A mischievous question, I know, but one prompted by Janan Ganesh’s latest Financial Times column. It is eight years since David Cameron became leader of the Conservative party and three and a half since he became Prime Minister. He may only have 18 months left in either post.
We know – or think we know – a lot about Cameron. He is what he seems to be. Decent fellow, capable in a crisis, unruffled. A better-than-average product of his class and background. Thought he should be Prime Minister because he reckoned he’d “be good at it”.
And yet the thought nags: what is he for? What is Cameron’s ministry about? As Ganesh says, the Prime Minister lacks a project. The economy is George Osborne’s infant, education belongs to Michael Gove. The NHS and welfare reform are best forgotten about (at least for now). Does Cameron have a big idea? (And does he need one?)
He had several once upon a time.
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