The Tories call it a ‘period of adjustment’. But the shortages, price hikes, and this week’s universal credit cut, will force them to face reality
The Tory party conference seems to be floating along in a sea of delusion. Outside their cocooned security zone, in the real world of petrol shortages and soaring energy prices, a cost of living crisis is “flashing red for the Conservatives”, according to the pollster Public First, “especially among the working-class voters they’ve come to rely on”. There are signs the party’s “red wall” support is starting to crumble, though no one knows if or when there will be a tipping point, as inflation pushes up costs beyond household means this winter.
In denial, ministers witlessly blamed petrol queues on public “panic” – an insult to those desperate to get to work, school or hospital. Next, ministers claimed this had nothing to do with Brexit – even though there are no queues or empty shelves across the Channel.
Polly Toynbee is a Guardian columnist