FRESH from his big gamble renegotiating the Brexit deal, Rishi Sunak was clearly feeling lucky this week.
The PM surprised his colleagues by staying up until 1am at the Tory Party away day – even joining them for a card game at around midnight.
Rishi Sunak in Belfast
One Tory MP said: “He was in good spirits and pressing the flesh until late.
“The party was really upbeat. Which makes a change.”
Rishi had gathered hundreds of Tory MPs for the 24 hour away at a swanky hotel in spa Windsor on Thursday.
The gathering has been cancelled several times thanks to Covid and various political crises.
Now onto their third PM since the idea was first hatched under Boris, Rishi tried to gee up his weary troops.
English cricket legend Andrew Strauss gave the after dinner speech stressing the importance of going out to bat as a team.
While polling guru Isaac Levido insisted all is not lost as Labour’s lead is soft and Sir Keir Starmer unloved by voters.
As the night went on – well oiled by a few beers and glasses of plonk – the MPs’ beleaguered spirits began to soar.
Once the PM went to bed at 1am, Michael Gove tried to rouse his colleagues in a sing-song.
Only one obliged – former Welsh Secretary and enthusiastic crooner Robert Buckland.
Taking place just a day after St David’s Day, it was fitting that he led the charge with a rousing rendition of Welsh anthem Land of My Fathers.
The night ended with Buckland’s baritone voice belting out Jerusalem.
“After that we all knew it was time for bed”, said one bleary-eyed straggler.
They trooped off to bed, perhaps to think how they can build a new Jerusalem.
