Boris Johnson has been urged by senior Tories to “reset” his government after the sudden and forced departure of his chief adviser Dominic Cummings from Downing Street.
Mr Cummings was ordered out of No 10 on Friday night after being accused of briefing against the Prime Minister and his fiancée Carrie Symonds.
Former Brexit secretary David Davis said many within No 10 had “turned against” Mr Cummings, including Miss Symonds and the PM’s new press secretary Allegra Stratton.
Mr Davis said: “The relationship with the Prime Minister fell off a cliff. And once that’s gone, it’s gone.
“Boris will want to reset Government.”
Theresa May’s former chief of staff, Lord Barwell, said: “It feels to me there’s an opportunity here for him to get his Downing Street operation more harmonious and more effective.”
Mr Cummings, who abrasive manner alienated many Tory MPs, was forced to make a public apology after driving from London to Durham in March during the Covid lockdown. He departure came two days after that of director of communications Lee Cain, also a key figure in the Vote Leave campaign.
Neil Tweedie, a former special adviser to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, described them as “schoolboy mafiosa” and said “fear was their tool”.
Sir Edward Lister has been announced as interim chief of staff.
Former chancellor Sajid Javid, who quit in February after clashing with Mr Cummings, is among the names linked to the job.
Mr Cummings refused to answer questions yesterday afternoon.
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