Remembering a story told to me about Cummings by someone who was there.

At the start of the referendum campaign proper Cummings went in to see the FT's key editorial staff to explain how he was going to win the vote for Leave. Big meeting, lots of very bright people. Any normal person would have been intimidated.

Not Cummings. He slowly explained his plan and jaws dropped and dropped. Eventually one of the FT staff said: "What, you're just going to lie your way to victory?" and Cummings responded with a look that suggested he couldn't understand why anyone might ask that question.

This, not cleverness, is Cummings' secret sauce. That he does not care about the truth; he is not troubled with the 'rules' or what is decent or right; and he will break anything to get what he wants. He is, as David Cameron famously said, a career psychopath.

But there is no "winning" a pandemic. Neither lies, nor captive newspapers, will save the life of those you love. But Cummings has nothing else to offer.

Tonight I am very afraid for a country I love. We already have the worst death rate in the world. But, to signal the pretence that things are fine, we will bust the lock down, ignore the scientific advice, and the lack of infrastructure. Many more will die. Please stay safe.