Ripe plums fall into Labour’s lap. Without the opposition lifting a finger, each day brings another revelation that tells wavering voters all they need to know about what these bumptious ministers think of the little people for whom they set the rules. The world of golden wallpaper, 3am Downing Street karaoke parties and £335 trainers might have provided vicarious glamour in normal times, but not when living standards are plunging and so many people have raw memories of lockdowns and lives lost.
I was recently sent the words of the chair of a local Conservative association. With shameless cynicism, his “political overview” opened by referencing war: “The Russian invasion of Ukraine has taken the headlines away from Partygate. The absence of a vote of no confidence in the leadership means we now have the opportunity to stabilise the leadership and rebuild trust with the electorate and of course our lead in the polls.” As it is, recent polls put Labour at 39%, the Tories on 35%. “Rebuilding trust” looks a bit herculean right now.
