In defending Dominic Cummings the prime minister has shown scant regard for the public

Editorial: There are more important matters to deal with then Boris Johnson’s chief aide – such as the government’s coronavirus advice which has now been seriously undermined

It is difficult to believe how Boris Johnson, who not long ago won a thumping majority at the general election, could have become so detached from public opinion over the disgracefully hypocritical behaviour of his most senior adviser.

Whatever else may be said about him, Dominic Cummings did not, as Boris Johnson claimed so unconvincingly, behave “responsibly, legally and with integrity”. Integrity? When no one even wants to admit the whole truth about the Cummings family’s coronavirus lockdown trip to Durham?

This tactic of doubling down may be the last line of defence for Mr Johnson, if he feels Mr Cummings is indispensable, but it seems unlikely to put an end to the matter. There are far too many questions unanswered, both of fact and morality, and they will distract the government in the coming crucial days.