Tories hoping for a post-Cummings 'reset' face a problem – Boris Johnson | Martin Kettle

The dysfunctionality of the government is merely a reflection of the slapdash destructiveness of the prime minister himself

Towards the end of last week, while the courtiers’ power struggle still raged at Downing Street, I had an exchange of texts with an ex-minister. What did this experienced politician think the increasingly fractious row in No 10 was really about, I asked. Was it personalities? Policies? Power? The instant reply was short and to the point. It consisted of a single word. It said simply: “Boris!”

A few minutes later, the ex-minister followed up. The problem, he said, was the ultimately futile attempt of trying to deal with a dysfunctional person by endlessly discussing structural solutions. The same sort of thing had happened to New Labour at times. Now it was happening to the Tories too. A new chief of staff here. Bring in a new adviser there. A ministerial reshuffle perhaps. Before long, the ex-minister said dismissively, they will probably move the prime minister into a brand new room in the vain hope that a change of surroundings will solve the problem.

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