Why wont Boris Johnson sack any of his Cabinet team?
Analysis  Boris Johnson took the unusual step of appearing to claim credit for the dismissal of Matt Hancock on Monday, despite his own spokesman insisting the former health secretary had resigned. The confused messaging around Mr Hancocks departure from the Cabinet exposes a recurring theme throughout Mr Johnsons premiership  his refusal to sack anyone from his top team. It is understood the former health secretary took the decision to resign after the Chief Whip made it clear as many as 80 Tory backbenchers wanted to see him gone. News and analysis, direct from Westminster to your inbox Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. Just why the Prime Minister has suggested he had a hand in his decision is unclear, particularly as he has steadfastly refused to fire other members of his Cabinet for similar failings. When Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick admitted to helping Tory donor Richard Desmond save hundreds of millions in tax on a housing development and swapping text messages with him, he kept his job. The PMs own ethics adviser Sir Alex Allan quit his role after Mr Johnson backed the Home Secretary Priti Patel after she was found to have broken the ministerial code over bullying allegations. And Education Secretary Gavin Williamson found he was safe in his position despite overseeing the worst exam grading scandal in a generation last year. Even when Dominic Cummings drove hundreds of miles while infected with Covid-19 against the lockdown rules, sparking a furious backlash from the public, the Prime Minister rejected all calls for his head. Read More Matt Hancock resignation: 13 questions that remain after Health Secretary quits over Gina Coladangelo video  It has become a constant during Mr Johnsons time in Downing Street that he appears unwilling to sack ministers for their performance, and one that leaves his backbenchers baffled. As one former Cabinet minister said: It doesnt seem to matter what they have done, the Prime Minister always holds out. He has clearly decided he is not going to give any scalps.  Many Tory MPs believe it is a sign of weakness, while others suggest it is because he has decided to appoint a Cabinet for their compliance rather than their competence. Supporters of the PM think it shows loyalty towards his Cabinet and by keeping them inside the tent it prevents them from causing mischief on the backbenches. What is clear, however, is that there appears to be little a minister can do that will result in them being kicked out the door.