Liz Truss's libertarianism was never going to win over the UK

Liz Truss's libertarianism was never going to win over the UK
A tough week at the office for Kwasi Kwarteng and Liz Truss. (Image: Getty)
Bloomberg
By Martin IvensThe French admire intellectuals for their ideological principles, but the British don’t share their enthusiasm.As the poet WH Auden wrote: “To the man-in-the-street who, I’m sorry to say, /Is a keen observer of life/ The word intellectual suggests right away/A man who’s untrue to his wife.”This mindset dates back to the French Revolution.Across the Channel, the British shuddered in horror when Parisian fanatics guillotined their political opponents by the thousands in the name of abstract ideas. Memo...

More Opinion

KiwiSaver grow-slow
Opinion

David Chaplin: KiwiSaver grow-slow

The 30-odd KiwiSaver providers must find growth, if they want it, by raiding rivals.

NZ's sluggish economy and housing challenges
Opinion

Cameron Bagrie: NZ's sluggish economy and housing challenges

House prices are still 40% higher than they were in 2017.

Cameron Bagrie 18 Aug 2025
‘She’ll be right, mate’: SkyCity Adelaide
Opinion

Dileepa Fonseka: ‘She’ll be right, mate’: SkyCity Adelaide

SkyCity Adelaide’s board didn’t meet for nearly 20 years.

Dileepa Fonseka 18 Aug 2025
All things macro ...
Opinion

Simon Robertson: All things macro ...

Talking about your macro trades at cocktail parties is top shelf.

Simon Robertson 16 Aug 2025