Some communications officials at the centre of government – well versed with the media grid – were bemused after Burnham went on so strongly about Freedom of Movement with the EU last weekend in interviews. Which naturally became the topline for some days…
Burnham’s loose tongue meant that the news from his ‘100 days’ interviews was all about the EU. He did say other things. No10 has been scrabbling at the two Lobby briefings this week to roll back his comments and insist they are only his personal views…
There is pity for John Healey, the Chancellor who has been accused of ploddery and incompetence, that the Budget week media focus has been blown off course by the PM. One government source said: “If not for that more attention might have been paid to John’s announcements like ‘we will make gherkins and marmalade cheaper‘“. There are simply too many national conversations to be had instead…
Robert Jenrick told a rally on Monday:
“They say Chancellors are either undertakers or bookies. This one is an ostrich – and when the Chancellor buries his head in the sand, the rest of us, we’re left staring at his you know what.”