As the language of opposition to his Bill becomes more extreme, and as that opposition deepens and broadens, the Secretary of State for Health remains very cheerful. In fact those closer to him than me (yes, I know blog readers will be surprised to know there are a few) all report him as having been in a bad way a few weeks ago but that he is now back to his normal cheerful self.

Those who understand the dark art of politics recognise that one of the main reasons for this change of heart to one of sunny optimism will have come from the Prime Minister’s firm and unequivocal support for NHS reform just four weeks ago.