Johnson’s task is to hire the right people and back them as long as they are getting things done, no matter who they offend in the process.
But there were a couple of moments of levity – though both men agreed that this is no time for it.
“Winston Churchill is a bastard” – criticism, scrutiny and vulgar abuse are part of living in a free country.
The Conservative victory in the general election of 2019, on a promise to Get Brexit Done, was a crushing defeat for them.
To the astonishment of those who see him as an incorrigible buffoon, the Prime Minister looked and sounded unremittingly sombre.
Nation states can act decisively when they wish to do so: the EU seems paralysed.
The Government has a new star.
Historians concentrate on such great men as Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln, and ignore the more Trumpian figures who reached the White House.
Corbyn refused to pull together.
Javid’s resignation statement contained jokes but also warnings. “I’m a low-tax Conservative,” he said, and the Treasury “is the only tax-cutting ministry”.
The latter will make much of the Government’s Constitution, Democracy & Rights Commission – promised in the Conservative Manifesto.
“So there’s no doubt, we are the underdog. But the point is, the Mayor’s record is so terrible it’s allowed us an opportunity.”
As the Chief Secretary is promoted to Chancellor in the wake of Javid’s resignation, we republish our profile of him from last month.