The Johnson/Dyson exchange was months ago, not in the midst of a cronyism scandal.

Talking of which, if Cameron did not break any rules then the rules are wrong. This is not a partisan problem, plenty of senior ex Labour figures are just as deep into the lobbying trough.

This needs to be addressed cross party.

At least the scandal of European jobs for the boys has gone but UK taxpayer still paying huge amounts into EU pension pots.

The Kinnock family took millions from the EU coffers.

Responsibility Deficit Disorder is a medical condition. Symptoms include inability to be corrected when wrong, false sense of superiority, desire to share personal info no else cares about, general hubris. It's a medical issue rather than pure arrogance.

So in summary your view is the Labour party will not have any innovative ideas unless they are bought to them by third parties. Looking at the current crop of Labour " talent " I would 100% agree.

Responsibility Deficit Disorder is a medical condition. Symptoms include inability to be corrected when wrong, false sense of superiority, desire to share personal info no else cares about, general hubris. It's a medical issue rather than pure arrogance.

Ah some Cummings is to be believed now, funny a few months ago the public has a different opinion on his truthfulness.

One more point

Red and Blue Army!

Westland helicopters and Dennis Thatcher's arms dealing springs to mind.

Red and Blue Army!

I am no fan of Johnson as I think he is an opportunist who jumped on the Brexit bandwagon as his vehicle to the door of No 10 and for that he will never be forgiven, either by me, or ultimately by history.

However, I have to wonder what the tabloid stories would have been had he refused Dyson's request, or even to have heard it.

If Dyson had then just walked away citing a lack of co-operation and understanding from HMG at a time of national crisis I suspect the press would have been all over Johnson.

There were always going to be some "afters" as a result of having to make instant decisions. There were always going to be mistakes made. There were always going to be the unscrupulous who put themselves ahead of the country. Hindsight doesn't add much to this situation, as it never does.

Overall I think the Government, and the whole country, have behaved admirably throughout this. Of course, we need an enquiry to see what could have been done better so we are more prepared the next time. Any real illegality needs to be identified and prosecuted. But not honest mistakes or shortcuts which were genuinely intended for the public good.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

It would have been better had he come back and said something like: obviously I can't give the personal assurance you seek, but HMPG have confirmed that... but you had better check with your own advisers just to be on the safe side.

Simply stating what's law without the appearance of an executive bypass and he would not now be in hot water.

Hartlepool is now make or break for him. Elements of the Left are actively seeking a Labour defeat in the by-election. All sorts of s*** going down up there at the moment.

If Labour fail to hold it, then I reckon it's odds on that there will be a serious attempt to bring him down. Possibly the TU's issuing an ultimatum around cutting off funding if he is not replaced.

I cannot see Labour losing but if it does...wow. Major ructions to follow.

"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command." - 1984 - George Orwell.

If you spend over 90 days in the UK each year, you then have to pay tax to HMRC, unless there are exceptional circumstances - like a funeral or assistance with a global pandemic.

All Johnson did was provide assurance that this would be treated as exceptional circumstances. Waiting for assurances from HMRC could have taken forever with no guarantee of them view Covid19 as exceptional.

There's going to be plenty of displaced people having the same argument with the taxman in the coming months.

BJ outflanking Sir Keir in serial dumbness.

Why would you accept a donation from some Lord to have your flat done up.

You just can't do that sort of thing in his position.

Cue desperate tories saying it is above board.