But Starmer, her new admirer, wore the complacent expression of a man who is 20 points ahead in the polls.
The key problem is stagnation. Margaret Thatcher’s reforms promoted mobility and opportunity. Now we are an economy which doesn’t change enough.
After 13 years in power, Labour’s legacy is one of debt, lower quality services, and higher taxes. We need reforms to limit debt and encourage a sharper focus on efficient service delivery.
The Prime Minister is in full command of the facts, but has no idea how to raise morale among his despondent backbenchers.
“The levels… are far too high, and I’m determined to bring them down to sustainable levels”, the Prime Minister replies.
Labour have found two ways of circumventing Hunt’s spending trap: first, to ignore it, and, second, to reduce pressure on the public finances through optimistic promises of economic growth.
As Europe turns to the right and a Trump return looms over the White House, Britain bucks the trend by appearing to be heading for a Labour government.
Also: Another woeful week for the SNP as its health minister refuses to resign over £11k roaming fee and Yousaf defies calls for an ethics inquiry into allegations he misled the Scottish Parliament.
Monday’s speech and today’s announcement show them choosing their ground for the next election. And since Hunt may find no money for further tax cuts next spring, the option of a May general election is opening up.
A frontbench mutiny such as this is extraordinary for a party on the cusp of power. Yet the Government keeps managing to keep its own crises front and centre.
Phillips, Khan, Qureshi and Barker quit the frontbench. Hopkins, Owen, Shah, and Slaughter were sacked after the vote. Foy and Carden have also left the frontbench.
The Prime Minister says he “will take no lessons from the Labour Party on protecting our national security”.
The Prime Minister looked relieved to have appointed a Home Secretary who is not furious with him.
The rage, frustration and contempt of its terms are a foretaste of what’s to come if the Conservatives lose the next election.
He will probably judge it better to keep a conservative spending message and dial down on the more radical green growth programme. Which would require her to make a painful U-turn.