Control the controllables: that was the motto of football manager Nigel Adkins, who guided Southampton from the third tier of English football to the Premier League just over a decade ago. What Adkins meant was that there were so many factors influencing the outcome of a match that the coach needed to focus relentlessly on intelligently pulling the few levers available while retaining a phlegmatic approach to the outcome of any individual game. A lucky bounce, dubious refereeing decision or freak injury could all affect the result without reflecting on the competence of the manager.
Politicians find themselves in a similar position. They are able to steer and influence outcomes without ever being masters of their own destiny.
Unsurprisingly but frustratingly, Rishi Sunak has set