Cummings to leave No 10 with immediate effect

[Denzil_DC]

Boris Johnson's chief adviser Dominic Cummings has left Number 10 with immediate effect, BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg says.

Mr Cummings spoke to the PM earlier on Friday and it was decided it was best for him to go immediately after days of turmoil, our political editor said.

The former Vote Leave supremo had been at the centre of a power struggle in Downing Street in recent days.

The PM's director of communications Lee Cain has also left.

Mr Cummings was seen leaving No 10 a short while ago carrying a box.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-54938050

Oh well. Perhaps his father-in-law's estate has an opening for a scarecrow.

Much whooping here: #DominicGoing

[yellowcanine]

1. What was in the box?

Inquiring minds want to know.

[Denzil_DC]

2. Much conjecture about that at the hashtag in the OP.

Some predictably ribald.

It's been pointed out that he could have left No. 10 by the rear entrance, so this is as much a photo op as anything, complete with prop.

[T_i_B]

3. Don't underestimate the possibility

Of Johnson finding an even worse replacement for Cummings, who was pretty abysmal as it was.

[LeftishBrit]

5. Well, I do hear that Donald Trump may soon have some time on his hands...

[Denzil_DC]

4. Always allowing for spin, here's the FT's background to Cummings leaving:

Johnson tells Cummings to leave Downing St immediately
Fears in Number 10 that PM’s former aide and Brexit architect will turn against him

...

Mr Johnson held a 45-minute meeting with Mr Cummings and Mr Cain on Friday to discuss their "general behaviour" this week, according to individuals with knowledge of the conversation.

In tense exchanges, Mr Johnson accused his aides of briefing against him and his partner Carrie Symonds and criticised them for destabilising the government in the midst of tense Brexit negotiations.

Mr Johnson showed the aides text messages that had been forwarded to Ms Symonds, who opposed Mr Cain’s appointment as chief of staff, to show they had briefed against her. He told them to get out and never return.

Tory officials said Mr Cummings and Mr Cain would continue to do some work for Number 10 until mid-December but were expected to operate from home.

https://www.ft.com/content/6f0fc7a4-becc-474a-9924-57d9c8419551

[LeftishBrit]

6. He's moving out today!

[Denzil_DC]

7. Greatest hits thread?