Two days before the budget, the British prime minister promises better days lie ahead – but first, some painUK politics live – latest updatesSearch for the hero inside yourself. Or, if not the hero, then the working person.In his speech in Birmingham to explain why he couldn’t explain any more ahead of Wednesday’s budget, Keir Starmer had just one firm promise. While he couldn’t guarantee there would be no further tax rises in future budgets, or say where cuts to public services might fall, he could say this. That everything his government did would be in the service of working people and that working people would instinctively know who they were through a process of self-actualisation. Seek and ye shall find. Hopefully.Taking the Lead by John Crace is published by Little, Brown (£18.99). To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply. Continue reading...