The Spectator’s Notes | 10 October 2009

In the early Cameronian period, which now feels prehistoric, the only news was good news. It shows how the recession has turned everything topsy-turvy that this week the Tories have actually been aiming for ‘bad’ headlines. They have succeeded: cut invalidity benefit (weekend press), make people retire later (Tuesday), the ‘new age of austerity’ (Wednesday). This inversion also means that a boring speech is considered a good one. On Tuesday, George Osborne came on to the platform here. ‘Platform’ was the right word, because the set, a photograph of suburban houses from first-storey level, made it look as if George was waving goodbye to his family from an elevated railway before jumping on to the 8.14 from Esher. His delivery was almost unvarying and his message uncompromisingly tough. The only comfort he offered was the solidarity of the commuter when services are delayed: ‘We’re all in this together.’ No one could have enjoyed the speech, and yet the minders were ecstatic.