Towards the end of the Chancellor’s budget, Keir Starmer’s internal pressure gauges were running hot. He was pumping himself up for what might be the biggest speech of his leadership – his address in reply to an election-year Budget. Jeremy Hunt had caused several bursts of uproar, the House had been fluffed to a point just shy of climax. The atmosphere was dense, Keir was to be the thunderclap – and then the SNP spoiled everything.
The Chair read out a formal Motion designed to authorise any announced taxes that were to have immediate effect (there never are any). All those in favour? (Roar) All those against? (As loud a roar where there is always silence).
