John McDonnell comments on Gavin Williamson being appointed Defence Secretary after Sir Michael Fallon's resignation

The transcript discusses the current disarray within the government, highlighted by the resignation of the Defense Secretary and the subsequent appointment of the chief whip. It draws parallels with past Tory governments, noting similar patterns of sleaze scandals and eventual decline. The erosion of the Prime Minister's authority is emphasized, with the current appointments seen as scraping the bottom of a decaying barrel.

In what way does the speaker believe the authority of the Prime Minister is eroding?

What does the phrase 'scraping the barrel' suggest about the government's appointments?