Boris Johnson has gone soft

Boris Johnson has gone soft

SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE March 02, 2023 View in browser Boris Johnson has gone soft The broadcasters should really have been required to hire actors to read out the former prime minister's words, to deny him the oxygen of publicity. If that had happened when Boris Johnson addressed something called the Soft Power Global Summit, his words might have sounded flat and uninteresting, and the viewers might have seen through his contradictory, attention-seeking claims more readily.  He didn't like the deal he negotiated with the EU, and he doesn't like the attempt to fix its problems negotiated by Rishi Sunak, even though he admits that it is better. Yet he gets wall-to-wall coverage for his incoherent opinions. I shouldn't have written this paragraph, really. And Tom Peck shouldn't have written a whole article about it, but it was quite funny.    Quiz question What is Beyoncé's surname? Answer at the bottom of today's email What else do you need to know today? Sue Gray, the former head of ethics and propriety at the Cabinet Office, will be appointed chief of staff to Keir Starmer when she has cleared the approval process – Joe Pike of Sky News had the first hint of the scoop last night and followed it up today  I don't think this is good for the civil service's reputation for impartiality or, retrospectively, for the reputation of her inquiry into lockdown gatherings in Downing Street Matt Hancock and Isabel Oakeshott have traded statements; it is not a dispute in which one wants to take sides, but I agree with Hancock that he followed the scientific advice, and I agree with Oakeshott that the schools should not have closed Professor Tim Bale points out that Rishi Sunak does not call himself a One Nation Conservative Hungary further delays vote on Sweden and Finland joining Nato Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our welcome offer when you join today.   Rentoul's reading list James Moore: So much for the 'transformational' special needs plan for children Bridget Phillipson, shadow education secretary, interviewed by Katy Balls: her husband Lawrence voted Leave Ian Austin, the former Labour MP, will not be rejoining the party soon: he is pleased that Luciana Berger feels able to rejoin, but "Starmer and too many others were silent and supine when Berger and others needed their support" (paywall) Quotation of the day "I will take this opportunity to say again that as civil servants we serve the elected government of the day." Alex Chisholm, permanent secretary at the Cabinet Office Quiz answer: Knowles-Carter. She was born Beyonce Giselle Knowles (naming laws in Texas do not allow accented characters), and married Jay-Z, real name Shawn Corey Carter We noticed that you might not be registered By registering, you will enjoy limited access to Independent Premium articles, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists REGISTER FOR FREE Articles available exclusively to subscribers John Rentoul: We shouldn't be jailing people for shouting at cyclists on pavements OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE Morning Headlines Weekdays, 8am (UK time) Written by the UK team Join now Health Check Every Thursday, 7am (UK time) Written by Rebecca Thomas Join now News you can trust The Independent has a 100% NewsGuard trust rating FIND OUT MORE If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. Join the conversation or follow us   Please do not reply directly to this email.   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's The View From Westminster email. Add us to your safe list of senders . If you do not want to receive The Independent's View From Westminster email, please unsubscribe. If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.