Boris Johnson will make us long for Theresa May’s return

He just will not do. Sexual incontinence alone should not disqualify Boris from the premiership, though it is hardly an asset. But the latest incident dramatises the flaws in his character. Indeed, one could say that he is all flaw and no character.

There are three major flaws. The first is serial dishonesty. He simply has no concept of truth. As Philip Stephens of the FT once put it, Boris has lied his way through life and politics. He will say whatever is necessary to get himself out of a hole of his own digging. But if anyone quotes Boris back to himself, even a couple of days later, his reaction will be incomprehension and irritation.

The second is profound selfishness. For Boris, other people only exist as an instrument of his own gratification. He conceals this, often successfully, by deploying his considerable powers of charm. But those who come to know him gradually realise that this is a man locked in his own narcissism.

The third is the entire absence of a moral or political compass.