“We need to give it its own clear funding stream that is then permanently separate. For all its flaws, is almost the only bit of the British state that is genuinely loved.”
Amidst the wreckage this morning, there are a few points of light. But that cackling noise you hear from Kensington is George Osborne laughing his head off.
A catspaw of Osborne? A competitor to Policy Exchange? A resource for a modernising leadership candidate? The truth is more subtle and interesting.
Futhermore, the Government needs to sharpen up its sense of mission. And there is a heap of talent on the Tory backbenches.
Both of the national parties are built around different attitudes to economic policy, and the Scottish Parliament’s new responsibilities will force tough choices on the SNP.
Also: Sargeant’s son to contest his seat at Welsh by-election; and Labour may use direct rule to align Northern Irieland with the mainland on abortion and gay marriage.
Her confirmation that she is staying to fight the 2021 Holyrood elections binds her fortunes to May’s.
The DUP leader has not yet shown she knows how to make the strange machinery set up in Stormont work.
While the responsibilities of government must be shouldered, there’s no doubting the need for a time of renewal – one as profound as in any period of opposition.
The Tories are working hard not just to argue but to demonstrate that Scottish interests are best served within British institutions and frameworks.
Hammond tries to lure Stormont back to its feet with yet more powers; Scots Tories highlight Budget role; and more.
But unless his fully-developed vision of the future can capture heart-and-minds, I’d expect control of the party to stay with the mainstream.