reasons,
+            "audit_phase": audit_reconciliation_mode.current_phase(),
+        }
+
     verify_preflight_purity(remote)
     h, o, r = _resolve(remote, host, org, repo)
     auth = _auth(h)
@@ -3587,6 +3762,18 @@ def gitea_reconcile_merged_cleanups(
             "execute_confirmed must be True when dry_run=False (fail closed)"
         )
 
+    if not dry_run:
+        exec_allowed, exec_reasons = (
+            audit_reconciliation_mode.check_cleanup_execution_allowed()
+        )
+        if not exec_allowed:
+            return {
+                "success": False,
+                "performed": False,
+                "reasons": exec_reasons,
+                "audit_phase": audit_reconciliation_mode.current_phase(),
+            }
+
     h, o, r = _resolve(remote, host, org, repo)
     auth = _auth(h)
     base = repo_api_url(h, o, r)
@@ -3669,6 +3856,53 @@ def gitea_reconcile_merged_cleanups(
     return {"success": True, "performed": True, **report}
 
 
+@mcp.tool()
+def gitea_authorize_reconciliation_cleanup_phase(
+    operator_approved: bool = False,
+    workflow_authorized: bool = False,
+    delete_capability_proven: bool = False,
+    safe_to_delete_remote: bool = False,
+    safe_to_remove_worktree: bool = False,
+    before_state: str = "",
+    after_state: str = "",
+) -> dict:
+    """Authorize cleanup phase after audit-only reconciliation (#419).
+
+    Requires operator or workflow approval, exact delete_branch capability proof,
+    branch/worktree safety proof, and before/after state snapshots. Audit phase
+    forbids branch deletion, worktree removal, pushes, and issue/PR mutations.
+    """
+    delete_gate = _profile_operation_gate("gitea.branch.delete")
+    capability_ok = not bool(delete_gate)
+    if delete_capability_proven and delete_gate:
+        return {
+            "authorized": False,
+            "performed": False,
+            "delete_capability_verified": False,
+            "reasons": [
+                "delete_capability_proven=true but active profile lacks "
+                "gitea.branch.delete",
+            ] + delete_gate,
+            "audit_phase": audit_reconciliation_mode.current_phase(),
+        }
+    result = audit_reconciliation_mode.authorize_cleanup_phase(
+        operator_approved=operator_approved,
+        workflow_authorized=workflow_authorized,
+        delete_capability_proven=delete_capability_proven and capability_ok,
+        safety_proof={
+            "safe_to_delete_remote": safe_to_delete_remote,
+            "safe_to_remove_worktree": safe_to_remove_worktree,
+        },
+        before_after_snapshot={
+            "before": (before_state or "").strip(),
+            "after": (after_state or "").strip(),
+        },
+    )
+    result["performed"] = bool(result.get("authorized"))
+    result["delete_capability_verified"] = capability_ok
+    return result
+
+
 @mcp.tool()
 def gitea_assess_already_landed_reconciliation(
     pr_number: int,
@@ -6775,6 +7009,9 @@ def gitea_resolve_task_capability(
     if reason_msg:
         result["reason"] = reason_msg
     role_session_router.sync_route_from_capability(result)
+    if audit_reconciliation_mode.check_audit_task_enters_phase(task):
+        phase_record = audit_reconciliation_mode.enter_audit_phase(task)
+        result["reconciliation_phase"] = phase_record.get("phase")
     was_terminal = capability_stop_terminal.is_active()
     terminal = capability_stop_terminal.sync_from_capability_result(result)
     if terminal:

