Thread by @Usherwood

Good point to revisit this, esp as Frost was already heading for door. If Johnson is setting policy then more accommodating line might stick, but now (as then) big challenge is backbench revolt

https://twitter.com/Usherwood/status/1469943479459631111

Johnson's standing with MPs is clearly less than it was a fortnight ago, so does revolt potential mean he picks a hard Brexiter (and eoukd that person what to get him out of a hole? Or be allowed to make their own policy choices) or are we in 1922 territory?

Track record tells us Johnson would struggle to give up control [sic] of Brexit policy, so finding new minister who is both unimpeachable for ERG types and pliable for No.10 is going to be pretty much impossible: eg Baker has already distanced himself

Maybe he dissolves position altogether in a 'Frosty sorted out all the big stuff' pitch and then farm out role to various others and keep NIP aside for someone ealing to play ball

Gove, under his nations hat?

Whatever happens, Frost leaving early really messes with scope to frame this in any positive light, so much of the damage is already done

All this said, feels like Omicron is more likely to tip party over the line on Johnson and that will certainly be at forefront of most minds in next two weeks