As the Prime Minister dismisses talk about a threat to his leadership, Brian Taylor examines the quandary facing the Scottish Labour leader.

Let me open by quoting the Rev I.M. Jolly, courtesy of the genius that was Rikki Fulton: “I don’t know what sort of a week you’ve had but, see me, I’ve had a hell of a week.”

To get the full angst, you need Rikki’s lugubrious visage and tone. But we can easily transfer these sentiments to the Prime Minister.

Picture him. Popularity ratings in the gutter. Contemplating a stinker of a budget. At which point – prompted or, he says, otherwise – his chums decide to mount a counter-coup to see off a potential challenge from Wes Streeting and other supposed traitors.

The result of this inept initiative? Sir Keir sounds even more like Eeyore. Mr Streeting smiles as he declares he is a Faithful. And Kemi Badenoch gleefully unwraps her political gift – while Nigel Farage grins benignly.

A further thought. In the middle of this guddle, did Sir Keir find time to spare a thought for Anas Sarwar? You know, the Scottish Labour leader who faces elections in May?

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Perhaps he did. I am constantly assured by Labour folk that Sir Keir “gets Scotland”. But I doubt if this consideration was to the fore. To Mr Sarwar’s chagrin, Westminster continues to work primarily to a Westminster timetable – to a UK general election which is years distant.........

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