I backed Hunt, but Boris gives some reasons to be positive

As Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt travelled around the United Kingdom to participate in hustings and win support, I was already certain who had my vote. Jeremy Hunt was the strong, sensible leader who had the international respect and leadership ability to do the job.

Alas, it was not to be, and Jeremy is on the backbenches. We shall never know what might have been. So, since July 24th, Boris Johnson has been the UK’s Prime Minister. Naturally I was disappointed, if unsurprised, that he won the contest. Yet there have been some reasons to be positive.

There is merit to a more optimistic tone being set by central government, for one. By the end, everything about the Theresa May government felt dull and lifeless. This is not a criticism one can level at her replacement.

Boris is also making pledges in the right areas. This country desperately needs improved policing and major infrastructure investment. Commitments to increase education funding and deliver fiscal stimulus through tax policy are likewise welcome.

So far so good, then? Not quite.

Ignoring concerns about Johnson’s character and credibility, of which I have my fair share, pledges are only of value if they are delivered. This is the lesson we all should remember from May’s time in office.

October 31st is the new March 29th. Boris has made promise after promise to deliver Brexit by this date. Can he? I am far from convinced.

There remains a clear House of Commons majority to block no deal. Prorogation is dead after a recently passed amendment. The House will likely be able to pass legislation in October forbidding the PM from taking us out without a deal. The EU will not renegotiate.

So, barring another attempt at passing May’s Withdrawal Agreement, there will not have been Brexit in three months’ time. Johnson has many a time ruled out such an attempt.

If there is not Brexit, there is nothing for Boris’ government. Nominally, with the DUP’s support the government has a working majority of one. Practically, it has no majority at all while Brexit drags on, because there will always be rebels making a point about Brexit by voting down other legislation.

Twenty thousand police officers? Parliament says no. Billions of pounds in tax cuts? Likewise.

A government which cannot govern is pointless. We know this because we have had one for quite some time. Yet a general election is unlikely. So the result is continued stalemate. Once it has dragged on, with the Conservative poll bounce faded, we shall see if the newfound optimism remains.