We are living in an era of vibes. That is the key defining element of social and political discourse and influence. This is not a take I can claim for myself. I heard Simon Clarke, former MP, former chief secretary to the Treasury, at a time the second-tallest MP, come up with it. He was on Matt Chorley ’s very listenable show on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Clarke’s vibe assessment went something like this. There is no great benefit for those in power attempting to tackle really thorny insolubles. These take time, money and patience. That is a trio that is almost impossible to score as wins.

Instead, those without power, either challenging for it or trying to land a few glancing blows, can get a sense of what is itching people, where the generalised moods are blowing – essentially, getting a vib

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