The poll shows a Union Jack effect. Scratch the surface, and respondents back Johnson to the hilt. Probe deeper, and there are doubts.
The latter led the charge to build 300,000 homes a year – but the Health Secretary’s real achievement is to help create a new industry from scratch.
Following this road will require a transformation of how we work and live on an expectation-defying scale.
Until Ministers set out their thinking on answers, the future will be less clear than it might be. They should so this week.
How prepared are we for strict social distancing for the forseeable future, compulsory masks, closed leisure facilities – and a semi-functioning economy?
Our reading of his statement is that he intends to sketch out a plan before the first May Bank Holiday rather than after it.
The Health Secretary’s defence of his department’s pro-lockdown stance has made him a target for those who want it eased.
The decision that Boris Johnson must make after his return this week is and can only be political – not scientific.
The Chancellor is set to build a relief road to get round the present pile-up of Government, banks and business.
But there is no simple split between the Left and Right of the Party, and no sense of rebellion, at least yet.
There are two groups who are particularly exposed: those who have recently lost their jobs, and younger people.
It appears that there will be no votes until next week. After that, the May Bank Holiday looms. In any event, MPs will be feeling their virtual way.
It may be significant that the one person who doesn’t seem to be making their mistake is Keir Starmer.
The art will be to do so in such a way that the NHS can cope with a rise in admissions. And social distancing for the most vulnerable must remain in place.
Ministers can carry on trying, through the British Business Bank or directly, to push on this Gordian Knot – or slice through it.
