Levelling-up can only work if the Prime Minister takes it so seriously they’re prepared to see most policy areas – or at least a good number of them – through the prism of it.
The reality is sleaze stories come and go without making any real impact on the polls at all – such is the low regard in which politicians are held.
The public will react very badly if they come to see the strikes as essentially political, but the Conservatives won’t want to appear unable to govern.
Sunak is unquestionably in the strongest position, but he has never appeared keen on the levelling-up agenda.
More unites these two voter groups than commentators suggest. The Government should be confident in crafting a message that appeals to both.
Another Conservative leader could be doing far better than the Prime Minister is.
Right-wing commentators and MPs pinning their hopes on a crusade against green levies will be shocked to find voters support the Government’s ambitions.
They are not against rich politicians, as long as any success is earned fairly. The Chancellor’s greater vulnerability is the cost-of-living crisis.
The Government may have begun to address the cost of living crisis, but the public believe that it has done nowhere near enough.
Though it is early days, events in Ukraine may have reduced the public’s blame for the government for a decline in living standards.
In the event of higher bills and a protracted conflict, polls that indicate a potential softening of support may understate it.
He is still viable with the public if he is constantly compared to Starmer as the alternative.
Radical devolution and a new focus on HE and FE are among two things that can help the Government achieve its aims.
Ministers will be on much surer ground if they justify change on the basis of social habits.