issue_lock_provenance.py

@@ -0,0 +1,269 @@
+"""Issue-lock provenance and external-state disclosure (#447).
+
+Sanctioned locks are written only by ``gitea_lock_issue`` (or adoption recovery
+#442). Manual seeding of ``/tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json`` is unsafe and must be
+blocked at PR creation unless explicit operator override proof is recorded.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import re
+from datetime import datetime, timezone
+
+ISSUE_LOCK_FILE = os.environ.get("GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_FILE", "/tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json")
+
+SOURCE_LOCK_ISSUE = "gitea_lock_issue"
+SOURCE_LOCK_ADOPTION = "gitea_lock_issue_adoption"
+SOURCE_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE = "operator_override"
+
+SANCTIONED_LOCK_SOURCES = frozenset({
+    SOURCE_LOCK_ISSUE,
+    SOURCE_LOCK_ADOPTION,
+    SOURCE_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE,
+})
+
+_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE_ENV = "GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE"
+
+_ISSUE_LOCK_PATH_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:/tmp/)?gitea_issue_lock\.json",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+_LOCK_SEED_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:seed(?:ed|ing)?|restor(?:e|ed|ing)|wrote|written|write|programmatically|"
+    r"hand[- ]forg|manual(?:ly)?).{0,80}gitea_issue_lock",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.DOTALL,
+)
+_LOCK_REMOVE_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:\brm\b|remove|deleted?|unlink).{0,80}gitea_issue_lock",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.DOTALL,
+)
+_LOCK_READ_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:read|loaded?|parsed?).{0,80}gitea_issue_lock",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.DOTALL,
+)
+_EXTERNAL_NONE_RE = re.compile(
+    r"external[- ]state mutations\s*:\s*none\b",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+_EXTERNAL_FIELD_RE = re.compile(
+    r"external[- ]state mutations\s*:\s*(.+)$",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+_CLEANUP_ONLY_RE = re.compile(
+    r"cleanup mutations\s*:\s*(?:none|lock removed|removed issue lock)",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+_PR_CREATED_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:\bgitea_create_pr\b|PR\s*#\s*\d+\s+created|created\s+PR\s*#|opened\s+PR\s*#|"
+    r"PR\s+creation\s+(?:succeeded|complete))",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+_REVIEW_APPROVE_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:submitted\s+(?:['\"]approve['\"]|approve\s+review)|"
+    r"review decision\s*:\s*approve|approved\s+PR\s*#|gitea_review_pr.*approve)",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+_OVERRIDE_PROOF_RE = re.compile(
+    r"operator[- ]override\s+proof\s*:\s*(.+)$",
+    re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
+)
+
+
+def _utc_now_iso() -> str:
+    return datetime.now(timezone.utc).strftime("%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ")
+
+
+def build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+    *,
+    tool: str,
+    source: str = SOURCE_LOCK_ISSUE,
+    claimant: dict | None = None,
+    adoption: dict | None = None,
+) -> dict:
+    """Return provenance metadata stored with a sanctioned lock write."""
+    entry = {
+        "source": source,
+        "written_at": _utc_now_iso(),
+        "written_by_tool": tool,
+        "lock_file_path": ISSUE_LOCK_FILE,
+    }
+    if claimant:
+        entry["claimant"] = claimant
+    if adoption:
+        entry["adoption"] = adoption
+    return entry
+
+
+def operator_override_requested() -> bool:
+    return os.environ.get(_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE_ENV, "").strip().lower() in {
+        "1",
+        "true",
+        "yes",
+    }
+
+
+def build_operator_override_provenance(*, reason: str, claimant: dict | None = None) -> dict:
+    text = (reason or "").strip()
+    if not text:
+        raise ValueError(
+            "operator override requires a non-empty override reason (fail closed)"
+        )
+    entry = build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+        tool="operator_override",
+        source=SOURCE_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE,
+        claimant=claimant,
+    )
+    entry["override_reason"] = text
+    return entry
+
+
+def assess_lock_file_for_create_pr(lock_data: dict | None) -> dict:
+    """Fail closed when lock file lacks sanctioned provenance (#447)."""
+    data = lock_data if isinstance(lock_data, dict) else {}
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    provenance = data.get("lock_provenance")
+    if not isinstance(provenance, dict):
+        reasons.append(
+            "issue lock file lacks sanctioned lock_provenance; manual seeding is "
+            "not a normal recovery path — call gitea_lock_issue or use #442 adoption"
+        )
+        return _provenance_result(False, reasons, provenance)
+
+    source = str(provenance.get("source") or "").strip()
+    if source not in SANCTIONED_LOCK_SOURCES:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"issue lock provenance source '{source or '(missing)'}' is not sanctioned"
+        )
+
+    if source == SOURCE_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE and not str(
+        provenance.get("override_reason") or ""
+    ).strip():
+        reasons.append(
+            "operator_override lock provenance requires override_reason proof"
+        )
+
+    if not data.get("work_lease"):
+        reasons.append("issue lock file missing work_lease metadata")
+
+    if not str(provenance.get("written_by_tool") or "").strip():
+        reasons.append("issue lock provenance missing written_by_tool")
+
+    proven = not reasons
+    return _provenance_result(proven, reasons, provenance)
+
+
+def _provenance_result(proven: bool, reasons: list[str], provenance: dict | None) -> dict:
+    return {
+        "proven": proven,
+        "block": not proven,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "lock_provenance": provenance,
+    }
+
+
+def format_lock_provenance_error(assessment: dict) -> str:
+    reasons = "; ".join(assessment.get("reasons") or ["unknown lock provenance violation"])
+    return f"Issue lock provenance guard (#447): {reasons} (fail closed)"
+
+
+def _lock_activity_detected(text: str) -> dict[str, bool]:
+    body = text or ""
+    return {
+        "seed_or_restore": bool(_LOCK_SEED_RE.search(body)),
+        "remove": bool(_LOCK_REMOVE_RE.search(body)),
+        "read": bool(_LOCK_READ_RE.search(body)),
+    }
+
+
+def _external_state_discloses_lock(text: str) -> bool:
+    match = _EXTERNAL_FIELD_RE.search(text or "")
+    if not match:
+        return False
+    value = (match.group(1) or "").strip().lower()
+    if value in {"", "none", "n/a"}:
+        return False
+    return "lock" in value or "gitea_issue_lock" in value or "issue-lock" in value
+
+
+def assess_issue_lock_external_state_report(report_text: str) -> dict:
+    """Require explicit external-state disclosure for issue-lock mutations (#447)."""
+    text = report_text or ""
+    activity = _lock_activity_detected(text)
+    if not any(activity.values()):
+        return {"proven": True, "block": False, "reasons": [], "activity": activity}
+
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    disclosed = _external_state_discloses_lock(text)
+
+    if activity["seed_or_restore"] and _EXTERNAL_NONE_RE.search(text):
+        reasons.append(
+            "report mentions seeding/restoring gitea_issue_lock.json but claims "
+            "External-state mutations: none"
+        )
+    elif activity["seed_or_restore"] and not disclosed:
+        reasons.append(
+            "report mentions issue-lock file activity but External-state mutations "
+            "does not disclose read/write of gitea_issue_lock.json"
+        )
+
+    if activity["remove"]:
+        if _EXTERNAL_NONE_RE.search(text):
+            reasons.append(
+                "report mentions removing gitea_issue_lock.json but claims "
+                "External-state mutations: none"
+            )
+        elif not disclosed and _CLEANUP_ONLY_RE.search(text):
+            reasons.append(
+                "report removes issue lock but classifies it as cleanup only; "
+                "record under External-state mutations"
+            )
+        elif not disclosed:
+            reasons.append(
+                "report mentions deleting issue lock without External-state "
+                "mutation disclosure"
+            )
+
+    proven = not reasons
+    return {
+        "proven": proven,
+        "block": not proven,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "activity": activity,
+    }
+
+
+def assess_manual_lock_pr_without_override(report_text: str) -> dict:
+    """Block reports that created a PR via manual lock seed without override proof."""
+    text = report_text or ""
+    seeded = bool(_LOCK_SEED_RE.search(text))
+    created = bool(_PR_CREATED_RE.search(text))
+    if not (seeded and created):
+        return {"proven": True, "block": False, "reasons": []}
+
+    if _OVERRIDE_PROOF_RE.search(text):
+        return {"proven": True, "block": False, "reasons": []}
+
+    return {
+        "proven": False,
+        "block": True,
+        "reasons": [
+            "report created/opened a PR after manual issue-lock seeding without "
+            "operator override proof"
+        ],
+    }
+
+
+def assess_author_reviewer_same_run_report(report_text: str) -> dict:
+    """Reviewer handoff must not create and approve the same PR in one run (#447)."""
+    text = report_text or ""
+    if not (_PR_CREATED_RE.search(text) and _REVIEW_APPROVE_RE.search(text)):
+        return {"proven": True, "block": False, "reasons": []}
+    return {
+        "proven": False,
+        "block": True,
+        "reasons": [
+            "report mixes author-side PR creation and reviewer approval in one "
+            "final handoff; split author and reviewer sessions"
+        ],
+    }

issue_work_duplicate_gate.py

@@ -0,0 +1,180 @@
+"""Early duplicate-work detection for author work-issue sessions (#400)."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import Any
+
+import issue_claim_heartbeat as claim_hb
+
+PHASE_LOCK = "lock_issue"
+PHASE_COMMIT = "commit"
+PHASE_PUSH = "push"
+PHASE_CREATE_PR = "create_pr"
+
+OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED = "duplicate_pr_prevented"
+OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED = "duplicate_branch_prevented"
+OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED = "duplicate_commit_prevented"
+OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED = "duplicate_work_not_prevented"
+
+_ACTIVE_CLAIM_STATUSES = frozenset({"active", "awaiting_review"})
+
+
+def _issue_pattern(issue_number: int) -> str:
+    return f"issue-{int(issue_number)}"
+
+
+def _linked_open_pr(issue_number: int, open_prs: list[dict]) -> dict | None:
+    return claim_hb._linked_open_pr(issue_number, open_prs)
+
+
+def _matching_branches(
+    issue_number: int,
+    branch_names: list[str],
+    *,
+    locked_branch: str | None = None,
+) -> list[str]:
+    pattern = _issue_pattern(issue_number)
+    matches = [
+        name for name in (branch_names or [])
+        if pattern in (name or "").lower()
+    ]
+    if locked_branch:
+        locked = locked_branch.strip()
+        matches = [name for name in matches if name != locked]
+    return matches
+
+
+def assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+    issue_number: int,
+    *,
+    open_prs: list[dict] | None = None,
+    branch_names: list[str] | None = None,
+    claim_entry: dict | None = None,
+    locked_branch: str | None = None,
+    phase: str = PHASE_LOCK,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Fail closed when duplicate work is already in flight for an issue."""
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED
+    prs = list(open_prs or [])
+    branches = list(branch_names or [])
+    pattern = _issue_pattern(issue_number)
+
+    linked = _linked_open_pr(issue_number, prs)
+    if linked:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"open PR #{linked.get('number')} already covers issue "
+            f"#{issue_number} (fail closed)"
+        )
+        outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED
+
+    conflicting_branches = _matching_branches(
+        issue_number, branches, locked_branch=locked_branch
+    )
+    if conflicting_branches:
+        names = ", ".join(conflicting_branches[:5])
+        reasons.append(
+            f"remote branch(es) already match issue pattern '{pattern}': "
+            f"{names} (fail closed)"
+        )
+        if outcome == OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED:
+            outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED
+
+    entry = claim_entry or {}
+    if entry.get("linked_open_pr") and not linked:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"claim inventory reports open PR #{entry['linked_open_pr']} "
+            f"for issue #{issue_number} (fail closed)"
+        )
+        outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED
+
+    status = (entry.get("status") or "").strip().lower()
+    if status in _ACTIVE_CLAIM_STATUSES and not linked:
+        heartbeat = entry.get("latest_heartbeat") or {}
+        claim_branch = (heartbeat.get("branch") or "").strip()
+        if locked_branch and claim_branch and claim_branch != locked_branch:
+            reasons.append(
+                f"active claim lease on branch '{claim_branch}' blocks "
+                f"work on '{locked_branch}' for issue #{issue_number} "
+                "(fail closed)"
+            )
+            if outcome == OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED:
+                outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED
+        elif not locked_branch and status == "active":
+            reasons.append(
+                f"issue #{issue_number} has an active claim lease "
+                "(fail closed)"
+            )
+            if outcome == OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED:
+                outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED
+
+    if phase in {PHASE_COMMIT, PHASE_PUSH} and reasons:
+        if outcome == OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED:
+            outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED
+        elif outcome == OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED:
+            outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED
+
+    block = bool(reasons)
+    return {
+        "block": block,
+        "performed": not block,
+        "issue_number": issue_number,
+        "phase": phase,
+        "outcome": outcome,
+        "linked_open_pr": linked.get("number") if linked else entry.get("linked_open_pr"),
+        "conflicting_branches": conflicting_branches,
+        "claim_status": status or None,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "safe_next_action": (
+            "stop before mutating; preserve local work and produce a "
+            "reconciliation handoff if a concurrent PR appeared after push"
+            if block and phase == PHASE_CREATE_PR
+            else "stop before mutating; do not commit or push duplicate work"
+            if block
+            else "proceed"
+        ),
+    }
+
+
+def assess_work_issue_duplicate_report(report_text: str) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Require explicit duplicate-work outcome wording in work-issue reports."""
+    text = (report_text or "").lower()
+    markers = {
+        OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED: (
+            "duplicate pr prevented",
+            "duplicate_pr_prevented",
+        ),
+        OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED: (
+            "duplicate branch prevented",
+            "duplicate_branch_prevented",
+        ),
+        OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED: (
+            "duplicate commit prevented",
+            "duplicate_commit_prevented",
+        ),
+        OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED: (
+            "duplicate work not prevented",
+            "duplicate_work_not_prevented",
+            "no duplicate work",
+        ),
+    }
+    matched = [
+        key for key, phrases in markers.items()
+        if any(phrase in text for phrase in phrases)
+    ]
+    if len(matched) != 1:
+        return {
+            "complete": False,
+            "downgraded": True,
+            "reasons": [
+                "work-issue report must state exactly one duplicate-work "
+                "outcome (duplicate PR/branch/commit prevented, or "
+                "duplicate work not prevented)"
+            ],
+        }
+    return {
+        "complete": True,
+        "downgraded": False,
+        "outcome": matched[0],
+        "reasons": [],
+    }

