This comment is absolutely bang on, but leaves out one minor detail - this digging was done by openDemocracy who have been doing this constantly over the last 1

This comment is absolutely bang on, but leaves out one minor detail - this digging was done by openDemocracy who have been doing this constantly over the last 10 years. The fact that the print press also picked it up eventually is entirely down to your point (b). You can always tell when the tories are tired of their current leader because the rest of the party starts briefing the press with damaging stories.