He walked out of number 10 very publicly this afternoon after clearing his desk in fighting at the heart of government.

Spilled out into the public eye this week is Downing Street's director of communications, Lee Cain.

Resigned.

Dominic Cummings, a close ally, was expected to stay on until the end of the year.

But after a conversation with Boris Johnson today, it was decided he should go immediately.

This report from our deputy political editor, Vicky Young, contains flash photography, leaving for the final time one of the most influential figures in Westminster.

Propelled out of the door after a power struggle that erupted publicly on left Downing Street in turmoil, Dominic Cummings has beena Boris Johnson side for years on made plenty of enemies.

The prime minister's being persuaded he needs a different style of government, which means no place for some of his most loyal advisers.

Dominic Cummings made his name is a formidable campaigner, first against the UK, joining the euro.

It was the EU referendum that forge his relationship with Boris Johnson, and he was credited with the winning slogan, Take back control.

But the move into government threw up different challenges.

Mr.

Cummings was ruthless with those he didn't consider to be loyal.

He was dismissive of the Cabinet.

Conservative MPs on the civil service Parliament was controversially suspended when it tried to block a no deal Brexit.

Although he wasn't a member of the Conservative Party, he masterminded a huge election victory, appealing to leave voters in the north of England.

Well, he was always someone who would sort of shake things up.

He didn't take things a Ziff just because they've been done that way that they couldn't be done any other way.

And it's always good.

I think, to have people who challenge challenge the system and challenge the way things are done has obviously Bean very influential in that way.

But the co vid pandemic left little room for his ambitious reforms on.

Then there was the infamous trip to Barnard Castle.

While millions followed the rules and stayed at home.

Mr Cummings drove hundreds of miles to County Durham on was later forced to explain his actions.

We agreed that we should go for a short drive to see if I could drive safely.

There was uproar, but Mr Johnson stuck by him.

Today, many Tory MPs are glad he's gone.

Mr Cummings Liability.

I would like the prime minister to see this as an opportunity to muck out the stables, to get in the team of people that he really needs and deserves behind him every day.

The people working in that building make important decisions that affect every one of us.

On this week, the prime minister's decided he wants a new team to do that.

Conservative MPs hope that it will mean a different tone from the government.

Less division, less aggression.

What we don't know is whether it will mean a change in policy direction on only the prime minister can decide that the influence of Boris Johnson's fiance has also played its part in this drama Carry.

Simon's worked for the Conservative Party for years and was said to be unhappy with the team around him.

Others are already enjoying the limelight.

This is a face will all be seeing much more off.

Former journalist Allegra Stratton will speak for the prime minister at new daily press conferences.

The aim is a smoother operation.

It was at a meeting this afternoon between Boris Johnson, Dominic Cummings and former director of communications Lee Cain.

There was it was decided that they should leave immediately.

I'm told the prime minister wanted to clear the air on move on.

But there are already very different versions of what went on at that meeting circulating on.

I think that's a sign of just how fractious this whole thing has become.

As for the mood amongst conservative MPs, many have predicted for quite some time that it would end like this.

One said to me tonight it's time to just rejoice that they've gone Vicky Young in Westminster.

Thank you.