George Osborne is apparently telling colleagues that the harsh austerity programme he plans should the Tories form the next government will make him “the most unpopular man in Britain within six weeks” of the next election.

Now, you see that’s what a private education can do for you. The state sector just doesn’t give people the confidence to dream. Had he gone to the local comp his ambition would have been far more muted. He might have hoped to be a most hated – but only a private school can give you the confidence to believe you could become the most hated.