One thing the Conservative Party can learn from the past eight weeks is that their membership is hopelessly out of touch with reality and can no longer be trusted to choose a leader who stands for modern Conservative values.

Liz Truss’s winning margin, which was less than that gained by either Boris Johnson or David Cameron, reflected the changing values of the membership.

It was entirely proper that Sunak should win the leadership unopposed, but now the tough task of restoring unity and confidence within the party begins.

There is a concern that Sunak’s victory will herald a return to the programme of austerity seen following the 2008 monetary crisis, although it is unclear whether the rise in National Insurance contributions reversed by Truss will be reinstated.

It is a sign of the times that Sunak has been chosen on both his reputation and personality rather than any one set of policies.