Boris Johnson was once a vote winner – the Tories have no use for him now

Apart from confabulating and clowning, the only thing that Boris Johnson seems to do really well is get people to vote for him. But his recent partying misdemeanours have probably caused him to be less of an electoral asset. So it’s quite likely that his MPs will soon relieve him of his office, as that would be in their best interests.

Whether that would be the best course for the country remains to be seen, and would depend on who the MPs and 200,000 party members choose to succeed him. In a properly conducted democracy it would be seen as an outrage to have the leader selected by so few people, and a general election would have to follow in a fairly short time. There’s not much hope of that, though, is there?

Susan Alexander

South Gloucestershire

If, or rather when, Boris Johnson has to resign and vacate Downing Street, what will happen to the £800-a-roll gold wallpaper? Could it possibly be carefully removed and exhibited at the V&A Museum?

Gunter Straub

London NW3

It is ironic that Boris Johnson, who has flouted Covid restrictions with impunity, now adheres to a non-restriction (the now non-requirement to self-isolate when someone in the family has caught the virus) to shield himself from public outcry at his behaviour. Self-isolation may give him plenty of time (he could even extend it to the non-requirement of seven days) to ponder that it would have been wiser to observe restrictions earlier to avoid the variant that now visits him.

Rosa Wei-Ling Chang

Thurlstone

I agree with Sean O’Grady’s views about Sue Gray and her investigation (‘Sue Gray ultimately reports to Boris Johnson – why is she investigating him?’, 12 January) However, it seems likely that she will complete her task. I wonder if she will find time to interview Sir Mark Sedwill who was head of the civil service when the May parties took place. He resigned shortly afterwards on 20 June when it was reported that he was being briefed against by No 10. Could it be that he resigned because the party culture that had emerged under Mr Johnson was too much for him?

Mike Crean

Hereford

Like so many other people I am appalled by the behaviour of Boris Johnson and so many senior Conservative MPs – and surely the prime minister should resign. However, I see that he, and the MPs he can persuade to speak up for him, all say “Wait for Sue Gray’s report!”

Bearing in mind  the way this government has behaved, this gives me real concern. I believe what we are told about Sue Gray’s integrity and high standards. But she is a civil servant and ultimately her boss is Boris Johnson. Can you imagine any other organisation where someone is asked to investigate their boss, without fear or favour, and then have the freedom to recommend sanctions on that very boss? Will Boris be able to demand changes to Sue Gray’s report before others see it? What pressure could he bring to bear?

Surely we need an investigation by someone who is truly independent, not someone employed by this prime minister – a man who has no apparent respect for truth or the standards we should be able to expect in public life.

Jocelyn Ryder-Smith

Bristol

I was absolutely flabbergasted to hear Jacob Rees-Mogg’s offensive aside about Douglas Ross on Newsnight. If anyone is a “lightweight” and unworthy of political office it is Rees-Mogg himself. He is arrogant, silly, politically tone-deaf and with an absurd sense of entitlement.

As someone who lived in Scotland for several years, I bridle with the Scots at every ignorant and slighting remark about life and politics north of the border made by insensitive English people, politicians not least. Apart from anything else it is stupid and counter-productive. Do the Tories really want to destroy every last vestige of political support in Scotland?

Gavin Turner

Norfolk