As Labour plans milestones, Boris Johnson proves he’s the Gregg Wallace of the political sphere and Jacob Rees-Mogg reveals true face of hard right

There must be something in the water. It’s normally in early January that people start to think of giving themselves a makeover. New year! New you! That kind of nonsense. But this year, everyone appears to be getting ahead of the game and relaunching themselves in December. Even Gregg Wallace, who is going out of his way to portray himself as a creepy misogynist. Just to eliminate any room for doubt.

Maybe it’s just that everyone has already had enough of 2024. It’s gone on far too long and has all been a bit underwhelming. Few things have quite worked out as anyone had hoped. Westminster itself is limping on to Christmas. While Jess Phillips was introducing a stalking bill, all the Tories really wanted to talk about was Labour giving back the Parthenon sculptures. Which they haven’t even said they are going to do.

Taking the Lead by John Crace is published by Little, Brown (£18.99). To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.