September 21, 2024

Tory drama in the Commons: our writers’ verdicts

Commons #Commons

Jeremy Hunt is doubtless an excellent chap but always looks like a startled lemur. Called to explain his plans, he had to wait, unseen, on his branch, while the permanently tetchy Keir Starmer did what he does: scolded the government. With wagging finger the Labour leader is indignation itself, but, thus far, reassurance eludes him.

Responding, Penny Mordaunt was grace under pressure. Normal people would have asked themselves whether there might have been a good reason — as the Commons leader kept saying — why the prime minister was absent. Normal people might have decided not to mock. MPs are not normal people.

Penny Mordaunt: The prime minister is “not under a desk”

Then came the lemur. I have never seen him looking so tired. “As I start my journey as chancellor,” he said

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