It is Britain’s grave misfortune that in a huge cost of living crisis, the country is destined to be led by a small Conservative politician in Liz Truss.
Labour’s ex-Chancellor Alistair Darling is a significant political figure, masterminding the Treasury’s rescue of banks in a global financial crisis that would’ve been considerably worse without decisive intervention.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was in the Cabinet at that time and fights for his people with imagination and tenacity.
Both recognise the urgent need for action on soaring energy bills – but the next Prime Minister is without a coherent plan.
Truss, if she had any sense, would abandon Tory ideological constraints and listen to Darling, Burnham, Gordon Brown, Keir Starmer, Ed Davey and everybody else who appreciates the scale of the danger posed by rocketing fuel bills and inflation.
We live in hope.
Mark of shame
One can only feel sorry for an elderly Queen when the grandaughter-in-law she made a Duchess is again trashing the monarchy in pursuit of fame and wealth.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, made another series of outlandish claims to present herself as a victim despite the Royal connection earning her a Californian mansion and a glittering jet-set lifestyle.
Basking in a retold comparison with Nelson Mandela is unlikely to endear her to those who believe she has suffered some discrimination, while reinforcing the hostility of her critics.
But it is to the Queen our hearts go out. She deserves better than family carping in the autumn of her long and distinguished reign.
Statins a tonic
Medical experts giving statins a near clean bill of health is a tonic for all those using the drugs to protect against heart attacks and strokes.
When the benefits outweigh the risks, we can stop worrying and enjoy living.
