‘He's clueless' In a Tory stronghold, PM's stock plummets

After a torrid week, doubts about Johnson’s abilities were heard even in the Brexit-supporting heartlands of Kent

- JAMES TAPPER MARGATE

The citizens of Margate, according to TS Eliot, are “ humble people who expect nothing ”. That seems to include their expectations of prime minister Boris Johnson. After weeks of revelations about lockdown Christmas parties, accusations of lying about his Downing Street flat refurbishment, and claims that he ordered dogs and cats to be given priority in the Afghanistan evacuation, Johnson’s popularity has slumped in the polls.

Yet this seaside town is surely where he can rely on support. Voters in the constituencies of North Thanet and South Thanet were solidly in favour of leaving the European Union in 2016, and gave the two Tory MPs, Sir Roger Gale and Craig Mackinlay, substantial majorities in 2019.

The icy wind ripping across Margate sands may be coming for the prime minister though. His supporters seem unbothered by the latest scandals, but some of those who voted for Brexit and the Conservatives now believe Johnson is unfit to govern.