Studying his previous form, I would say it ranks somewhat above speculation.

Many a slip and all that. You can play the odds as much as you like. It still does not make it a fact no matter how you spin it.

His responses to the budget were effete and verging on inarticulate.

Which response was that? The real one or the one on Newsnight?

The media are still trying to crucify him and people are still falling for it. As has been ably demonstrated above.

DtG