Domolition Derby

What should we take from Dominic Cummings’ volcanic testimony before the Commons Heath, and Science and Technology committees, and his excoriation of Matt Hancock? Is Boris Johnson’s No.10 really so chaotic? And if the PM is “unfit for office”, how could Cummings work with him for so long? Special guest Sam Freedman, a former adviser at the Department for Education who has worked with Cummings, helps us sift the rubble from one of Westminster’s most cataclysmic days. 

“This wasn’t so much a machine-gunning as a bombardment with shells.” – Bronwen Maddox

“When you’re spending your time in No.10 managing the PM away from big issues then you have a serious problem.” – Jill Rutter

“Johnson behaves like a toddler. All he does is make stupid jokes and try to get attention for himself. You can see how he would be a hindrance in COBRA.” – Sam Freedman

“Cummings gave a picture of an incredibly centralised government, very focused on whiteboards in Downing Street and not the outside world.” – Alex Thomas

“I’ve never seen Cummings as having any intellectual respect for Johnson. He saw Boris as a vehicle for his ideas.” – Sam Freedman

“When you have a Prime Minister who thinks rules are for mugs, you don’t get good government.” – Jill Rutter

Presented by Bronwen Maddox with Jill Rutter, Alex Thomas and Sam Freedman. Audio production by Alex Rees. Inside Briefing is a Podmasters Production for the IfG. 

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