The government’s incessant U-turns have revealed a deeper issue with Boris Johnson’s administration

Editorial: Ministers decide, as the old adage goes, and those judgements have to be as considered and as sound as possible. Something has evidently gone very wrong with that procedure

It is fair to say that, given his colourful track record, hopes were never high that an administration led by Boris Johnson would prove a global paradigm for good governance; but really, has it come to this? A U-turn a week?

One of Mr Johnson’s predecessors forged a formidable reputation for determination and consistency of purpose – “you turn if you want to; the lady’s not for turning”. Since then Tory prime ministers have generally been of a more pragmatic mind. But Mr Johnson, even as he enjoys his 80-seat parliamentary majority, the largest since the days of the Iron Lady, seems happy to be blown around as easily as his famous blond mop on a stormy Highland hillside.

In a way, it is refreshing, almost endearing. Theresa May suffered from trying to give the impression of firm leadership, before inevitably giving way, ending up with the worst of worlds. If some second – or third – order policy is a dud, unnecessarily damaging the government and hated by the public, then why not ditch it at the earliest opportunity, chucking in an insincere apology if needs be? If it takes Marcus Rashford to show the government the error of its ways on free school meals, Mr Johnson might ask, then so what if it makes people happy to alter the policy? If the 1922 Committee is restless, give ’em what they want. If a cave-in prevents Keir Starmer winning a Commons vote, then drop the offending clauses in whatever bill he is moaning about.