This scandal reveals a Conservative party corrupted by Boris Johnson – and by Brexit | Jonathan Freedland

Whether it's the monarchy, the union or the BBC, today's Tories are trampling on the values they once claimed to cherish

Just because Boris Johnson approaches every issue thinking only of Boris Johnson does not mean we have to do the same. Even the crisis that now engulfs the prime minister, and sees his fate hang on Tory MPs' reaction to a Sue Gray report that could come next week, is not only about him. It's tempting to see it that way - to look for the roots of the partygate scandal in Johnson's arrogance, entitlement and narcissism - but it's a double mistake.

As a matter of politics, it's unwise because it would allow the Conservatives to ditch Johnson, pick a successor and claim to be a new government exorcised of its demon, with no need for the electorate to turn to Labour. But it's also wrong.

Jonathan Freedland is a Guardian columnist