Thoughts for Govt/others-Though @BorisJohnson illness is clearly alarming for millions and deeply upsetting for his family and friends there are two important things it has already achieved - 1. Nobody but nobody can now not fully see how serious and dangerous the disease is. 1/5
2. Public and media will be more understanding of the hugely difficult task government faces. A third important thing is that now it is clear he is very ill, the rest of government, ministers and civil servants, must embrace the added responsibility this gives them. 2/5
I strongly advise they do not spend all their time talking about, and worrying about, what is happening at St Thomas’s. There is nothing they can do about that. They must focus on the things they can do, including big decisions ahead and how they will be made. 3/5
There’s a real risk that this distracts them from task in hand. They must be aware of/guard against it. The PM is the most high profile of many sick people. The government must focus on all. There must be no jockeying or grandstanding. Briefing against civil servants must stop4/5
Finally, once the initial shock subsides, Opposition/ media must continue to ask, with genuine respect, questions of government in order to improve decision making. I say all this while sincerely hoping @BorisJohnson gets well soon. But he must not rush 5/5
