Boris Johnson’s credibility is shot

DOMINIC Cummings’ error of judgment has prompted the predictable, and distasteful, flaming torches and pitchforks baying for blood, but an error of judgment it was, and, a serious one.

In human terms one can understand his reaction – ill, concerned for his family and probably frightened, he did what he thought best. But these mitigating factors pale beside his failure to understand that many people in a similar situation stuck to the rules, despite the human cost. This want of understanding alone makes his position untenable and should have resulted in his resignation, even without taking into account the apparent lack of contrition.

But consider also the political aspects. At a stroke he has put a huge dent in Boris Johnson’s authority and cast a pall over the Tory party’s image. Memories of political misdemeanours are often short, and politicians rely on them being forgotten. Not in this case. The nasty taste will linger.

Mr Cummings’ duty was clear. He should have resigned on the spot, sparing the Prime Minister the need to sack him. It was a clear case of Mr Cummings’ career versus the Prime Minister’s credibility. The sorry outcome is that Mr Cummings’ career is irretrievably tainted and the Prime Minister’s credibility is shot. Lose-lose. What a disaster.

I can hardly believe I am saying this but Keir Starmer talks a lot of common sense and is looking much more like a leader than Mr Johnston. If there was an election tomorrow I would be severely tempted to give him my vote. There must be a lot of people in the country who also feel this way at the moment.

Mr Johnson needs to buck up his ideas and put the country before his buddy or he will lose all the goodwill he generated when he replaced Theresa May.

I am a very disappointed Tory voter at the moment.