Why are politicians so reluctant to be seen wearing masks in public?

Such arrogance is leaving people confused, but if it’s good enough for Donald Trump it’s good enough for Boris Johnson, writes Janet Street-Porter

The PM has finally set an example, but he has been very late to do so (Downing Street)

Masks have to be worn visiting the shops in Scotland and are mandatory on public transport throughout the UK. How much protection do they offer? New research from California indicates masks not only stop the wearer from spreading the virus, it also protects them from tiny invisible particles in the air emitted when others speak.

The study concluded that masks decrease the risk of contracting Covid-19 by 65 per cent. So why are politicians so reluctant to wear one in public?

Boris Johnson has urged people to make sure they were covering their noses when wearing a mask on public transport, but we only had the first picture of the prime minister actually wearing one on Friday, belatedly setting an example we could follow. Rishi Sunak delivered his summer economic statement and then posed for photos as a “waiter” in a London branch of Wagamama this week, not wearing a mask, potentially presenting diners with a health risk.