Boris Johnson would be nowhere without media support.

Most of the inept, venal, corrupt, and dangerous politicians in this country would be nowhere without drastic journalistic soft-pedalling.

It is a collusion so systematic it amounts to conspiracy.

Perhaps those working in the centre of this bubble don't see it as conspiracy. But when you consistently refuse to challenge, ask the hard questions, or keep a cordon sanitaire between you and your subjects, you destroy the fourth estate's role as a pillar of democracy.

That Boris Johnson is a former journalist is no coincidence. He simply represents the convergence, rather than the healthy separation, of two powers.

The rot reaches deep into the UK fourth estate.