BORIS JOHNSON could not even manage a resignation speech. Instead, he grudgingly offered a notice to quit at a later date in an outburst which was full of the bombast, self-regard and refusal to acknowledge facts that are his trademark. It is right to say “good riddance” to Boris the Brief.

What now for the huge number of his colleagues now pressing themselves forward as the next potential leader of their party and Prime Minister? The situation reaches farcical proportions, with many of them barely known even to other Tory backbenchers and others who have besmirched their office through a combination of rank incompetence and completely reactionary politics.

The argument is made that there is no need for a general election with a change of Prime Minister, as we elect parties in this country, not presidents. Precedent is also cited, as every Prime Minister since Callaghan either came to office without an election, or departed without one.