In July 2017, I wrote in the Telegraph that the great Brexit betrayal had begun. This observation, made after new transitional arrangements had been unveiled which showed Britain would effectively be tied to the EU until 2021, was met with the usual derision that I’ve come to expect. Some people even suggested that in making this remark I was trying to reignite my political career. As ever, it seems the great and the good did not understand my motives.

Throughout her years in the Cabinet and in Downing Street, I have always distrusted Theresa May. She may have been competent at delivering a conference speech and appealing to Middle England, but she is a politician who has invariably promised a lot and delivered a little. Indeed, from a crowded field, I would say she was probably the worst Home Secretary in living memory.

Just as the Conservatives systematically pretend to voters at every general election that they are believe in conservative values – and then let the electorate down once they have got into office - so she has mirrored their crookedness as PM. The Chequers sell-out is, though, by far the most serious dereliction of duty of which Mrs May is guilty to date.

Of course, it was madness to install a career politician who backed the Remain side as Prime Minister. And despite her continuing to trot out well-worn lines about “taking back control of our laws, borders and money”, everybody knows her words are entirely hollow now.

Frankly, she must think voters are all incredibly stupid. By continuing to pretend that she is happy to embrace Brexit, she shows herself to be utterly duplicitous. She clearly had no qualms over committing this latest Brexit stitch-up, believing her party would back her automatically.