By our own metrics, the government is not thriving. Waiting times at emergency ( A&E) wards may be falling, but at a glacial pace. The number of migrants crossing in small boats has risen by 38% over the past year. Housebuilding is moribund and crime incidents, although relatively low, have increased by 10%.

As Sir Keir Starmer approached the first anniversary of his general election victory, the indelible image this week was of a prime minister failing to fully back his chancellor Rachel Reeves, tears rolling down her cheeks,