This has turned into a lose / lose situation for our great leader! If he retains Cummings he will be seen as sticking two fingers up to the general public and favouring his mate, and if he sacks him after all this time it will be seen as a massive U-turn and weak leadership. The easiest way out of it would be for Cummings to resign, but his arrogance will stop him doing that unless he is forced. Kier Starmer's chances of becoming the next Prime Minister have suddenly increased without him having to do anything at all!