I realise that to stay on both the right side of the writs and within what can be proven, all the press is reporting that Johnson's Principal Private Secretary sent the email inviting people to drinks in the garden of number 10.

But that he did so without any consultation with Johnson is not an argument I find credible.

Cressida Dick and co have a real problem on their hands now. They can declare again they do not act on infringements of the covid restrictions retrospectively, but there are very grave risks of civil disobedience if they do that. The Tories would be well advised to remember the Poll Tax Riots.