Tories at Westminster are filled with optimism, much of it misplaced

There is a substantial monograph to be written on the relationship between the Prime Minister and Margaret Thatcher. It began with abject, one-sided adoration. Colleagues recall Tony Blair, as a youngish MP, meeting Thatcher. They say it was embarrassing, the look of dog-like devotion he gave her.

The second stage came when Tony Blair was leader of the opposition.