Strong leadership is called for in our difficult times

THOUGHT Kemi Badenoch put in a bravura performance in the Budget debate.

- David Taylor-Gooby

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's Budget day blast won plaudits

Politics is not simply about policies, important as they are. It is also about feelings, spirits and moods, and Kemi certainly managed to raise the mood of her previously downcast party. They ended up cheering and chanting like fans at a football match.

All this contrasted with Labour's leaks, flip-flops and U-turns on the budget, which created an impression of ineptitude before a word was pronounced. Never mind the fact that there were some good things in the Budget, the impression was created that it was not a good Budget because of the performance of the Chancellor.

Contrast that with Kemi Badenoch. Despite the fact that she has not produced any worthwhile policies or alternatives to the Budget, she came over as a strong leader. Result - she immediately went up in the polls and Farage came down.

How does all this affect the wider political scene? Britain is not in a good position at the moment. People feel fed up.

Past generations have seen life being better for their children than it was for them. This is no longer the case. I went to university for free (the Government paid the fees), received a substantial grant, and did not find it difficult getting a job when I left. I now enjoy a good pension, linked to the cost of living.