BORIS Johnson may have resigned, but his strenuous efforts to remain as Prime Minister until the autumn should ring genuine alarm bells and cause much disquiet for those who cherish democracy.

A clown as Prime Minister has inevitably created a parliamentary circus but like his narcissistic mentor, former president Trump, Mr Johnson will grasp at every available last straw to stave off his final political demise. He has consistently demonstrated that historical democratic traditions and accepted parliamentary norms mean nothing to him or to his government.

The farce of partygate, the casual indifference to breaking international law and his brazen endorsement of widespread corruption both for himself and his party colleagues have badly wounded conventional constitutional practices and adversely manipulated the rule of law in the UK.

His legacy as an indolent, mendacious, amoral and nefarious leader of the UK has bastardised his party, the UK and the reputation of the Westminster Parliament both internally and internationally. The party faithful who voted him in as leader as well as the droves of UK citizens who gave him and his party a whopping majority were well aware of his character defects, singular lack of ethics and utter lack of gravitas or magnanimity.

His Cabinet colleagues, MPs and members of the Conservative Party must all now share the blame for electing an appallingly flawed buffoon as their leader, much as the Republican Party in the US should do with regards Mr Trump. They have all been tainted by association with Johnson: the constant defending of his indefensible behaviour and decisions, as well as their collective advocacy of a crippling Brexit, remorseless policies on areas like immigration and human rights, and a tardy response to the virus that resulted in England having the highest death toll in Europe.

It is difficult to see any individual Conservative politician who could be regarded as a credible candidate for the job as Prime Minister, mainly because Johnson has surrounded himself with mediocrities, sycophants and absolute incompetents. Perhaps his greatest achievement will be emasculating his party for the immediate future and propelling the disintegration of the UK into a new and dynamic phase.

The worst Prime Minister in British history may not be totally finished politically yet, and his legacy will surely resonate for some time. He has transparently displayed the shortcomings of an unwritten constitution, the revisionist agenda of his party and the subordinate place of Scotland within the Union. Ironically, the man who allegedly got Brexit done has cleared the path for Scexit in 2023.

Owen Kelly
Stirling

WHAT a Tory shambles – and it’s set to continue!

I regularly ponder: are we living in a democracy or dictatorship led by the “ruling class”, epitomised by Boris Johnson being the 20th PM schooled at Eton College. His behaviour always confirms for me it’s a dictatorship. I feel powerless to get rid of the Tory dross that dictates to our Scottish Government.

Boris Johnson has gone, but he is still able to broker a Trump-style deal allowing him to appoint a new Cabinet and to remain as PM until September. He also found time to reply to the FM with his usual shallow mantra: “now is not the time.” Never thought I would agree with Dominic Cummings who tweeted: “Evict him today or he will cause carnage.”

No integrity, no honesty, no empathy – if he were chocolate, he would eat himself. We in Scotland are worth more than being something on the soles of the shoes of “the ruling class”. Scotland we need to be ready to take charge of ourselves and build a new future.

Jan Ferrie
Ayrshire

I’VE just read the comments regarding “writing off” the plus-65-year-olds as a lost cause in increasing the Yes votes for our independence referendum. Clearly those who state it’s a waste of time need to look closely at the people who represent the bedrock of the branches in the SNP, the Greens, the Yes movement and the many other Yes lobby groups.

The real issue for activists like myself is that we are an ageing population, and we desperately wish that “new blood” would volunteer their services and ensure the continuance of our branches. Just a gentle reminder to those who spout these “ageism” comments that on the many days of canvassing, delivering leaflets and marching, come rain or shine you will find plus-65-year-olds – no, in fact plus-70-year-olds – “doing their bit for the cause”.

I am sure at the back of their minds is that they want to see their children and grandchildren live in an independent Scotland. There are many of our older population still ready to be convinced that independence is the way forward for Scotland: let’s not forget that.

There are many like me, young at heart, who cannot wait for our country to be free!

Dan Wood
Kirriemuir

AS an 80-year-old, I get annoyed when I read comments regarding our elderly in the independence struggle. They accuse the elderly No voters of being unchanging and selfish, contrast them with our youth and quote polls of 2014. They even suggest the elderly should abstain in the vote. I personally became convinced about the necessity of independence in my later years (include also my 73-year-old wife in that).Throughout my life of activism in trade unions, political and community work, I have changed the opinions and attitudes of other by force of argument, explanation and opinion.

Dismissal of contrary opinion or expressing insult was never my approach, because I considered it negative and counter-productive.

Bobby Brennan
Glasgow