Trust is essential in these times. But Boris Johnson is not a man to be trusted

Boris Johnson has shown a woeful lack of responsibility as the Covid-19 pandemic has escalated

• Coronavirus - latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage

Trust is the most precious commodity in any walk of life. The baleful fact is that the British government, in the midst of a profound and unprecedented crisis, is led by a man, and the party faction he represents, who cannot be trusted.

The atmosphere in No 10 is reported to be rancorous. Ministers, officials and special advisers are mutually suspicious. The prime minister, never a man for detail, habitually relies on foppish charm, wordplay and a ruthless readiness to make or drop any promise if it serves his interest. Whatever else this gang inspires, it's neither loyalty nor trust.