The inconvenient truth is that Boris Johnson needs an enforcer

Anyone who has ever worked closely with the Prime Minister will vouch that he cannot bear letting staff go. Countless aides have come and gone over the years and they have all departed with the echo of Boris Johnson’s voice pleading: “Don’t leave.” For, despite his beloved bravado, Mr Johnson hates any kind of confrontation whatsoever. Which is why he hired Dominic Cummings in the first place and why he refused to fire him despite the growing clamour for his resignation.