Believe it or not, the UK Cabinet, the heart of darkness, comprises 22 people.   For the last couple of months we have heard – seemingly endlessly – from half a dozen of them (the FL himself, 3-minute-Raab, Rishi Sunak, Pee-pee Patel, the Grate Williamson and ‘Ancock), of the others not a whisper. Even Piggling Bland seems to have melted into oblivion.  What are they up to, this band of right wing desperados?

More, perhaps, than we might like to think.  For one thing, it is full steam ahead with Brexit.  There is just over 2 months, 9 weeks, until the timetable is set: either we ask for a delay, which will be granted, or we do not, in which case it looks increasingly certain that we will be heading for a no deal.  It is equally certain that no deal is the fervent wish of many in government.   At the same time that they demand relaxation of the lock down on the grounds that it is destroying business, they demand that we impose barriers to trade and transport with our nearest neighbours and largest market.  Not just irresponsible, insane.

And deeper in the shadows other agendas are undoubtedly being pursued: restricting the power of the judiciary, and slashing overseas aid amongst them.   Their rule is ideological, not governmental: populist not paternal.  The lack of visible presence should not disguise the fervour, and cruelty,  of their plans.