Howzat! Rishi's bowling us over!

They see the sharp-suited Prime Minister as a grown-up who is across the details and gets things done.

- David Williamson

RISHI SUNAK arrived in Downing Street in October with the mission of restoring economic stability and preventing the pulverisation of his party at the next election. Now his admirers dare hope that this father-of-two will do much more than end the chaos that gripped Westminster and the markets last year, dooming the premierships of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.

Optimism, ambition and excitement are stirring among his followers.

And crucially, the dread of another change of leader before a general election expected in 2024 is evaporating.

Mr Johnson may be the king of comebacks, but last week he was locked in a fight for his political survival. He could face a by-election if MPs investigating his statements about Covid-era rule-breaking in Downing Street issue a damning verdict.

Mr Sunak may now decide he can stop looking over his shoulder and focus on winning his party another term in power.

An opinion poll last week saw Labour’s lead cut to 10 points and gave Tory MPs hope that under Mr Sunak they may escape electoral annihilation.

The 42-year-old was installed in No 10 without party members – much less the country – getting a say. But in recent weeks he has cemented his authority with a series of bold policy choices.