VOTE LEAVE mastermind Dominic Cummings has quit his role, informing allies that he is ‘leaving for good’ – yet officials have signalled he will continue to ‘help out’ for another month.
The senior advisor and strong force behind both the referendum’s leave result and Boris Johnson’s decisive GE victory staged a photo opportunity for the awaiting press – carrying a box of belongings through the front door of number 10 rather than using the usual back entrance.
Cummings had already signalled long ago that he planned to leave Downing Street this December, writing in a blog that once Brexit had been delivered he would take a step back.
His exit comes after a week of turmoil and alleged bitter infighting that saw close ally Lee Cain resign from office.
Further reports suggest Cummings was asked to leave following a 45 minute explosive meeting in Downing Street, yet this is unconfirmed.
Edward Lister, a trusted aide from Mr Johnson’s days as the popular mayor of London, has temporarily taken over as Chief of staff “pending a permanent appointment to the post”.
Initially, Downing Street refused to say if Mr Cummings had formally quit, amid a suggestion that he could even retain a ‘hot desk’.
A No 10 source insisted: “Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain will continue to work for the PM and No 10 until mid-December.”
