Revised LACK OF JUDGEMENT – PRESS CONFERENCES Monday 25 May 2020
So Dominic Cummings has faced the country’s press followed by PM Johnson leading this evening’s presser (Sunday). What new have we learned? What are the consequences?
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED ABOUT CUMMINGS?
Commentators are suggesting the account given by Cummings is not true. Indeed we might expect that. But assuming that what he said is covering up something no better (and potentially far worse), let's work with what Cummings himself said:
The conclusion is that he is literally dangerous and does not have the quality of judgement needed to serve in any way in the UK government. Dangerous to himself, his family, his colleagues and to the country.
He needs to resign or be forced out. There is now no question about that.
I must stress this is not politically motivated. I'm impartial, just looking at the facts and their effects on the fight against this coronavirus.
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED ABOUT PM JOHNSON?
Johnson's approach is all utter folly. It is clear that Johnson is not fit for office. He does not have the judgement needed to be PM, let alone the other basic qualities.
The last thing I wanted was a change in leadership midway through this pandemic. This isn’t a matter of party politics. I am impartial.
Johnson simply cannot carry on. He has lost the trust of the nation. That is vitally important in fighting this coronavirus, as Stephen Reicter explained. Though blindingly obvious. Except it seems to other members of the government...
.
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED ABOUT JOHNSON'S CABINET
Senior Cabinet members such as Raab, Gove, Hancock, Sunak and others came out in support of Cummings over the weekend and again after the pressers. Despite the evidence above. Seemingly under instruction. Here's the latest from these four ministers:
Yes we do need to move on. But without the liability of Cummings, Johnson and his senior team. It is clear none of them have the judgement needed to be fit for high office. That means a clear out of them all too.
Not something I wanted. I had wanted the stability of them seeing through this crisis. But needs must
Just as a football manager gets sacked when the team is under threat of relegation, there comes a point when firm and decisive action is necessary. We have reached that point with this government.
BUT WHO ELSE COULD BE PRIME MINISTER?
We cannot have a full Conservative leadership election nor a General Election in the midst of this crisis.
Earlier today I sent a second letter to my Conservative MP requesting Johnson’ s replacement. I feel even more strongly about this now.
My suggestion is a simple one. Replace Johnson with an Interim PM and Conservative party leader.
But easier said than done. In practical terms this needs an emergency process supported by Conservative MPs and others.
It could mean a Government of National Unity (GNU). Indeed that’s an attractive option, in terms of unity of purpose. .Why not let the Interim PM choose a Cabinet with representatives from all the main political parties, not just his own?
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED ABOUT CUMMINGS?
Commentators are suggesting the account given by Cummings is not true. Indeed we might expect that. But assuming that what he said is covering up something no better (and potentially far worse), let's work with what Cummings himself said:
- He visited Downing Street when his wife was ill with suspected COVID-19 when he should have self-isolated
- He drove from Durham to Barnard Castle when his eyesight was impaired, with his wife and 4yo child . Potentially a dangerous and serious motoring offence
- The visit to Barnard Castle was when full lockdown regulations were in force and such a journey was not permitted
- He took his son to hospital in Durham, against clear advice not to do so
- He admitted to these matters on live TV
The conclusion is that he is literally dangerous and does not have the quality of judgement needed to serve in any way in the UK government. Dangerous to himself, his family, his colleagues and to the country.
He needs to resign or be forced out. There is now no question about that.
I must stress this is not politically motivated. I'm impartial, just looking at the facts and their effects on the fight against this coronavirus.
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED ABOUT PM JOHNSON?
- He talked to Cummings yesterday (Sunday) and still came out at the evening’s presser to back him. On the single issue of the journey to Durham. Was he not aware of the other issues?
- From the deputy editor of the Telegraph, which had backed Johnson to be Conservative leader and as Prime Minister
- Johnson is reliant on Cummings because Johnson cannot cope with the detail
- Johnson is reliant on Cummings in many other ways
- At Sunday’s presser Johnson still doesn’t understand how Cummings has undermined the government’s messaging. Explained by a member of one of SAGE's sub-groups:
Johnson's approach is all utter folly. It is clear that Johnson is not fit for office. He does not have the judgement needed to be PM, let alone the other basic qualities.
The last thing I wanted was a change in leadership midway through this pandemic. This isn’t a matter of party politics. I am impartial.
Johnson simply cannot carry on. He has lost the trust of the nation. That is vitally important in fighting this coronavirus, as Stephen Reicter explained. Though blindingly obvious. Except it seems to other members of the government...
.
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED ABOUT JOHNSON'S CABINET
Senior Cabinet members such as Raab, Gove, Hancock, Sunak and others came out in support of Cummings over the weekend and again after the pressers. Despite the evidence above. Seemingly under instruction. Here's the latest from these four ministers:
Yes we do need to move on. But without the liability of Cummings, Johnson and his senior team. It is clear none of them have the judgement needed to be fit for high office. That means a clear out of them all too.
Not something I wanted. I had wanted the stability of them seeing through this crisis. But needs must
Just as a football manager gets sacked when the team is under threat of relegation, there comes a point when firm and decisive action is necessary. We have reached that point with this government.
BUT WHO ELSE COULD BE PRIME MINISTER?
We cannot have a full Conservative leadership election nor a General Election in the midst of this crisis.
Earlier today I sent a second letter to my Conservative MP requesting Johnson’ s replacement. I feel even more strongly about this now.
My suggestion is a simple one. Replace Johnson with an Interim PM and Conservative party leader.
But easier said than done. In practical terms this needs an emergency process supported by Conservative MPs and others.
It could mean a Government of National Unity (GNU). Indeed that’s an attractive option, in terms of unity of purpose. .Why not let the Interim PM choose a Cabinet with representatives from all the main political parties, not just his own?
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