The NHS: the coalition “will end up doing a U-turn” on waiting lists

New Labour spent its first two years dismantling choice and competition—and the next two terms putting them back in. The Conservatives are spending much of their first two years getting rid of targets and Whitehall control. They will end up doing a U-turn and going back to targets—or be unlikely to get another term.

In opposition you spend most of your time with GPs. And teachers. And local authority directors. You go to their conferences. The easiest way to get a cheer is to promise to get rid of meddling by someone, normally politicians or bureaucrats.

David Cameron cleverly turned this fact of life into a rhetoric for opposition. The Big Society gained much of its thrust from attacking Whitehall’s targets and diktats. (By the way, Labour should be wary of saying the Big Society is a