Theresa revels in Boris’s downfall

Of all those revelling in Boris Johnson’s downfall last week, few probably enjoyed it more than Theresa May. It would only be natural for the former Tory PM to enjoy a little schadenfreude from Johnson’s defenestration, given how his resignation and subsequent maneuverings played their role in destabilising her premiership. Outwardly, of course, May has remained Sphinx-like with regards to the leadership, refusing to divulge who she is backing or even say if she submitted a letter of no confidence in Johnson.

But there are signs, perhaps, about her true feelings. The Maidenhead MP did turn up to the aforementioned confidence vote while clad in a full length ball-gown, beaming broadly at assembled lobby reporters. And now Mr S has spotted another indication that May has been revelling in the collapse of the Johnson regime. For last week, Christopher Luxon, the leader of New Zealand’s National party, visited May in Westminster and posted an Instagram picture of the encounter. Luxon euphemistically referred to a discussion of ‘current events’ in their two countries, as well as their shared love of cricket.

But one eagle-eyed source pointed out that behind the two was BBC News with rolling coverage of the ministerial resignations which finished Johnson’s premiership. The television pictures were blurred out but it’s clearly featuring an image from the day’s political drama. Clearly May couldn’t bear to look away…