Ministers really seem to have thought they could simply spend their way to high wages and stronger productivity.
The centre isn’t where he or ConservativeHome or anyone else wants it to be. It’s where it is – “Far From Notting Hill”.
That was the norm of the past ten years, in the form of Farage’s parties. There’s no reason to assume that a new challenger won’t emerge.
While the Chancellor’s recovery measures look drastic, they are “middle of the pack” when compared to others in the world.
The Tories have an interest in a focus on values. Reports suggest that some in Downing Street are encouraging Johnson to launch a ‘war on woke’.
Unfortunately, the crisis we face will lead to decisions having to be made which will be more difficult than those taken in 2010.
A new approach has allowed building work to take place offsite, leading to gains in productivity and creating long-term, well-paid jobs.
If, that is, interest rates carry on at rock bottom rates. But we have to take a chance on growing our way out of this crisis.
The Government has to generate revenue quickly, but austerity and spending cuts are not viable options.
The decision that Boris Johnson must make after his return this week is and can only be political – not scientific.
“We must act like any war time government, and do whatever it takes to support our economy.”
Who will their taxes really hit? How much will they truly raise? And can this really be described as a ‘moderate’ agenda?
Their manifesto doesn’t provide any costings for their most expensive plans. The IFS says their tax pledge is not believable. But will they get away with it?
The workers being promised fewer hours for the same money would also have to fund huge increases in the cost of public services.
The sixth piece in a ConHome series this week on the Prime Minister’s Reset Moment – and what should follow from it.