Dominic Cummings, the newly installed special advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has been thrust into the spotlight as arguably the second most powerful figure in Britain. First gaining public attention when portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch in Channel 4's drama 'Brexit: The Uncivil War', Cummings is now operating openly from Downing Street, overseeing political strategy and the government's announcement grid.
According to reports, Cummings has taken control of the No 10 grid, which dictates the timing of announcements and public events. He dispatches the Prime Minister across the country for photo opportunities, while determining political strategy himself. This has led to concerns that Johnson has become merely the public face of Cummings' agenda.
Critics argue that Cummings, who was never elected, now wields unprecedented power at a time of national crisis. Within hours of Johnson becoming Tory leader, Cummings reportedly told staff he plans to deliver Brexit 'by any means necessary'—a phrase originally coined by extremist black rights activist Malcolm X. Cummings used the term six times in that speech, raising alarm over his approach.
Further controversy surrounds Cummings' reported threat to sack advisers who leak information to journalists, claiming he could persuade journalists to reveal their sources. Additionally, a No 10 briefing suggested Johnson plans to remain in office even if defeated in a Commons confidence motion, a move that experts say could drag the Queen into politics and challenge constitutional norms.
