Express & Star comment: PM cannot let cabinet run amok

Unfortunately for Theresa May, such behaviour has become the norm under her less than impressive stewardship.

It seems that no matter how many times she reshuffles her top table, there will always be those who speak out over matters that Mrs May would sooner be kept in house.

Of course, there are two possible reasons why a Minister would take this course of action.

On one hand it could be a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Prime Minister. Alternatively, it may be an effort to prompt action – possibly undertaken as a last resort.

The latest Minister to step out of line is Boris Johnson, who has called for more spending on the NHS as a matter of urgency.

His apparent briefing of the press has prompted fury among Mrs May and some of her Cabinet, leading to what we are told was a fairly stern reprimand.

But rather than hanging Mr Johnson out to dry, the Prime Minister would be wise to consider the current public mood towards her administration.

There is a growing strength of feeling – from people on all sides of the political divide – that the NHS is not receiving the funding it needs.

Many are also concerned about our armed forces, with Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson embroiled in a battle to keep troop numbers at their current levels in the face of potential cuts.

We are told time and time again that money is in short supply, yet this country continues to spend an exorbitant amount on foreign aid.

It really is extraordinary that with public services in crisis, the Government still deems it necessary to send £13.3bn abroad in international aid each year.

It is time for Mrs May to show some backbone and bring this ludicrous state of affairs to en end.

Failure to take action will have a damning impact on her legacy.

Does she want to be remembered as an impotent leader like David Cameron?

The military and the NHS must be funded properly.

Our foreign aid budget is the place to look.