Cant but agree that there remains massive waste-fullness when it comes to public spending (as discussed on a previous thread) but Simon Clarke's recent comments about proposed cuts in benefits and the welfare state do not bode well.

The Tories, by nature, are anti-"Big government" but these proposals will impact mostly on the poorer sections of society and yet the estimated £50-40 billion savings will surely be used to help cover the loss in revenue from the tax cuts. Effectively, the poorer will now help pay for tax cuts that overwhelmingly benefit the better off. The irony is that Clarke is the new minister for levelling up.

Certainly there needs to be a far more vigorous system in place to root out "benefit cheats" and those who play the system, but many thousands genuinely rely on the help and financial support of the state. Moreover, the Tories have overseen a period when it has become increasingly hard to find decently paid full-time work (so many companies now just want part time) and this has been mostly as a result of their policies and attitudes. The concept of "trickle down" economics is aptly named as any benefits felt by those at the bottom will indeed be a trickle at best.

Meanwhile, Truss continues with her Maggie-esque "not for turning" impersonation-a sham turn that increasingly looks to be more a sign of desperation and delusion than of strength. Doubtless she will persist in this despite what will likely be another car-crash interview with her on the Kuenssberg show today.