Bruce Anderson

What does Gavin Williamson have to do before he is replaced?

Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images

All over the country, large numbers of businessmen are anxious. They do not know when – if ever – trading conditions will return to normal. So there is a squeeze on costs, a clampdown on inefficiency and – to use the euphemism – employees whose performance might have been acceptable in easier times are ‘let go.’ This is understandable. But there is an exception. In one very important enterprise, an employee who could never have made a worthwhile contribution somehow survives. What does Gavin Williamson have to do before he is replaced?

This is a man who can neither think in private nor perform in public. His response to any upcoming difficulty is simple: march straight into it. It would appear that he has never heard of evasive action, let alone subtlety and planning. So why does Boris keep him?

There are three possible explanations. First, no prime minister likes to be told whom to hire and fire; stubbornness comes easily to Boris. Second, there is loyalty. Boris has few intimates and gives his trust warily. But where he does trust, he also values. The third possible reason is much more cynical. The PM is determined that children should return to school. He is also aware that a lot could go wrong. So he might have decided to leave Mr Williamson in post to absorb all the blame and abuse.

If so, and though it might sound cunning, this is a thoroughly bad idea. In these challenging circumstances, we need an education secretary with authority and grip; one who could command respect. But no one takes Gavin Williamson seriously. This could inflict lasting damage on the government.

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