Decoding the artful resignation...

THE resignation letter of Kwasi Kwarteng is a minor masterpiece – gracious and uncomplaining about his sacking and yet with a potentially deadly message for Liz Truss lurking.

1 There is surely a barely concealed meaning in that line about the economic strategy they pursued having been the vision of Truss.

Kwarteng referred to this twice in a relatively short letter, having said higher up, in the second paragraph: “However, your vision of optimism, growth and change was right.”

These references make it very hard for Truss and her aides to advance the idea that the economics of the mini-Budget was primarily down to Kwarteng.

Clearly he is pointing out that the strategy came from her and that the policies that he drew up – and that she approved – flowed from the requirements she passed down to him.

2 But he explicitly pledges his ongoing support for her too, noting: “I look forward to supporting you and my successor… from the backbenches.”

Many a sacked minister has in the past chosen not to give such a pledge of ongoing loyalty.

3 The absence of any fit of pique or visible bitterness towards his boss and friend is undeniable: “I have seen your dedication and determination. I believe your vision is the right one. It has been an honour to serve as your first Chancellor. Your success is this country’s success and I wish you well,” concluded Kwarteng.

But despite the honourable sentiments, logically, it must follow that the fault is at least as much hers as his. Yet he is the one who has been thrown under the bus and she is attempting to soldier on.

Perhaps she will manage to for a while, as John Major clung on as PM for four years after sacking Norman Lamont for implementing his monetary policy.

Kwarteng’s response will help protect his standing among Tories and make a return more feasible. But only those not well-versed in Westminster’s artful code will think it gets Ms Truss off the hook.