Theresa May said the following in a speech to her constituents:
“What this matter has shown is that there was a discrepancy between the simple messages given by the government and the details of the legislation passed by Parliament.
In these circumstances I do not feel that Mr Cummings followed the spirit of the guidance."
I think she's right. It is undoubtedly correct that Cummings did not break the law and, therefore, cannot have the law book thrown at him. In any case, he seems happy to be in contempt of Parliament, which he has still failed to address.
He used the legislation to justify his actions, which almost nobody had read, but which he must have known in fine detail. Meanwhile, the plebs followed the strong message given out by the government.
It shows total disdain for what others had done and were doing. That's the main message.
I'm glad Professor Van-Tam spoke as he did, considering what Therese Coffey said, in an attempt to "blame" the scientists. I'm sure he knows he's just blown his chances of an honour.
This is about Johnson now and his inability to manage without Cummings. He's surrounded himself with a lacklustre cabinet, who can't help him out, and isn't listening to his own backbenchers.
The 1922 Committee hasn't called for Cummings' resignation, but called Johnson to a meeting during the last week and is putting pressure on him to include more backbenchers in decision making, rather than relying in Cummings. They're worried about support from their own constituencies, especially those in marginal seats.
Grandad I love your sense of humour!