review_proofs.py

@@ -3624,9 +3624,12 @@ def assess_work_issue_mode_isolation(report_text: str) -> dict:
 
 def assess_work_issue_final_report(report_text: str) -> dict:
     """#139: composite verifier for work-issue final reports."""
+    from issue_work_duplicate_gate import assess_work_issue_duplicate_report
+
     checks = {
         "workflow_source": assess_work_issue_workflow_source(report_text),
         "mode_isolation": assess_work_issue_mode_isolation(report_text),
+        "duplicate_work_outcome": assess_work_issue_duplicate_report(report_text),
     }
 
     reasons = []
@@ -5112,6 +5115,15 @@ def assess_pr_queue_cleanup_report(report_text: str | None) -> dict:
     return _assess(report_text or "")
 
 
+def assess_audit_reconciliation_report(report_text: str | None) -> dict:
+    """#419: validate audit vs cleanup reconciliation report boundaries."""
+    from audit_reconciliation_mode import (
+        assess_audit_reconciliation_report as _assess,
+    )
+
+    return _assess(report_text or "")
+
+
 _GATE_PASSED_VALUE = re.compile(r"\bpassed\b", re.I)
 
 _NOT_APPLICABLE_VALUE = re.compile(

skills/llm-project-workflow/workflows/reconcile-landed-pr.md

@@ -304,6 +304,40 @@ If any required mutation capability is missing:
 * include safe next action (profile switch, human close, or dedicated reconciler
   profile)
 
+## 15A. Audit vs cleanup phase (#419)
+
+Reconciliation audits are **read-only** unless a separate cleanup phase is
+explicitly authorized.
+
+**Audit phase forbids** (``audit_reconciliation_mode.check_audit_mutation_allowed``
+fails closed):
+
+* ``gitea_delete_branch``
+* ``git branch -D``
+* ``git worktree remove``
+* pushes
+* issue/PR mutations
+* file edits
+
+Dry-run merged-cleanup reconciliation (``gitea_reconcile_merged_cleanups`` with
+``dry_run=True``) stays in audit phase. Execution requires:
+
+1. Operator approval or workflow authorization
+2. Exact ``delete_branch`` capability proof (``gitea.branch.delete``)
+3. Proof branch/worktree is safe to remove
+4. Before/after state snapshot
+
+Call ``gitea_authorize_reconciliation_cleanup_phase`` before any cleanup
+mutation. Final reports must not claim ``no mutations`` if cleanup occurred.
+Classify cleanup mutations as:
+
+* remote branch deletion → **External-state mutations**
+* local branch deletion → **Git ref mutations**
+* worktree removal → **Cleanup mutations**
+
+``audit_reconciliation_mode.assess_audit_reconciliation_report`` validates
+these boundaries in final reports.
+
 ## 16. Mutation classification
 
 Use precise mutation categories in the final report:

skills/llm-project-workflow/workflows/work-issue.md

@@ -297,6 +297,36 @@ Report:
 
 Do not create another branch/PR for the same issue unless the project explicitly allows taking over or updating existing work and exact capability is proven.
 
+### 10A. Duplicate-work gate phases (#400)
+
+Before any file edits, prove duplicate-work clearance with
+`gitea_assess_work_issue_duplicate` or `gitea_lock_issue` (which runs the same
+gate). The gate checks live:
+
+* open PRs linked to the issue (head branch or Closes/Fixes reference),
+* remote branches matching `issue-<number>`,
+* active claim leases from structured heartbeats.
+
+Re-check immediately before:
+
+* `gitea_commit_files` (commit),
+* branch push,
+* `gitea_create_pr` (PR creation).
+
+If a concurrent open PR appears after work begins:
+
+* before commit/push → stop and preserve local work without pushing,
+* after commit but before push → stop without pushing,
+* after push but before PR creation → stop and produce a reconciliation
+  handoff instead of opening a PR.
+
+Final reports must state exactly one duplicate-work outcome:
+
+* `duplicate PR prevented`
+* `duplicate branch prevented`
+* `duplicate commit prevented`
+* `duplicate work not prevented`
+
 ## 11. Claim or lock the issue before implementation
 
 Claim/lock the issue before implementation if the project provides a claim/lock mechanism.
@@ -717,6 +747,12 @@ Use only precise categories:
 * External-state mutations:
 * Read-only diagnostics:
 
+Issue-lock file (`/tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json`) read/write/delete is always an
+external-state mutation. Never claim `External-state mutations: none` after
+seeding, restoring, or removing that file. Manual lock seeding is not a normal
+recovery path (#447); use `gitea_lock_issue` or the #442 adoption recovery path
+instead. Link broader redesign: #438.
+
 `git fetch`, `git remote update`, and any command that updates refs must be listed under `Git ref mutations`, not read-only diagnostics.
 
