[LatteLazy]

Maybe it is misleading, I'm sorry if you think so. But when was the last time the third person at the treasury was suddenly given the top job? Or at the foreign or home offices? How many people knew his name before he was suddenly the perfect candidate by virtue of experience?

[mjw1007]

I think Normal Lamont in 1990 was the last chancellor to be promoted directly from chief secretary to the treasury (which is in fact the second most senior position in the treasury).

His predecessor, John Major, entered the cabinet as chief secretary to the treasury, was promoted to foreign secretary two years later, and to chancellor three months after that.

[LatteLazy]

Major did well, he only had 5 years of experience when he became Chancellor. Rishi had 2, both more junior than any of majors. I wonder if Rishi will do better than Major (recession, expulsion from the ERM, Mad cow, confidence votes)...