Denial by soundbite

The former UK prime minister obliged her attackers by reversing pretty well everything she stood for. (Image: Getty)

Sat, 22 Oct 2022

Even in politics, some pain commands sympathy. The agonies of Liz Truss over the last few short weeks bring to mind that horrible childhood sense of disappointment when a longed-for treat falls flat. But having registered finer feelings, we can also draw some broader lessons to take away. These are not about policy. The former UK prime minister obliged her attackers by reversing pretty well everything she stood for. What she provided instead was a gruelling demonstration of politics’ hedgehog response. Confronted by a preda...

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