 If `git reset --hard`, checkout, clean, worktree add/remove, merge simulation, merge abort, or similar commands occurred, report them under `Worktree/index mutations`.

task_capability_map.py

@@ -104,6 +104,10 @@ TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP: dict[str, dict[str, str]] = {
         "permission": "gitea.read",
         "role": "author",
     },
+    "reconciliation_cleanup": {
+        "permission": "gitea.branch.delete",
+        "role": "author",
+    },
     "work_issue": {
         "permission": "gitea.pr.create",
         "role": "author",

tests/test_agent_temp_artifacts.py

@@ -80,7 +80,10 @@ class TestIssueLockArtifactWarning(unittest.TestCase):
     def tearDown(self):
         self._env_patcher.stop()
 
-    @patch("mcp_server.api_get_all", return_value=[])
+    @patch(
+        "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+        return_value=([], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}),
+    )
     @patch("mcp_server._auth", return_value="token x")
     @patch("mcp_server._resolve", return_value=("h", "o", "r"))
     @patch("mcp_server.ISSUE_LOCK_FILE", new_callable=lambda: tempfile.mktemp())

tests/test_audit_reconciliation_mode.py

@@ -0,0 +1,291 @@
+"""Tests for audit vs cleanup reconciliation mode (#419)."""
+import os
+import sys
+import unittest
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(__import__("pathlib").Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import audit_reconciliation_mode as arm
+import mcp_server
+from audit_reconciliation_mode import (
+    AUDIT_FORBIDDEN_TASKS,
+    PHASE_AUDIT,
+    PHASE_CLEANUP,
+    assess_audit_command_allowed,
+    assess_audit_reconciliation_report,
+    authorize_cleanup_phase,
+    check_audit_mutation_allowed,
+    check_cleanup_execution_allowed,
+    classify_cleanup_mutation,
+    clear_phase,
+    enter_audit_phase,
+)
+from final_report_validator import assess_final_report_validator
+from review_proofs import assess_audit_reconciliation_report as proofs_assess
+from task_capability_map import required_permission, required_role
+
+DELETE_PROFILE = {
+    "profile_name": "prgs-author-delete",
+    "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.branch.delete"],
+    "forbidden_operations": [],
+    "audit_label": "prgs-author-delete",
+}
+
+READ_PROFILE = {
+    "profile_name": "prgs-author",
+    "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.issue.comment"],
+    "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.branch.delete"],
+    "audit_label": "prgs-author",
+}
+
+READ_ENV = {
+    "GITEA_MCP_CONFIG": os.path.join(
+        os.path.dirname(__file__), "..", "profiles.json"
+    ),
+    "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": "prgs-author",
+}
+
+
+def _authorize_cleanup(**kwargs):
+    defaults = {
+        "operator_approved": True,
+        "delete_capability_proven": True,
+        "safety_proof": {"safe_to_delete_remote": True},
+        "before_after_snapshot": {
+            "before": "remote branch exists",
+            "after": "remote branch absent",
+        },
+    }
+    defaults.update(kwargs)
+    return authorize_cleanup_phase(**defaults)
+
+
+def _cleanup_report(**overrides):
+    base = (
+        "Task mode: reconcile-landed-pr\n"
+        "Workflow source: workflows/reconcile-landed-pr.md\n"
+        "Audit phase: read-only assessment\n"
+        "Cleanup phase authorized: true\n"
+        "Delete-branch capability proven: true\n"
+        "Branch safe to remove: true\n"
+        "Before/after state snapshot: remote branch feat/x present → absent\n"
+        "External-state mutations: deleted remote branch feat/x\n"
+        "Git ref mutations: none\n"
+        "Cleanup mutations: removed worktree branches/feat-x\n"
+    )
+    for key, value in overrides.items():
+        base = base.replace(key, value)
+    return base
+
+
+class TestAuditPhaseGates(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        clear_phase()
+        enter_audit_phase("reconcile-landed-pr")
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        clear_phase()
+
+    def test_audit_blocks_delete_branch_task(self):
+        allowed, reasons = check_audit_mutation_allowed("delete_branch")
+        self.assertFalse(allowed)
+        self.assertTrue(reasons)
+
+    def test_audit_blocks_worktree_shell_commands(self):
+        allowed, reasons = assess_audit_command_allowed(
+            "git worktree remove branches/feat-x"
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(allowed)
+        self.assertTrue(reasons)
+
+    def test_audit_blocks_local_branch_delete_command(self):
+        allowed, reasons = assess_audit_command_allowed("git branch -D feat/x")
+        self.assertFalse(allowed)
+
+    def test_audit_allows_read_tasks(self):
+        allowed, _ = check_audit_mutation_allowed("reconcile_landed_pr")
+        self.assertTrue(allowed)
+
+    def test_forbidden_set_covers_issue_and_pr_mutations(self):
+        for task in ("close_pr", "comment_issue", "commit_files", "push_branch"):
+            self.assertIn(task, AUDIT_FORBIDDEN_TASKS)
+
+
+class TestCleanupAuthorization(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        clear_phase()
+        enter_audit_phase("reconcile_merged_cleanups")
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        clear_phase()
+
+    def test_cleanup_without_approval_blocked(self):
+        result = authorize_cleanup_phase(
+            delete_capability_proven=True,
+            safety_proof={"safe_to_delete_remote": True},
+            before_after_snapshot={"before": "a", "after": "b"},
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["authorized"])
+
+    def test_cleanup_without_capability_proof_blocked(self):
+        result = _authorize_cleanup(delete_capability_proven=False)
+        self.assertFalse(result["authorized"])
+
+    def test_cleanup_without_snapshot_blocked(self):
+        result = _authorize_cleanup(before_after_snapshot={"before": "", "after": ""})
+        self.assertFalse(result["authorized"])
+
+    def test_authorized_cleanup_switches_phase(self):
+        result = _authorize_cleanup()
+        self.assertTrue(result["authorized"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["phase"], PHASE_CLEANUP)
+
+    def test_cleanup_execution_allowed_only_after_authorization(self):
+        self.assertFalse(check_cleanup_execution_allowed()[0])
+        _authorize_cleanup()
+        self.assertTrue(check_cleanup_execution_allowed()[0])
+
+
+class TestReportVerifier(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_false_no_mutations_after_cleanup_blocked(self):
+        report = (
+            "Task mode: reconcile-landed-pr\n"
+            "No mutations performed.\n"
+            "delete_remote_branch feat/dup\n"
+        )
+        result = assess_audit_reconciliation_report(report)
+        self.assertFalse(result["proven"])
+        self.assertIn("no mutations", result["reasons"][0].lower())
+
+    def test_cleanup_without_authorization_fields_blocked(self):
+        report = (
+            "Task mode: reconcile-landed-pr\n"
+            "remove_local_worktree branches/feat-x\n"
+        )
+        result = assess_audit_reconciliation_report(report)
+        self.assertFalse(result["proven"])
+
+    def test_authorized_cleanup_report_passes(self):
+        result = assess_audit_reconciliation_report(_cleanup_report())
+        self.assertTrue(result["proven"])
+
+    def test_mutation_classification_enforced(self):
+        report = (
+            "Task mode: reconcile-landed-pr\n"
+            "Cleanup phase authorized: true\n"
+            "Delete-branch capability proven: true\n"
+            "Branch safe to remove: true\n"
+            "Before/after state snapshot: present\n"
+            "remove_local_worktree branches/feat-x\n"
+        )
+        result = assess_audit_reconciliation_report(report)
+        self.assertFalse(result["proven"])
+
+    def test_proofs_export_matches_module(self):
+        report = "No mutations performed.\ndelete_remote_branch feat/dup"
+        self.assertEqual(
+            proofs_assess(report)["proven"],
+            assess_audit_reconciliation_report(report)["proven"],
+        )
+
+    def test_final_report_validator_includes_boundary_rule(self):
+        report = "No mutations performed.\ndelete_remote_branch feat/dup"
+        result = assess_final_report_validator(
+            report_text=report,
+            task_kind="reconcile_already_landed",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["blocked"])
+        rule_ids = [f["rule_id"] for f in result["findings"]]
+        self.assertIn("reconcile.audit_cleanup_boundary", rule_ids)
+
+
+class TestMutationClassification(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_remote_delete_is_external_state(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            classify_cleanup_mutation("delete_remote_branch"),
+            "external-state",
+        )
+
+    def test_worktree_remove_is_cleanup(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            classify_cleanup_mutation("remove_local_worktree"),
+            "cleanup",
+        )
+
+
+class TestMcpGates(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        clear_phase()
+        enter_audit_phase("reconcile_merged_cleanups")
+        self.mock_api = patch("mcp_server.api_request").start()
+        self.mock_auth = patch(
+            "mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token test"
+        ).start()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        patch.stopall()
+        clear_phase()
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+
+    @patch.dict(os.environ, READ_ENV, clear=True)
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value=DELETE_PROFILE)
+    def test_delete_branch_blocked_in_audit_phase(self, _profile):
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="author")
+        result = mcp_server.gitea_delete_branch(branch="feat/dup", remote="prgs")
+        self.assertFalse(result["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["audit_phase"], PHASE_AUDIT)
+        self.mock_api.assert_not_called()
+
+    @patch.dict(os.environ, READ_ENV, clear=True)
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value=DELETE_PROFILE)
+    def test_reconcile_execute_blocked_without_cleanup_auth(self, _profile):
+        with self.assertRaises(ValueError):
+            mcp_server.gitea_reconcile_merged_cleanups(
+                dry_run=False,
+                execute_confirmed=False,
+                remote="prgs",
+            )
+
+    @patch.dict(os.environ, READ_ENV, clear=True)
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value=READ_PROFILE)
+    def test_cleanup_auth_fails_without_delete_capability(self, _profile):
+        result = mcp_server.gitea_authorize_reconciliation_cleanup_phase(
+            operator_approved=True,
+            delete_capability_proven=True,
+            safe_to_delete_remote=True,
+            before_state="exists",
+            after_state="gone",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["authorized"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["delete_capability_verified"])
+
+    @patch.dict(os.environ, READ_ENV, clear=True)
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value=DELETE_PROFILE)
+    def test_delete_branch_allowed_after_cleanup_authorization(self, _profile):
+        mcp_server.gitea_authorize_reconciliation_cleanup_phase(
+            operator_approved=True,
+            delete_capability_proven=True,
+            safe_to_delete_remote=True,
+            before_state="exists",
+            after_state="gone",
+        )
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="author")
+        self.mock_api.return_value = {}
+        result = mcp_server.gitea_delete_branch(branch="feat/dup", remote="prgs")
+        self.assertTrue(result["success"])
+
+
+class TestTaskCapabilityMap(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_reconciliation_cleanup_maps_delete_permission(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            required_permission("reconciliation_cleanup"),
+            "gitea.branch.delete",
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(required_role("reconciliation_cleanup"), "author")
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_commit_files_capability.py

