The Prime Minister cuts a dash on the international stage, but at home seems detached from his own administration

It has removed subsidies that help pensioners to stay warm during winter, sparking such public anger that Starmer vowed to restore them. Its attempt to force sick and disabled people into work by reducing benefits is just the latest backlash stemming from these self-imposed spending restrictions.

Sir Keir Starmer came to office promising to revitalise growth, “smash the criminal gangs” and avoid taxes on “working people”. He has failed dismally on all three fronts, and he has done so in ways which have compounded the issues facing this country.