Is Sunak really a big state believer?

There’s something strange happening in Tory politics. It’s not surprising to see leadership candidates taking special aim at the current frontrunner Rishi Sunak. But the attacks being used are redefining the economic philosophy of the Tory party in a way that could soon backfire, regardless of who wins the top job.
Take, for example, Liz Truss’s most recent pitch to MPs: get behind one Tory right candidate or risk sending Sunak into No. 10. Allies of Suella Braverman are reported to be making a similar pitch. The vast number of candidates in this race has indeed caused a lot of uncertainty and increases the likelihood of surprise results – something leadership hopefuls are desperate to avoid. But to the main point: since when is Sunak on the Tory left?
The headline tax burden makes being on the left an easy accusation to throw Sunak’s way – but it’s a deliberately simplistic narrative.