Keir Starmer is grappling with a chronic case of NDS* (that’s nightmare deputy syndrome)

It should be written in the job description. As a serial deputy, I can tell you that the first rule of the role is simple: you are not supposed to shine. Your chief purpose is to loyally support your boss. But, as Sir Keir Starmer has realised, not all deputies play by the rules. The sadness is writ large on the Labour leader’s face — as his deputy Angela Rayner whispered coquettishly into his ear at Labour party conference on Sunday it had clearly dawned on him. He has fallen victim to a chronic case of NDS — Nightmare Deputy Syndrome.

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