In politics, there is a basic test of seriousness: linguistic self-discipline. You should never provide the opposition with ammunition; never say anything which could be quoted against your own party. This is doubly true if you are a minister.
A few days ago, Nick Boles made one sensible point, though it was hardly a new one. For decades, the Tories have often been seen as the toffs’ party, neglectful of the interests of ordinary people. Mr Boles argued that even after eight years, David Cameron has failed to put that right.
There are three responses to that. First, it is an exaggeration. If Mrs Thatcher had been doing this well in the polls at this stage of a Parliament, she would have wondered what she was doing wrong.
Second, this government has succeeded in neutralising one of Labour’s principal weapons: the NHS.
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