Labour is still in thrall to the low tax regime championed by my friend Nigel Lawson

Nigel Lawson in 1985, during his six years as chancellor. Photograph: Jane Bown/The Observer

To listen to the plaudits from the Conservative press after the death of Nigel Lawson at 91 last week one could be forgiven for wondering how many of the eulogists were aware that the great man’s chancellorship – from 1983 to 1989 – had ended in tears.

Believe it or not, despite many differences on economic policy, which I voiced in my columns, Lord Lawson and I were good friends.