And as he spoke, it was clear that we were getting Boris at his absolute best. His speech was eloquent but not orotund, absolutely clear and lucid in its analysis, uncompromising in its determination to stand by Ukraine but carefully judged in its sensitivity to the problems of other Nato members. In the true sense of the word, it was statesmanlike, and Parliament rose to this by becoming its best self. In startling contrast to its earlier partisan point-scoring, it was now united in response to a genuine international crisis.

The speeches from (almost) every side were sound and generous in their commendation for the Government’s leadership. It was difficult to imagine any of the other likely candidates to replace Mr Johnson, being able to achieve quite such a pitch perfect tone at a time of truly momentous global danger.

So now we can see the problem of his leadership pretty clearly. A man who appears feckless and chaotic in his private behaviour but who can display lucid principle, rhetorical brilliance and political competence at moments of real peril. It will be up to his party, and eventually the rest of us, to decide whether this equation is acceptable.