@@ -76,7 +76,14 @@ class CommitFilesCapabilityBase(unittest.TestCase):
         with open(self.config_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
             fh.write(json.dumps(CONFIG))
 
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher = patch(
+            "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+            return_value=([], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}),
+        )
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher.start()
+
     def tearDown(self):
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher.stop()
         self._remotes.stop()
         mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
         mcp_server._preflight_whoami_called, mcp_server._preflight_capability_called = (

tests/test_commit_payloads.py

@@ -67,6 +67,15 @@ class TestCommitPayloads(unittest.TestCase):
         self.locked_worktree_path = os.path.realpath(self.locked_worktree_dir.name)
 
         self.lock_file_path = "/tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json"
+        import issue_lock_provenance
+
+        work_lease = {
+            "operation_type": "author_issue_work",
+            "issue_number": 263,
+            "branch": "feat/issue-263-native-commit-payloads",
+            "claimant": {"username": "test-user", "profile": "test-author"},
+            "expires_at": "2999-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+        }
         self.lock_data = {
             "issue_number": 263,
             "branch_name": "feat/issue-263-native-commit-payloads",
@@ -74,6 +83,11 @@ class TestCommitPayloads(unittest.TestCase):
             "org": "Example-Org",
             "repo": "Example-Repo",
             "worktree_path": self.locked_worktree_path,
+            "work_lease": work_lease,
+            "lock_provenance": issue_lock_provenance.build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+                tool="gitea_lock_issue",
+                claimant=work_lease.get("claimant"),
+            ),
         }
         with open(self.lock_file_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
             fh.write(json.dumps(self.lock_data))
@@ -84,7 +98,14 @@ class TestCommitPayloads(unittest.TestCase):
         mcp_server._preflight_whoami_called = True
         mcp_server._preflight_capability_called = True
 
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher = patch(
+            "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+            return_value=([], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}),
+        )
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher.start()
+
     def tearDown(self):
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher.stop()
         self._remotes.stop()
         mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
 

tests/test_issue_lock_provenance.py

@@ -0,0 +1,130 @@
+"""Tests for issue-lock provenance and external-state disclosure (#447)."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import sys
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import issue_lock_provenance as ilp  # noqa: E402
+from final_report_validator import assess_final_report_validator  # noqa: E402
+
+
+def _sanctioned_lock(**overrides):
+    work_lease = {
+        "operation_type": "author_issue_work",
+        "issue_number": 447,
+        "branch": "feat/issue-447-lock-provenance",
+        "claimant": {"username": "jcwalker3", "profile": "prgs-author"},
+        "expires_at": "2999-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+    }
+    data = {
+        "issue_number": 447,
+        "branch_name": "feat/issue-447-lock-provenance",
+        "work_lease": work_lease,
+        "lock_provenance": ilp.build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+            tool="gitea_lock_issue",
+            claimant=work_lease["claimant"],
+        ),
+    }
+    data.update(overrides)
+    return data
+
+
+class TestLockProvenanceForCreatePr(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_sanctioned_lock_passes(self):
+        result = ilp.assess_lock_file_for_create_pr(_sanctioned_lock())
+        self.assertTrue(result["proven"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["block"])
+
+    def test_manual_seed_without_provenance_blocked(self):
+        result = ilp.assess_lock_file_for_create_pr(
+            {"issue_number": 420, "branch_name": "feat/x", "work_lease": {}}
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertIn("lock_provenance", result["reasons"][0])
+
+    def test_operator_override_requires_reason(self):
+        result = ilp.assess_lock_file_for_create_pr(
+            _sanctioned_lock(
+                lock_provenance=ilp.build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+                    tool="operator_override",
+                    source=ilp.SOURCE_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE,
+                )
+            )
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+
+class TestExternalStateReportRules(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_seed_with_external_none_blocked(self):
+        report = (
+            "Restored /tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json to unblock PR creation.\n"
+            "- External-state mutations: none\n"
+        )
+        result = ilp.assess_issue_lock_external_state_report(report)
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+    def test_seed_with_disclosure_passes(self):
+        report = (
+            "Restored /tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json after MCP restart.\n"
+            "- External-state mutations: wrote /tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json\n"
+        )
+        result = ilp.assess_issue_lock_external_state_report(report)
+        self.assertTrue(result["proven"])
+
+    def test_remove_claimed_as_cleanup_only_blocked(self):
+        report = (
+            "rm /tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json after PR creation.\n"
+            "- Cleanup mutations: lock removed\n"
+            "- External-state mutations: none\n"
+        )
+        result = ilp.assess_issue_lock_external_state_report(report)
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+    def test_manual_lock_pr_without_override_blocked(self):
+        report = (
+            "Programmatically seeded gitea_issue_lock.json then gitea_create_pr.\n"
+            "PR #444 created.\n"
+        )
+        result = ilp.assess_manual_lock_pr_without_override(report)
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+    def test_author_reviewer_same_run_blocked(self):
+        report = (
+            "gitea_create_pr opened PR #444.\n"
+            "Submitted approve review on PR #444.\n"
+        )
+        result = ilp.assess_author_reviewer_same_run_report(report)
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+
+class TestFinalReportValidatorIntegration(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_work_issue_blocks_hidden_lock_mutation(self):
+        report = (
+            "## Controller Handoff\n"
+            "- Task: work issue #420\n"
+            "- External-state mutations: none\n"
+            "Restored /tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json before PR creation.\n"
+        )
+        result = assess_final_report_validator(report, "work_issue")
+        rule_ids = {f["rule_id"] for f in result["findings"]}
+        self.assertIn("shared.issue_lock_external_state", rule_ids)
+        self.assertTrue(result["blocked"])
+
+    def test_review_pr_blocks_create_and_approve(self):
+        report = (
+            "## Controller Handoff\n"
+            "- Task: review PR #444\n"
+            "- Review decision: approve\n"
+            "Created PR #444 via gitea_create_pr earlier in this run.\n"
+        )
+        result = assess_final_report_validator(report, "review_pr")
+        rule_ids = {f["rule_id"] for f in result["findings"]}
+        self.assertIn("shared.author_reviewer_same_run", rule_ids)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_work_duplicate_gate.py

