Oh Rishi........
Poor Rishi, he had the ability to lose this competition to be leader of the country and hold his head up high. Or, he could lose after trying to pander to the illogical fantasies of the Tory party membership.
By announcing that he will cut VAT on fuel bills, he has opted for the latter, desperately trying to climb onto Liz Truss’s band wagon and failing in the attempt.
He is being hoist with his own petard, he knows the measures his opponent is proposing are unaffordable and dangerous and he cannot follow suit honestly because he knows there is no money to implement them.
He now looks likely to lose but will he serve a Truss premiership? If he has any honour he should refuse, her attacks have been too personal, blaming him for the coming recession, inflation, low growth, higher taxes and the crops failing.
He also knows her policies are mad and has said so.
Turning round now and offering to serve would look awful.
Why not keep your powder dry for the next fight? He is still young, Lix Truss might implode faster than we think. And you would at least keep some dignity.
Economics, trade and Brexit, not necessarily in that order but the dog always comes first.