The Prime Minister’s fine had barely touched No 10’s mat before a puff of blue smoke appeared. Just like magic, Tory MPs suddenly started vanishing. Among them was Watford’s very own ‘HouDeani’ – who 10 days on has failed to clarify his position despite several approaches.

The silence of Dean Russell and others feels calculated. They know it won’t affect Johnson fans or opposition, and they’re gambling it won’t overly annoy on-the-fence voters while keeping Big Boss happy. But will people swallow that? Many tragically lost loved ones while obeying the rules. They will rightly expect their MP to say if he thinks Johnson denying parties happened before getting fined for being at one is a sackable offence.

But the latest evasiveness continues a pattern. When partygate broke in December, Mr Russell did not respond. When Johnson admitted attending the ‘bring your own booze’ gathering in January, Watford’s MP dodged answering if he should resign. After Sue Gray’s report sparked a police investigation, he claimed it would “not be appropriate to prejudge the potential outcome”. With long grass now in short supply, we’re back to silence.

Other Tories have also stayed shtum, notably South West Herts’ Gagan Mohindra, but Hertsmere’s Oliver Dowden has nailed his colours to Johnson’s mast. “I’m fully behind him in getting on with the job.” Whether you agree or disagree, he at least had the courage to unequivocally tell voters where he stood. Considering the PM’s future is now in the hands of Tories like Mr Russell, the least he could do is bother explaining why he does or doesn’t support him.