As opposition to Boris Johnson’s ‘coup’ grows, so does the need for unity against a no-deal Brexit

Editorial: The resignations of Ruth Davidson and George Young show that the prime minister’s underhand abuse of the royal prerogative has put Conservative unity under further strain

The shockwaves from Boris Johnson’s constitutional hand grenade are spreading. Ruth Davidson tried to play down her policy disagreement with the prime minister when she resigned as leader of the Scottish Conservatives. But it does not take advanced codebreaking skills to know that she is unimpressed by his underhand tactics in abusing the royal prerogative to try to force a no-deal Brexit through parliament.

George Young, the wily and experienced One Nation Conservative, was more explicit in his letter of resignation as a minister in the House of Lords. “I am very unhappy at the timing and length of the prorogation, and its motivation,” he wrote. He came close to accusing the prime minister of dishonesty: “I have been unpersuaded by the reasons given for that decision.”

Indeed, the way Mr Johnson has sought to limit parliament’s ability to defend the British economy from the damage of a no-deal exit has had two effects that could be counterproductive for him.