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Watch: Matt Hancock admits to not understanding May’s Brexit strategy

In a successful conference speech, Theresa May finally laid out to members and the public the direction she wanted to take the country. But did she make the most difficult part of premiership, her Brexit plan, any clearer? Judging by how well her cabinet understands her Chequers strategy, Mr Steerpike doesn’t think so.

After her speech concluded, Stewart Jackson, former chief of staff to David Davis, nobly attempted to define what May’s next steps were in the Brexit negotiations. After he concluded his explanation, presenter Jo Coburn asked Health Secretary Matt Hancock if ‘Stewart assessed that correctly?’ Hancock responded:

He gives every impression of knowing more than I do, so I don’t know. I think that’s his supposition.

To which Coburn replied:

Isn’t that a bit worrying when you’re in the cabinet?

In fairness, considering Hancock spent last night celebrating his 40th birthday, perhaps he could be forgiven for not having a firm grasp on the detail this afternoon.

Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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