So there you have it. The future is aspirational. The next chapter of New Labour government under Gordon Brown will be about unlocking all the talents of all the people – something he claims is clearly distinct from the old idea of equality of opportunity, much less the prehistoric notion of equality of outcome.

Remarkably improved public services, providing personal as well as universal health treatment and education; a palpably more civil society, of givers as well as getters, guided by a moral compass set to British values; and a promise that Britain could continue to rise in the world, lifted by its economic strength – these were the underlying themes of the New Politics the new prime minister is offering the nation and his party.