@@ -0,0 +1,251 @@
+"""Tests for early duplicate-work detection (#400)."""
+import json
+import os
+import sys
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import issue_work_duplicate_gate as dup_gate
+import mcp_server
+from issue_work_duplicate_gate import (
+    OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED,
+    OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED,
+    OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED,
+    OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED,
+    PHASE_COMMIT,
+    PHASE_CREATE_PR,
+    PHASE_LOCK,
+    assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate,
+    assess_work_issue_duplicate_report,
+)
+
+
+class TestDuplicateGateAssessment(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_clear_issue_passes(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            400,
+            open_prs=[],
+            branch_names=["feat/other-issue-99"],
+            claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+            locked_branch="feat/issue-400-duplicate-work-preflight",
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["block"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED)
+
+    def test_open_pr_blocks(self):
+        prs = [{
+            "number": 397,
+            "title": "feat: handoff",
+            "body": "Closes #395",
+            "head": {"ref": "feat/issue-395-proof-backed-review-handoff"},
+        }]
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            395,
+            open_prs=prs,
+            branch_names=[],
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED)
+
+    def test_conflicting_remote_branch_blocks(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            395,
+            open_prs=[],
+            branch_names=["feat/issue-395-proof-backed-handoff-claims"],
+            locked_branch="feat/issue-395-new-attempt",
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_BRANCH_PREVENTED)
+
+    def test_active_claim_on_other_branch_blocks(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            398,
+            open_prs=[],
+            branch_names=[],
+            claim_entry={
+                "status": "active",
+                "latest_heartbeat": {
+                    "branch": "feat/issue-398-validation-cwd-proof",
+                },
+            },
+            locked_branch="feat/issue-398-other-branch",
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+    def test_commit_phase_maps_to_commit_outcome(self):
+        prs = [{
+            "number": 411,
+            "title": "x",
+            "body": "Closes #398",
+            "head": {"ref": "feat/issue-398-validation-cwd-proof"},
+        }]
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            398,
+            open_prs=prs,
+            branch_names=[],
+            locked_branch="feat/issue-398-alt",
+            phase=PHASE_COMMIT,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED)
+
+    def test_stale_claim_does_not_block_by_status_alone(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            400,
+            open_prs=[],
+            branch_names=[],
+            claim_entry={"status": "reclaimable", "reasons": ["stale"]},
+            locked_branch="feat/issue-400-duplicate-work-preflight",
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["block"])
+
+
+class TestDuplicateReportOutcome(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_requires_exactly_one_outcome(self):
+        bad = assess_work_issue_duplicate_report("work finished")
+        self.assertFalse(bad["complete"])
+
+        good = assess_work_issue_duplicate_report(
+            "Duplicate work not prevented for issue #400."
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(good["complete"])
+        self.assertEqual(good["outcome"], OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED)
+
+
+class TestInjectableDuplicateFetcher(unittest.TestCase):
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token x")
+    def test_lock_issue_uses_injected_fetcher(self, _auth):
+        seen = {}
+
+        def fetcher(h, o, r, auth, issue_number):
+            seen["issue_number"] = issue_number
+            return [], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}
+
+        with patch(
+            "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+            side_effect=fetcher,
+        ), patch(
+            "mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
+            return_value={
+                "current_branch": "master",
+                "porcelain_status": "",
+                "base_equivalent": True,
+            },
+        ), patch.dict(os.environ, {
+            "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "gitea.issue.comment",
+        }, clear=True):
+            with patch.object(mcp_server, "ISSUE_LOCK_FILE", tempfile.mktemp()):
+                mcp_server.gitea_lock_issue(
+                    issue_number=400,
+                    branch_name="feat/issue-400-duplicate-work-preflight",
+                    remote="prgs",
+                )
+        self.assertEqual(seen["issue_number"], 400)
+
+
+class TestMcpDuplicateRecheck(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._dir = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.lock_path = os.path.join(self._dir.name, "gitea_issue_lock.json")
+        self._lock_patch = patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "ISSUE_LOCK_FILE", self.lock_path
+        )
+        self._lock_patch.start()
+        self._remotes = patch.dict(mcp_server.REMOTES, {
+            "prgs": {"host": "gitea.example.com", "org": "Example-Org",
+                     "repo": "Example-Repo"},
+        })
+        self._remotes.start()
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        patch.stopall()
+        self._dir.cleanup()
+
+    def _write_lock(self, issue_number=400, branch="feat/issue-400-x"):
+        with open(self.lock_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+            json.dump({
+                "issue_number": issue_number,
+                "branch_name": branch,
+                "remote": "prgs",
+            }, fh)
+
+    @patch("mcp_server._assess_issue_duplicate_gate")
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value={
+        "profile_name": "test-author",
+        "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.repo.commit"],
+        "forbidden_operations": [],
+        "audit_label": "test-author",
+    })
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token x")
+    def test_commit_files_blocked_on_recheck(self, _auth, _profile, mock_gate):
+        self._write_lock()
+        mock_gate.return_value = {
+            "block": True,
+            "reasons": ["open PR #412 already covers issue #400"],
+            "outcome": OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_COMMIT_PREVENTED,
+            "safe_next_action": "stop",
+        }
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="author")
+        with patch(
+            "mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
+            return_value=(True, []),
+        ):
+            result = mcp_server.gitea_commit_files(
+                files=[{
+                    "operation": "create",
+                    "path": "a.txt",
+                    "content_plain": "hi",
+                }],
+                message="test",
+                remote="prgs",
+            )
+        self.assertFalse(result["success"])
+        self.assertIn("duplicate_gate", result)
+
+    @patch("mcp_server._assess_issue_duplicate_gate")
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value={
+        "profile_name": "test-author",
+        "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.create"],
+        "forbidden_operations": [],
+        "audit_label": "test-author",
+    })
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token x")
+    def test_create_pr_returns_handoff_on_duplicate(self, _auth, _profile, mock_gate):
+        self._write_lock()
+        mock_gate.return_value = {
+            "block": True,
+            "reasons": ["open PR #412 already covers issue #400"],
+            "outcome": OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED,
+            "safe_next_action": "reconciliation handoff",
+        }
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="author")
+        with patch(
+            "mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
+            return_value=(True, []),
+        ):
+            result = mcp_server.gitea_create_pr(
+                title="feat: x (Closes #400)",
+                head="feat/issue-400-x",
+                base="master",
+                body="Closes #400",
+                remote="prgs",
+            )
+        self.assertFalse(result["success"])
+        self.assertIsNone(result.get("number"))
+        self.assertIn("duplicate_gate", result)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_llm_workflow_split.py

