Change inevitably upsets people

David Cameron’s first full interview since the local elections

Evidence of the hardship suffered by the Conservative party over the last decade can be found on the right foot of the Churchill statue which guards the entrance to the House of Commons chamber. His toecap is gleaming, thanks to the tradition of Conservative politicians giving it a rub for luck as they pass. Last month this practice was banned: anxious Tories have been rubbing it so ferociously for so long that a hole has appeared in the bronze. Meanwhile a statue of Lloyd George stands opposite with his feet almost mockingly undamaged by left-of-centre MPs.

But after all this time, the great man’s luck may finally be working for David Cameron. After six months of being marooned in the opinion polls, the Conservatives have secured their strongest showing in English local elections since 1992, and Mr Cameron has become the first Tory leader whose personal approval rating exceeds that of Tony Blair.