Sunak needs a vision

Afortnight into his premiership, Rishi Sunak has already lost one minister from his Cabinet. Sir Gavin Williamson became the first anyone could remember to be dismissed under three different prime ministers when he was forced to stand down after a spate of allegations about his bullying. Sir Gavin’s departure was an embarrassment for Mr Sunak who has vowed to run a government based around professionalism and integrity.

But the Prime Minister was adamant that he did not know the substance of the claims against Sir Gavin, suggesting he would not have given him a post had he done so.

The affair is said by his critics to demonstrate a lack of judgment on Mr Sunak’s part. In reality, it is a function of the absence of any coherent narrative. For as long as the Government has little new to say to voters, these Westminster noises off will take on an importance they do not merit.

The previous prime minister, Liz Truss, lasted just 45 days in No10 yet was at least mindful of the need to produce a growth strategy to offset the economic downturn. Nevertheless, almost all of her ideas are being dismantled.

Not only was her upper rate tax cut from 45p to 40p reversed, but the Chancellor is considering putting it back to 50p. Moreover, it is reported that the plan for a network of investment zones within which businesses would flourish with lower taxes and fewer regulations is to be scrapped in next week’s Autumn Statement.

This would be a mistake. Mr Sunak is bracing the country for tax rises and spending cuts, but it is clear he needs to have more to offer than a technocratic appeal to competent stewardship.