Dear James,

As a junior minister you are subject to the rule of collective responsibility which in simple terms means that whether privately you agree or disagree on policy or collective behaviour, publicly you have to toe the government line. This should always bring up the question of principle.  Simply put, how much can a private individual sacrifice to keep his job? Well, in the last few days I assume that you have been witnessing the revelations at the Covid Enquiry? I’d like to think that you were shocked but, on the other hand, being so close to government you probably knew it all along. If so, did you ever consider your position?  Are you considering it now? And, if not, why not?

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