What with one thing and another, Boris Johnson has spent more time anxiously looking out for both the police and his own rattled backbenchers in recent weeks than he has for the country. But with the local elections taking place next week, it has suddenly dawned on him that almost everyone is worried about the cost-of-living crisis. So at this week’s cabinet meeting, The Convict was determined to give the subject his undivided attention.
There was just one problem. There was no spare money, no tax cuts even, to help those who were struggling to heat their homes and put food on the table. Which meant that the cabinet was more like a money saving expert away-day, with each minister chipping in with a few tips on how to get the best value for your money. Johnson got the ball rolling. If you were struggling to pay your bills, then you could always get Lord Brownlow to pay them. It had worked a treat for him. Brownlow had stumped up a fortune for the hideous wallpaper and wouldn’t be averse to helping out a few others.
