Another day and another government u-turn, though it has to be said this one makes sense. As well as playing Health Secretary yesterday, it seems the PM was also acting Justice Secretary. In a victory for the Sun and Mail, Ken Clarke’s controversial plans to half the sentences of people that plead guilty have been given the boot. Given No.10 originally backed the plans, you might say Cameron has ducked another fight…

Downing Street are in a tricky position here, Ken Clarke has been in Parliament longer than George Osborne has been alive. They are making it clear they are not briefing behind Clarke’s back, but this is a hugely embarrassing and very public dressing down for the old man. They don’t want to sack him, but might find the he tells them where to go…