@@ -87,6 +87,14 @@ def test_reconcile_landed_workflow_contract():
     assert "PARTIAL_RECONCILE_COMMENT_THEN_STOP" in text
     assert "RECOVERY_HANDOFF_ONLY" in text
     assert "resolve_partial_reconciliation_plan" in text
+    assert "check_audit_mutation_allowed" in text
+    assert "gitea_authorize_reconciliation_cleanup_phase" in text
+
+
+def test_audit_reconciliation_verifier_exported():
+    from review_proofs import assess_audit_reconciliation_report
+
+    assert callable(assess_audit_reconciliation_report)
 
 
 def test_create_issue_workflow_contract():

tests/test_mcp_server.py

@@ -101,17 +101,36 @@ ISSUE_LOCK_FILE = "/tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json"
 
 
 def _sample_issue_lock(issue_number=123, branch_name="feat/x", **overrides):
+    import issue_lock_provenance
+
+    work_lease = {
+        "operation_type": "author_issue_work",
+        "issue_number": issue_number,
+        "branch": branch_name,
+        "claimant": {"username": "test-user", "profile": "test-author"},
+        "expires_at": "2999-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+    }
     record = {
         "issue_number": issue_number,
         "branch_name": branch_name,
         "remote": "dadeschools",
         "org": "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
         "repo": "Gitea-Tools",
+        "work_lease": work_lease,
+        "lock_provenance": issue_lock_provenance.build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+            tool="gitea_lock_issue",
+            claimant=work_lease.get("claimant"),
+        ),
     }
     record.update(overrides)
     return record
 
 
+def _clear_duplicate_context_fetcher(*_args, **_kwargs):
+    """Default injectable duplicate-work context for lock/create_pr tests."""
+    return [], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}
+
+
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Create Issue
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -166,13 +185,17 @@ class TestCreateIssue(unittest.TestCase):
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 class TestCreatePR(unittest.TestCase):
 
+    @patch(
+        "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+        return_value=([], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}),
+    )
     @patch("mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
            return_value=(True, []))
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
     @patch("os.path.exists", return_value=True)
     @patch("builtins.open")
-    def test_creates_pr(self, mock_open, mock_exists, _auth, mock_api, _role):
+    def test_creates_pr(self, mock_open, mock_exists, _auth, mock_api, _role, _dup_fetcher):
         lock_json = json.dumps(_sample_issue_lock(issue_number=123, branch_name="feat/x"))
         mock_open.return_value.__enter__.return_value.read.return_value = lock_json
         mock_api.return_value = {"number": 3, "html_url": "https://example.com/pulls/3"}
@@ -187,13 +210,17 @@ class TestCreatePR(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(payload["base"], "main")
         self.assertIn("Closes #123", payload["title"])
 
+    @patch(
+        "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+        return_value=([], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}),
+    )
     @patch("mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
            return_value=(True, []))
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
     @patch("os.path.exists", return_value=True)
     @patch("builtins.open")
-    def test_create_pr_reveal_opt_in_includes_url(self, mock_open, mock_exists, _auth, mock_api, _role):
+    def test_create_pr_reveal_opt_in_includes_url(self, mock_open, mock_exists, _auth, mock_api, _role, _dup_fetcher):
         lock_json = json.dumps(_sample_issue_lock(issue_number=123, branch_name="feat/x"))
         mock_open.return_value.__enter__.return_value.read.return_value = lock_json
         mock_api.return_value = {"number": 3, "html_url": "https://example.com/pulls/3"}
@@ -3044,8 +3071,14 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
     def setUp(self):
         self._env_patcher = patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=True)
         self._env_patcher.start()
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher = patch(
+            "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+            return_value=([], [], {"status": "not_claimed"}),
+        )
+        self.mock_dup_fetcher = self._dup_fetcher_patcher.start()
 
     def tearDown(self):
+        self._dup_fetcher_patcher.stop()
         self._env_patcher.stop()
         if os.path.exists(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE):
             os.remove(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE)
@@ -3054,10 +3087,8 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
         "mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
         return_value=_clean_master_git_state_for_lock(),
     )
-    @patch("mcp_server.api_get_all")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
-    def test_lock_issue_success(self, _auth, mock_api, _git_state):
-        mock_api.return_value = [] # no open PRs
+    def test_lock_issue_success(self, _auth, _git_state):
         res = gitea_lock_issue(issue_number=196, branch_name="feat/issue-196-mutations", remote="prgs")
         self.assertTrue(res["success"])
         self.assertEqual(res["work_lease"]["operation_type"], "author_issue_work")
@@ -3082,50 +3113,48 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
         "mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
         return_value=_clean_master_git_state_for_lock(),
     )
-    @patch("mcp_server.api_get_all")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
-    def test_lock_issue_reused_by_open_pr_branch(self, _auth, mock_api, _git_state):
-        mock_api.return_value = [{
+    def test_lock_issue_reused_by_open_pr_branch(self, _auth, _git_state):
+        self.mock_dup_fetcher.return_value = ([{
             "number": 200,
             "head": {"ref": "feat/issue-196-boundary"},
             "title": "Some PR",
-            "body": "No closes ref"
-        }]
+            "body": "No closes ref",
+        }], [], {"status": "not_claimed"})
         with self.assertRaises(ValueError) as ctx:
             gitea_lock_issue(issue_number=196, branch_name="feat/issue-196-mutations", remote="prgs")
-        self.assertIn("already tied to an open PR", str(ctx.exception))
+        self.assertIn("open PR #200 already covers issue", str(ctx.exception))
 
     @patch(
         "mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
         return_value=_clean_master_git_state_for_lock(),
     )
-    @patch("mcp_server.api_get_all")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
-    def test_lock_issue_reused_by_open_pr_closes_ref(self, _auth, mock_api, _git_state):
-        mock_api.return_value = [{
+    def test_lock_issue_reused_by_open_pr_closes_ref(self, _auth, _git_state):
+        self.mock_dup_fetcher.return_value = ([{
             "number": 200,
             "head": {"ref": "feat/other-branch"},
             "title": "Some PR",
-            "body": "fixes #196"
-        }]
+            "body": "fixes #196",
+        }], [], {"status": "not_claimed"})
         with self.assertRaises(ValueError) as ctx:
             gitea_lock_issue(issue_number=196, branch_name="feat/issue-196-mutations", remote="prgs")
-        self.assertIn("already tied to an open PR", str(ctx.exception))
+        self.assertIn("open PR #200 already covers issue", str(ctx.exception))
 
     @patch(
         "mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
         return_value=_clean_master_git_state_for_lock(),
     )
-    @patch("mcp_server.api_get_all")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
-    def test_lock_issue_reused_by_remote_branch(self, _auth, mock_api, _git_state):
-        mock_api.side_effect = [
+    def test_lock_issue_reused_by_remote_branch(self, _auth, _git_state):
+        self.mock_dup_fetcher.return_value = (
             [],
-            [{"name": "feat/issue-196-existing-work"}],
-        ]
+            ["feat/issue-196-existing-work"],
+            {"status": "not_claimed"},
+        )
         with self.assertRaises(ValueError) as ctx:
             gitea_lock_issue(issue_number=196, branch_name="feat/issue-196-mutations", remote="prgs")
-        self.assertIn("already has matching branch", str(ctx.exception))
+        self.assertIn("remote branch(es) already match issue pattern", str(ctx.exception))
 
     def test_lock_issue_blocks_active_same_operation_lease(self):
         with open(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
@@ -3284,6 +3313,28 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
                 )
         self.assertIn("does not match locked worktree", str(ctx.exception))
 
