The Prime Minister’s score is still dire: he is back in positive ratings, but not by very much. Though a substantial minority of the panel want him on the leadership election ballot and/or would vote for him had they the option, a larger majority of it does not.
I called recently for the Cabinet to tell Johnson that the game is up, and Dowden’s resignation is the closest that any of them have got.
A pattern is beginning to form below the Defence Secretary, with Truss, Zahawi and Trevelyan coming in variously at second, third and fourth.
Meanwhile, Johnson is out of negative ratings for the first time in three months – and in comparative mid-table safety.
The Party Chairman responsible for fund-raising is playing for higher stakes than he may appreciate.
Johnson is still in negative ratings, though less so, and Sunak’s score is at its lowest since he became Chancellor.
And Ministers associated with support for Covid restrictions suffer noticeable falls in their scores.
There is a willingness to give the new Cabinet a chance, but nervousness about the country’s economic prospects and the Party’s strategic direction.
Plus: Why on earth has my bank shortened its name to Abrdn? And: The DUP should think carefully about toppling Arlene Foster.
We need a dedicated campaign team, treasurers to build a fighting fund, a mechanism for MPs to feed in ideas – and a Northern Party Board.
The co-Party Chairman says next year’s local elections will definitely go ahead, and won’t give a figure for Party membership.
If Putin hoped that Brexit would detach us from our alliances, there’s no evidence of that happening so far, and much to the contrary.
“Most” of the event will take place in this form. The Party hopes to “host some aspects in the physical format”.
This Johnson ally, who runs the party on the PM’s behalf, has two modes, charming and angry, and is a more serious figure than he looks.
Four in five of our party member respondents say yes. Hunt is top choice to come in from outside – but there’s no strong support for any non-member.
We need a dedicated campaign team, treasurers to build a fighting fund, a mechanism for MPs to feed in ideas – and a Northern Party Board.