So far: Chairman Maode basically told the Tory conference that the problem was not their policies, it was not their campaign, it was not their leader – it was them. Teasy May came in fancy dress, wearing one of Darth Vader’s cast offs. They wheeled out a groovy guy – Rashid – who fought Brent South for the Tories. He is the modern Britain that many older members of the audience, Guido suspects, finds difficult to understand and is a little wary of, but until they embrace the likes of him they will find progress difficult.

Rifkind gave his valedictory address with some oomph, but not enough oomph. He only has to make up his mind who to back – because no one is backing him.