is beginning to sound like the boy George’s credibility. If the fragrant Rothschild is lying, George isn’t, and the British Empire is safe. But why would Rothschild commit such a huge public lie? Monstrous vain pique at a breach of society etiquette, and nothing more? If so, then Osbourne & Pals become an even more despicable crew of back-stabbing vermin than we ever imagined, and their constant scrutiny and celebration become a grim but socially essential duty in the run-up to a general election.

You’d sort of expect The Economist to know that.