The Chancellor's Void: A Recipe for Disaster? John Healey's first major speech since taking office was a masterclass in avoiding engagement with the country's economic woes.
Rather than presenting a clear vision or reassuring plan of action, Healey opted for an apologetic and uninspired tone.
The record high cost of government borrowing and Jaguar Land Rover's announcement of 4,000 redundancies just hours before his speech made it a high stakes moment for the new chancellor.