Boris Johnson prepares mass clearout to save own skin

PM’s fury at Downing Street staff as he launches string of ‘red meat’ policies
The prime minister is refusing to take responsibility for the crisis and in meetings last week questioned why his team had not protected him
The prime minister is refusing to take responsibility for the crisis and in meetings last week questioned why his team had not protected him
BEN STANSALL/PA

Boris Johnson is planning a mass clearout of No 10 and a series of populist announcements to save his tottering premiership.

Despite issuing a humiliating apology to MPs over the Downing Street parties on Wednesday, the prime minister is refusing to take responsibility for the crisis and in meetings last week questioned why his team had not protected him.

He complained to aides: “How has all this been allowed to happen? How has it come to this? How haven’t you sorted this out?”

Martin Reynolds, Johnson’s principal private secretary, who sent an email inviting staff to “bring your own booze”, is expected to leave
Martin Reynolds, Johnson’s principal private secretary, who sent an email inviting staff to “bring your own booze”, is expected to leave
DAVID CLIFF/NURPHOTO VIA GETTY IMAGES

A senior government source said: “He made it clear he thought they had let him down. Boris’s view is that he is not to blame. That everyone else is to blame.”

Johnson’s view is supported by members of the cabinet. One