Just spoke to @SkyNews about why I think the accusations about Cummings WILL be the sort of story that cuts through with the public and why this will be politically difficult for the government.
Some thoughts...
Some thoughts...
1 - The public really don't like Cummings. Before all of this, just 14% had a favourable view of him, 45% unfavourable. He was even in negative territory among Conservative voters.
Normally this doesn't matter too much, but he's not an ideal person to be front and centre.
Normally this doesn't matter too much, but he's not an ideal person to be front and centre.
2 - Goes without saying, but the public hate anything that sounds like public figures acting "hypocritically" or not following the rules that they ask the rest of us to follow.
3 – It comes at a time when there is already a gap opening up between the public and the government over lockdown policy, with the public thinking they are moving too fast. This could build into a narrative that those at the top don’t care enough about public health.
4 - The public have loved to judge others during this crisis. While almost everyone says they have been following the rules, they are constantly upset/angry because there is a perception that others aren't.
Lots of people replying saying that this story is a Westminster bubble obsession. Obviously, the public always pay less attention that we all think to politics.
But if this isn't the kind of thing that cuts through with the public right now, then I'm not sure what would.
But if this isn't the kind of thing that cuts through with the public right now, then I'm not sure what would.
