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Boris Johnson’s right-hand man, Dominic Cummings, left Downing Street after a power struggle that has shaken the prime minister’s administration.
Mr johnsonThe senior advisor walked out of No. 10 with a large box on Friday night after a bitter dispute that also led to the resignation of Lee Cain, fellow veteran of the Vote Leave program as head of communications.
The dramatic events come before crucial Brexit talks with Brussels with the transition period deadline of December 31.
Mr Cummings and Lee Cain (R) are close allies
Sky host Sophy Ridge said: “It’s amazing to take a step back and think that in such a critical moment, a week that could have profound consequences for the future of the UK and Europe, the Prime Minister has lost two of his most important aides and distracted by one of the fiercest Downing Street battles that Westminster watchers can remember.
“What is clear is that this marks a turning point for Boris Johnson.
“The battle of the last week has seen the old guard reduced to ashes. What we do not know is what will emerge from the ashes.”
Meanwhile, The Sun reported that there was a “noisy” confrontation between Johnson and Cummings over Cain’s impeachment and that a “livid” prime minister wanted both to leave “sooner rather than later.”
Some reports suggested that Cummings has resigned effective immediately, while others suggest that he and Cain will be employed until mid-December.
Several Conservative MPs have urged Number 10 to use this as an opportunity to restore several important values within the party.
Conservative MP Sir Bernard Jenkin said it was time to restore “respect, integrity and trust” in the relationship, elements that “had been lacking in recent months.”
The Daily Telegraph said tensions within Number 10 were rising, and that Cummings was accused of reporting against the prime minister.
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The newspaper reported that Cummings reportedly told colleagues that Johnson was “undecided” and that he and Cain relied on Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove for clarity.
It was also suggested that the prime minister was angered by claims that a faction led by Cummings and Cain had been “reporting against him” and his fiancee Carrie Symonds.
Meanwhile, shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth highlighted the tension COVID-19 creates on the NHS and the public, while “Downing Street is paralyzed by the soap opera of these self-indulgent stunt specialists.”
The prime minister’s official spokesman, James Slack, who will replace Cain in the new year, insisted the dispute does not distract Johnson from the national crisis.
“What the prime minister and the government are focused on is taking all possible steps for this country to overcome the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
