Chancellor’s speech lasting 48 minutes felt like cruelty – and some of the announcements felt old

And twenty-thirdly … Any Rachel Reeves speech is always going to be something of an ordeal. As much for her as anyone listening. A battle for meaning. Music to the ears of insomniacs. Tractor production is up again.

In fairness, you could say that none of this matters. You don’t pick a chancellor because she can deliver a decent speech. You pick her for her grasp of detail and understanding of macro-economics. A serious subject demands a serious politician. Someone who can walk the walk. Even if she struggles with talking the talk.