It’s tempting to see comedy in the government’s 30th U-Turn, but there’s a more serious side to this. It fits a pattern: act first, think later. The lack of special advisers in government is part of the problem. Even in the Labour days, I argued for more and better political appointees to help a reforming government get its agenda through.
But the problem this time was George Osborne’s chillaxing approach to being Chancellor, coupled to what seems to be a casual disregard for detail. This approach was embodied in his decision to join Cameron on White House jolly the week before delivering his shambolic Budget. It makes you wonder if his growth strategy (or what purports to be his growth strategy) has had enough thought put into it.
Being Chancellor in a recession is a very tough job. Osborne’s predecessors are amazed at the time he has to spend politicking across departments. I’m told that he is heading the campaign to defeat Salmond in a Scottish referendum, taking on yet another job to add to his other one of chief strategist.
Osborne expected to be unpopular because of the depth of the cuts, but it is basic competence that is now undermining government support. With the recovery pretty much evaporating, Osborne’s star is in the descendent. I hope it rises again soon, because a malfunctioning Chancellor is something the country really can’t afford.
PS: The Evening Standard today reviews Park Lane, the new novel by Frances Osborne, and advises her to write another one while she can still ‘be marketed as married to the Chancellor of the Exchequer… She had better get going.’
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