+    @patch("mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
+           return_value=(True, []))
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
+    def test_create_pr_manual_lock_seed_blocked(self, _auth, _role):
+        with open(ISSUE_LOCK_FILE, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
+            json.dump(
+                _sample_issue_lock(
+                    issue_number=447,
+                    branch_name="feat/issue-447-lock-provenance",
+                    lock_provenance=None,
+                ),
+                f,
+            )
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, CREATE_PR_ENV, clear=True):
+            with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError) as ctx:
+                gitea_create_pr(
+                    title="feat: lock provenance Closes #447",
+                    head="feat/issue-447-lock-provenance",
+                    remote="prgs",
+                )
+        self.assertIn("lock provenance", str(ctx.exception).lower())
+
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
     @patch("mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
            return_value=(True, []))

tests/test_review_proofs.py

@@ -2346,6 +2346,7 @@ class TestWorkIssueFinalReport(unittest.TestCase):
             "- Safe next action: open PR",
             "- Next: open PR",
             "- Safety statement: no review/merge",
+            "- Duplicate work outcome: duplicate work not prevented",
         ])
 
     def test_complete_work_issue_report_earns_a(self):

tests/test_webui_queue_dashboard.py

@@ -12,12 +12,14 @@ from starlette.testclient import TestClient
 from webui.app import create_app
 from webui.queue_loader import (
     PaginationMeta,
+    QueueSnapshot,
     _classify_issue,
     _classify_pr,
     _extract_linked_issue,
     load_queue_snapshot,
     snapshot_to_dict,
 )
+from webui.queue_views import render_queue_page
 
 _RECENT = datetime.now(timezone.utc).isoformat()
 _STALE = (datetime.now(timezone.utc) - timedelta(days=30)).isoformat()
@@ -209,36 +211,77 @@ class TestQueueRoutes(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertIsNotNone(snapshot.fetch_error)
         self.assertEqual(len(snapshot.prs), 0)
 
-    def test_queue_fail_closed_hides_empty_state_copy(self):
-        with mock.patch("webui.queue_loader.get_auth_header", return_value=None):
-            snapshot = load_queue_snapshot()
-        with mock.patch("webui.app.load_queue_snapshot", return_value=snapshot):
-            response = self.client.get("/queue")
-        self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
-        self.assertIn("Queue unavailable", response.text)
-        self.assertIn("not fetched", response.text.lower())
-        self.assertNotIn("No open items.", response.text)
-        self.assertNotIn("Open pull requests", response.text)
-        self.assertNotIn("pages_fetched", response.text)
 
-    def test_queue_successful_empty_inventory_shows_empty_state(self):
-        def _empty_prs(*_args, **_kwargs):
-            return [], _mock_pagination(0)
+def _empty_pagination() -> PaginationMeta:
+    return PaginationMeta(
+        page=1,
+        per_page=50,
+        returned_count=0,
+        has_more=False,
+        is_final_page=True,
+        inventory_complete=True,
+        pages_fetched=1,
+    )
 
-        def _empty_issues(*_args, **_kwargs):
-            return [], _mock_pagination(0)
 
+def _empty_fetch(*_args, **_kwargs):
+    return [], _empty_pagination()
+
+
+class TestQueueFailClosedUx(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Regression tests for #458 fail-closed empty-state copy."""
+
+    def test_fail_closed_view_suppresses_empty_queue_copy(self):
+        snapshot = QueueSnapshot(
+            project_id="gitea-tools",
+            repo_label="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools",
+            prs=(),
+            issues=(),
+            pr_pagination=None,
+            issue_pagination=None,
+            fetch_error="Gitea credentials unavailable for gitea.prgs.cc",
+        )
+        html = render_queue_page(snapshot)
+        self.assertIn("Queue unavailable", html)
+        self.assertIn("Not loaded", html)
+        self.assertNotIn("No open items.", html)
+        self.assertIn("pagination:</strong> unavailable", html)
+
+    def test_fail_closed_route_does_not_show_empty_queue_copy(self):
+        client = TestClient(create_app())
         snapshot = load_queue_snapshot(
-            fetch_prs=_empty_prs,
-            fetch_issues=_empty_issues,
+            fetch_prs=_empty_fetch,
+            fetch_issues=_empty_fetch,
+        )
+        snapshot = QueueSnapshot(
+            project_id=snapshot.project_id,
+            repo_label=snapshot.repo_label,
+            prs=(),
+            issues=(),
+            pr_pagination=None,
+            issue_pagination=None,
+            fetch_error="Gitea credentials unavailable for gitea.prgs.cc",
         )
         with mock.patch("webui.app.load_queue_snapshot", return_value=snapshot):
-            response = self.client.get("/queue")
+            response = client.get("/queue")
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
+        self.assertIn("Queue unavailable", response.text)
+        self.assertNotIn("No open items.", response.text)
+
+    def test_successful_empty_inventory_shows_empty_copy(self):
+        snapshot = load_queue_snapshot(
+            fetch_prs=_empty_fetch,
+            fetch_issues=_empty_fetch,
+        )
         self.assertIsNone(snapshot.fetch_error)
-        self.assertEqual(response.text.count("No open items."), 2)
-        self.assertIn("pages_fetched", response.text)
-        self.assertIn("pagination (complete)", response.text)
+        self.assertEqual(len(snapshot.prs), 0)
+        self.assertEqual(len(snapshot.issues), 0)
+        self.assertTrue(snapshot.pr_pagination.inventory_complete)
+
+        html = render_queue_page(snapshot)
+        self.assertNotIn("Queue unavailable", html)
+        self.assertEqual(html.count("No open items."), 2)
+        self.assertIn("pagination (complete)", html)
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":

webui/queue_views.py

@@ -38,7 +38,13 @@ def _queue_table(
     title: str,
     items: tuple[QueueItem, ...],
     columns: tuple[tuple[str, str], ...],
+    fetch_failed: bool = False,
 ) -> str:
+    if fetch_failed:
+        return (
+            f"<h3>{html.escape(title)}</h3>"
+            "<p class='muted'>Not loaded — queue fetch did not complete.</p>"
+        )
     if not items:
         return f"<h3>{html.escape(title)}</h3><p class='muted'>No open items.</p>"
 
@@ -72,22 +78,12 @@ def render_queue_page(snapshot: QueueSnapshot) -> str:
             f'<div class="stub"><p><strong>Queue unavailable:</strong> '
             f"{html.escape(snapshot.fetch_error)}</p></div>"
         )
-        inventory_block = (
-            "<p class='muted'><strong>Inventory:</strong> not fetched "
-            "(fail closed — queue tables omitted).</p>"
-        )
-        return (
-            "<h2>Live queue</h2>"
-            f"<p class='meta'>Repository: <code>{html.escape(snapshot.repo_label)}</code> "
-            f"· project <code>{html.escape(snapshot.project_id)}</code></p>"
-            f"{error_block}"
-            f"{inventory_block}"
-            "<p class='muted'>Read-only MVP — claims, reviews, and merges stay in Gitea/MCP tools.</p>"
-        )
 
+    fetch_failed = bool(snapshot.fetch_error)
     pr_section = _queue_table(
         title="Open pull requests",
         items=snapshot.prs,
+        fetch_failed=fetch_failed,
         columns=(
             ("number", "#"),
             ("title", "Title"),
@@ -100,6 +96,7 @@ def render_queue_page(snapshot: QueueSnapshot) -> str:
     issue_section = _queue_table(
         title="Open issues",
         items=snapshot.issues,
+        fetch_failed=fetch_failed,
         columns=(
             ("number", "#"),
             ("title", "Title"),
@@ -113,6 +110,7 @@ def render_queue_page(snapshot: QueueSnapshot) -> str:
         "<h2>Live queue</h2>"
         f"<p class='meta'>Repository: <code>{html.escape(snapshot.repo_label)}</code> "
         f"· project <code>{html.escape(snapshot.project_id)}</code></p>"
+        f"{error_block}"
         f"{_pagination_html('PR', snapshot.pr_pagination)}"
         f"{pr_section}"
         f"{_pagination_html('Issue', snapshot.issue_pagination)}"