I have decided to write a second volume of my life of Johnson, who has always been an affront to serious-minded people’s idea of politics.
Much of this book is true, and the author does not pretend fully to understand what is happening. And yet I think her pessimism is overdone.
The Leader of the Opposition got across the message that the Labour Party is under new management.
Hoyle and Fowler are deeply opposed to the move, but Labour voters in the North of England like the sound of it.
He has demonstrated prodigious powers of endurance, keeping going through storms of criticism which would have driven many a lesser figure out of politics.
The Leader of the Opposition is still some way from obliging the Prime Minister to treat him with respect.
Few people understand better than the Culture Secretary how the government machine works, or fails to work.
Dodds, replying for Labour, claimed Johnson’s motto is “The buck stops anywhere but here”.
This Johnson ally, who runs the party on the PM’s behalf, has two modes, charming and angry, and is a more serious figure than he looks.
Starmer finds himself the bearer of bad news, a Roundhead reproaching the Cavalier PM for holding out the prospect of a rosy future.
He “gave people hope” and “discovered how to bypass a predominantly hostile press and speak directly to the people”. Remind you of anyone?
Week by week, Starmer and Johnson become more determined to treat each other as alien and essentially despicable forms of life.
If the Housing Secretary is to survive, he will have to learn the art of sometimes saying no to property developers such as Richard Desmond.
It seems to me there is truth on both sides of this argument. The nuances to which Lammy refers get lost once combat is joined.