Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson's most senior advisor, quit the government this week as the Prime Minister prepares to undertake a major reset of his Premiership.

I think there's been unhappiness about the number 10 operation for some time.

The loyalty of members of parliament is to the Prime Minister, he is the person we want to hear and see on the steps of number 10.

And we've heard far too much I think from

from advisors over the past 18 months.

Welcome to Payne's politics, your essential insider guide to what's

happening in British politics from the Financial Times with me,

Sebastian Payne. In this week's episode, we'll be examining a dramatic week in Downing Street

where Boris Johnson lost two of his key most loyal aid.

As we heard from the senior Tory MP Charles Walker speaking to the BBC there, their departure

could mark the beginning of a new era for the Prime Minister.

Joining me to discuss all the drama is political editor George Parker and political columnist

Robert Trimsley.

And later we'll be looking at the positive coronavirus news this week, the arrival of the first vaccine that could help normal life return by the spring.

How big is the news and how quickly can social distancing end? Health editor Sarah

Neville and Science editor Clive Cookson will be explaining.

Well it's been quite the week in Westminster with a lot of late nights reporting to get

our heads around this dramatic story, but I want to both ask you about these

rasputin figures, they always seem to come to quite a sticky end. We're thinking of

obviously Dominic Cummings this week, Nick Timothy for Theresa May, Alistair Campbell for Tony Blair.

Why do you think that is Robert? Well, partly because they become too visible.

They act as lightning conductors for any form of discontent.

...