The Guardian view on Kwasi Kwarteng: better at making enemies than forging policy | Editorial

The new chancellor is trying to wrongfoot Labour. That's an easier game than living up to his pledges

Ever since he was a boy, Kwasi Kwarteng has shown rare skill in wrongfooting opponents. At an interview for a place at Cambridge University, the Etonian heard the tutor confess that this was his first time interviewing entrance candidates. Don't worry, sir," beamed Master Kwarteng. You did fine." The cheek paid off. He got in.

After only one week as chancellor, he is now trying a similar strategy against the Labour opposition. In his sights is what he dubs the same old economic managerialism", as practised by the Treasury and the Bank of England. While praising his new department as an excellent finance ministry, good at keeping a lid on the deficit, he has instructed staff that their entire focus must be on growth".