CUMMINGS AND GOINGS - BUT PRIME MINISTER CAN RELY ON LOYALTY OF GRIMSBY'S MP

Soulmates - the two politicians share good chemistry

AS Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues to agonise over the parting of the ways with right-hand man Dominic Cummings,  he can at least count on the support of his favourite backbencher - Great Grimsby MP Lia Nici.

The PM has had a soft spot for Ms Nici ever since he campaigned for her in the run-up to last year's General Election.

The respect is mutual. 

Grimsby's MP finds the premier amusing and entertaining. She knows that, had it not been for his campaigning charisma, she most likely would not have won the seat at the General Election 11 months ago.

The Grimsby News can reveal that, just hours before the bust-up at Number 10, the duo were together - at the instigation of Mr Johnson.

Alas, any personal pleasantries that were shared by the pair have not emerged, but, on brass tacks issues, Ms Nici was asked to identify what was top of her constituency agenda.

“Mr Johnson and I talked about English fisheries and the importance of taking back control of our waters," she said afterwards.

"We need to increase our quotas and become a world-leading, modern and sustainable fishing nation once again.

“We also discussed how to best support the fish processing industry which, in Grimsby, employs around 5,500 people."

Also discussed was the windfarm sector - one of particular interest also to the PM's fiancee, Carrie Symonds. 

Ms Nici explained: "Grimsby is a global leader in windfarm maintenance and operations, employing approximately 1,800 people, with opportunities for growth in other areas such as carbon capture, usage and storage.”

Further meetings between the two are planned in the New Year - but only after the dust has settled at Number 10.

The Grimsby News says: In some circles, both within her constituency and at Westminster, Ms Nici is perhaps seen as a political lightweight, but she should definitely  not be underestimated. The Prime Minister evidently likes her - he likes her a lot. As long as he remains in office, that can only work to the advantage both of the MP and her constituency . In politics, as in business and all walks of life, close and cordial personal relationships are often key to securing favourable outcomes. If Mr Cummings had appreciated that simple fact, he might not now be out on his ear.