Some of the most enduring quarterwits have gone. So who’s been added to the bestiary?
A huge week for the Westminster village and its many idiots, then, as Boris Johnson finally got around to shuffling his cabinet. It’s always a thrill to see one’s ministerial bestiary gain some new entries – and, indeed, to rip out a few of its pages as certain featured creatures are deemed either too grotesque or cautionary to retain their spots.
We’ll start with the “in memoriam” reel. The media minister, John Whittingdale, was treated brutally, which he’d at least have enjoyed. Robert Buckland’s culling was unexpected, with the now former justice secretary and lord chancellor finding out at the same time as everyone else that he was about as highly rated as an Airbnb with pubic hair in the soap and claw marks in the cellar.
