The Boris Johnson saga proves our constitution needs changing

Perversely, Boris Johnson might have provided us with a useful insight into the operation of our democracy.

Many might now feel that the constitution, especially one which at its heart has a first-past-the post electoral system and a reliance on “honourable” behaviour by the elected, is in urgent need of reform.

The argument that such a system produces strong governments has suffered what should prove a mortal blow.

Without changes, the most immediate requirement being some form of proportional representation, a very similar situation as to the one we had under Johnson could and probably will arise again.

David Nelmes Newport

To be deprived of Boris Johnson as her favourite, if bizarre, justification for ending a 300-year-plus political, social and cultural union, Nicola Sturgeon now concentrates her wrath on (as she labels it) “the whole broken corrupt Westminster system”.

Is she suggesting the UK isn’t a functioning democracy? The Westminster system has been used as a model for democracy multiple times across the world in emerging nations. It is this very same Westminster system that’s devolved power to Holyrood, enabling domestic issues to be managed from Edinburgh, not London.

True, the success of every political system is dependent on the integrity and capability of those managing it. In my opinion, Johnson exhibits little of these qualities.

But this doesn’t mean the Westminster model is broken or corrupt – and for Nicola Sturgeon to state it is shows she’s become increasingly desperate to find justifications for her UK break-up dreams.

Martin Redfern Roxburghshire

A bold Tory leadership candidate would begin a discussion about the path back to a closer formal relationship with the EU – eg via the single market.

This would not only appeal to the growing majority of the electorate who think the UK took a wrong turn, but would also be seen as an intelligent manoeuvre to undercut Keir Starmer’s election strategy.

Alas, it is unlikely to happen because the voting MPs and the wider party membership are unready. But unlikely does not mean impossible.

Watch for the use of coded wording by contenders as they fly their kites.

Steven Fogel London

Brexit has now devoured three prime ministers – yes, I know the boozing and indolence helped the last one on his way – in just over six years.

The new leader of our country, whoever that might be, must surely be aware of this fact. If they are not, they shouldn’t even be an MP, let alone PM. Likewise, they must face the reality that they too will fail unless some sanity is restored and we rejoin the single market and customs union as a minimum.

It is not sufficient to just stop the sex scandals, corruption and tidal wave of lies, even though at this low juncture I would welcome that for starters.

For the record I must unequivocally put forward Tom Tugendhat to gain the top job.

Robert Boston Kent

Could Boris Johnson’s determination to stay on as prime minister for the next few months be connected to his length of tenure?

He needs only a further 29 days in office to exceed the time Theresa May spent as PM.

Surely that would greatly appeal to him.

Michael G Cottrell Haddenham

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