The unseemly behaviour of Johnson and Shapps

Anyone who has followed the Dominic Cummings story over the last 24 hours must be left confused, confounded, annoyed and in disbelief.

In the weeks leading up to the UK general election a senior Conservative member and retired government minister publicly stated that Boris Johnson tells lies.

Those who watched yesterday's press briefing at 5pm and observed Mr Johnson must give the UK prime minister full marks for a brazen neck. It was interesting how his eyes changed when he was talking about the Cummings affair.

Earlier in the day the UK Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps appeared on BBC's Andrew Marr programme. He was sent out to bat for his boss. The usual suave and articulate operator was at sixes and sevens. He was all over the place and simply not credible. 

In this affair someone is not telling the truth and on this occasion it would seem the newspapers are telling the truth.

Watching these politicians trying to defend the indefensible is not pleasant. They come across as pathetic people, obviously attempting to circle the wagons.

It is an awful sight and can't be good for democracy, especially at this time.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is cutting a good image in his first days as party leader. In an interview on Sky yesterday he spoke with clarity and conviction, making the point that the British people deserved better than what they are getting from Johnson and company.

There seems to be an honesty in Starmer that's clearly missing in Johnson and his band.