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The torment of the political life. Look around that ministerial team: all members is confronted with near impossible portfolios lacking the resources to do what they recognize is needed.

The legacy they received was more catastrophic than expected: they were handed explosive situations, deceptive pitfalls and enormous voids. Brexit is proving to be more economically devastating than expected, currently costing the exchequer £80bn annually.

The Challenges Building

They suffer from bad luck: the Trump destroyer landed on their watch. What greater disaster than a prison officer freeing a refused asylum-seeker individual convicted of sexual crimes? Small boat arrivals feel incessant.

An unfortunate internal party vote at this moment was destined to give Keir Starmer a bruising. The minimal electoral backing at the Caerphilly Senedd special election might not even be their nadir.

They prepare for criticism, but they're only human. As often, Wes Streeting boldly states what all can see: that there is "deep disillusionment in this country at the moment" and "a growing sense of despair about whether anyone is capable of turning this country round".

Public Opinion Puzzles

Nevertheless, the present hostile state of popular sentiment is confusing and concerning. The Labour leader is the most unpopular prime minister ever. Really?

He is a honorable, committed person of positive aims, without undue arrogance or ego. Contrast this with Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, or the casual assumption of David Cameron, all with so little to warrant arrogant assurance.

Political Obstacles

But, say the people, the Labour leader is more ineffective. As the nation's leader, he demonstrates little charisma, observers note: more seriously, he lacks political agility, innovative approaches or understanding of public sentiment.

The government mishandled regarding reductions to pensioners and disabled people, contrasted with expanded benefits in different sectors. Unsure which demographic to target, the government has allowed positive initiatives uncelebrated, from working rights to environmental funding, urban development and a youth guarantee.

Governing Philosophy

Too many close advisers persist in thinking the Daily Mail-inflected right demands attention, when almost twice as many voters have moved leftwards since Labour took office. Election expert John Curtice warns them to cease pursuing Reform voters: they've departed.

Labour's leader is struggling; this cannot be disputed when pollsters suggest no leader could bounce back from these record-low ratings.

Yet, during unknown circumstances of significant fluctuation, conventional wisdom could prove irrelevant. The Prime Minister rescued Labour from the period following Corbyn slough of despond that c conventional wisdom suggested couldn't be reversed in one term.

Future Possibilities

Might a different politician do better, or has society entered an almost impossible to govern, constantly dissatisfied electorate? All ruling parties may be opposed with similar speed once in power, however great its landslide victory, except if it comes in a gilded chariot bearing untold bounty for struggling state institutions and financially strained households.

Predictably, panic on the back benches will make talk of leadership change widespread if May's elections go as poorly as forecast – or, some suggest, sooner.

Future Directions

This represents the government's dilemma: The government's best chance emerges from difficulty. Prepare for being wiped out whatever, so use this massive majority for the full parliament to pursue their inherent social democratic instinct: make radical tax reforms, generating substantial revenue.

Expect to lose the next election, so take decisive action currently. Forget opinion polls and voter research; allow citizens to observe sincerity in their purpose. The sole method to rebuild credibility is to execute clearly what they think most correct and reasonable.

• This credibility has become essential to save the country from calamity
• The bright light from the Welsh constituency showed the strong "stop Reform" movement
• A substantial majority of unusually high engagement rallying to prevent Reform success
• Such strategy demands strategic electoral support for the most viable opposition candidate

The Finance Minister correctly describes Reform "the single greatest threat" to our way of life. As the Tories largely align with Reform, an electoral pact of some kind approaches.

Labour's duty is to implement required actions to block this outcome. Prepare for coalition, remain palatable for progressive partners when political labels matters less than the fundamental boundary against a governance risk unknown in our lifetime.

Such is an objective to drive out despair.