Is there wisdom in Boris trying to run the Treasury from No.10 through a patsy? Some say yes, others say no.
It's an historical fact that a number of Prime Ministers have simultaneously been Chancellor as well, notably Pitt the Younger, George Canning, Peel, Disraeli, Gladstone and Baldwin. However, these were men with a renowned capacity for hard work and attention to detail - certainly not Boris' key attributes, according to those who know him well and also borne out by his actions to date.
Boris has to engage in a massive spending spree to fulfil his promises to the crumbled Red Wall - a spending spree which, curiously, looks like a socialist policy and not the tough, fiscal restraint that is the hallmark of Conservatism. The Treasury's main function is to balance the books and ensure there's no budget overspend. No wonder Boris wants control of the Treasury if he's to make good on his promises to those desperate souls who switched sides and voted for him. Cummings is, by all accounts, determined to hold Boris' feet to the fire on this promise to invest in the north, else he's toast at the next election.
Given the above, it seems most likely that Boris (aka Cummings) wants a compliant Chancellor - a yes man - rather than a person who sticks to traditional Conservative policy on low public spending and low taxation.
That said, the new incumbent has one critical factor on his side, should he wish to flex his muscles and not be seen as Cummings' creature - no administration can afford to lose two Chancellors. We shall see whether battle lines will be drawn, as the Treasury is a powerful force at the heart of politics and usually prevails. The position of Chancellor has also been the launchpad of four PMs.
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