The prime minister has been dealt a series of political punches this week, losing four votes in 48 hours in the Commons as MPs defied him to block his no-deal Brexit plan and his attempt to call a general election too.

But losing his brother from his cabinet is a real body blow and when Mr Johnson appeared – late – in West Yorkshire to “launch his election campaign” he appeared wrong-footed, unfocused and a little bruised.

This was a prime minister who had the wind in his sails all summer but is now facing fierce headwinds from his opponents in the Conservative Party and parliament.