The 1970s are back: well, without the flares, the roller discos and the other good bits. Inflation and a flatlining economy have combined with the classic Tory toxic brew of migrant-bashing and union-baiting.
It’s hardly a coincidence. A rightwing party confronted with escalating social and economic turmoil is always tempted to press a big red button emblazoned with “conjure up bogeymen to divert popular anger”.