The Daily Telegraph

Boris Johnson relies on a lucky dip of ideas, excuses and catchy slogans

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sir – I imagine that somewhere in Downing Street there are three large boxes marked “Ideas”, “Excuses” and “Catchy Slogans”, and that each day’s theme is driven by a lucky dip from each box. What other explanatio­n can there be for the performanc­e of this Government? It is most certainly failing to govern, as reflected in recent opinion poll findings.

C R Banks

Edlesborou­gh, Buckingham­shire

sir – A couple of years ago, when Theresa May was making a hash of things, I joined the Conservati­ve Party with the intention of voting for Boris Johnson when the occasion arose.

This I duly did and was happy with my decision, until he was struck down with Covid-19. Since then, he has not seemed himself. May I respectful­ly ask him to take a break?

Iain Duncan Smith would make a great caretaker with Rishi Sunak by his side at No 11.

Janet Milliken

Folkestone. Kent sir – Our political system has always, in the past, produced a leader for the time – Nelson, Cromwell, Thatcher, Churchill.

Can anyone tell me what has gone wrong?

Alan Edwards

Nayland, Suffolk

sir – The Prime Minister says that many people now need to train for new jobs.

Will he lead the way?

Peter Dilloway

Liss, Hampshire

sir – I’ve been astonished by the ferocity of the attacks upon Boris Johnson’s record so far as prime minister, particular­ly as many have come from his own side. The detractors rarely, if ever, say what they would do in his stead.

This is a man who became prime minister, endured everything which was thrown at him by the last Remainer Parliament, John Bercow and the Supreme Court, and won a winter election with a resounding majority, partly from the votes of those who do not usually support the Tories.

Even the BBC ran a story recently which showed that he still has considerab­le support from behind the so-called “red wall”. Brexit was in considerab­le danger before his re-election.

This year he has become a father, survived Covid, stood up to the EU after the drift of the May years, and been faced with the biggest crisis since the war. The decisions that he has taken on Covid are similar to those taken in comparable countries.

Of course Boris Johnson is not your usual statesman, but we knew that when voting for him.

Mark Robbins

Bruton, Somerset

sir – Boris Johnson’s sartorial inelegance perfectly matches the omnishambl­es over which he presides. He needs to go – the Sunak the better. Godfrey Green

Cardigan

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