Lee Cain’s resignation is another sign that the government is directionless

Editorial: The government should be so busy with Brexit, Covid-19 and ‘levelling up’ the country that it doesn’t have time for infighting

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It is fair to say that Britain has bigger things to worry about than a man named Lee Cain. It is also apparent that Mr Cain’s job prospects have worried too many people in No 10 for rather too long.  

By all accounts, the prime minister wanted to promote Mr Cain from being in charge of communications to become chief of staff. That, it seems, was what Boris Johnson’s more famous adviser, Dominic Cummings, also had in mind. 

The plan, whatever its merits, was effectively vetoed by a combination of the newly appointed prime ministerial spokesperson, Allegra Stratton, and Mr Johnson’s fiancee, Carrie Symonds, who has no official role. It does not suggest that Mr Johnson is head of his own house. Soon, the rumours go, Mr Cain will be followed out by Mr Cummings and other alumni of the 2016 Vote Leave campaign. Mr Cummings reportedly wants to remain until Brexit is finally “done”.