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How brutal is the political life. Observe that ministerial team: all members is grappling with exceptionally challenging portfolios without the means to do what they know is needed.

What they were handed was more disastrous than expected: they were left with traps, deceptive pitfalls and enormous voids. Leaving the European Union is showing itself as more economically devastating than expected, now losing the exchequer £80bn annually.

The Difficulties Mounting

They are blighted by poor fortune: the Trump destroyer coincided with their watch. What worse mishap than a jail staff member releasing a rejected refugee individual convicted of sexual crimes? Channel migrants feel incessant.

A poorly timed deputy leadership election right now was bound to give the Labour leader a setback. The eleven percent support at the Welsh parliament special election might not even be their nadir.

They prepare for brickbats, but they have feelings. Typically, Wes Streeting boldly states what everyone observes: that we're experiencing "deep disillusionment in this country at the moment" and "a growing sense of despair about whether anyone is capable of turning this country round".

Voter Perception Baffles

Yet, even so, the current vitriolic state of voter perception is puzzling and worrying. The Prime Minister is the most disliked prime minister ever. Really?

He is a honorable, committed person of positive aims, without undue arrogance or vanity. Measure this against the Conservative leader, the brief Conservative leader, or the relaxed confidence of the ex-Prime Minister, each achieving minimal to warrant arrogant assurance.

Political Obstacles

Yet, the public argues, the Labour leader is more ineffective. As prime minister, he demonstrates little charisma, according to critics: more seriously, he is missing political agility, ingenuity or instinct for public sentiment.

The party erred regarding reductions to elderly citizens and those with disabilities, contrasted with expanded benefits in different sectors. Unclear about their core constituency, ministers have permitted good policies unpromoted, from working rights to green investment, new towns and employment assurances for young people.

Electoral Approach

Too many key consultants still think the Daily Mail-inflected right demands attention, when almost twice as many voters have leaned liberal since the government formed. Survey specialist John Curtice cautions leadership to cease pursuing populist constituency: they've departed.

The Prime Minister is struggling; the evidence is clear when research shows no leader could recover from such unprecedented lows.

Yet, during unknown circumstances of such extreme volatility, conventional wisdom could prove irrelevant. The Prime Minister rescued Labour from a post-Jeremy Corbyn state of despair that history said couldn't be turned around in a single parliament.

Possible Outcomes

Would anyone else perform more effectively, or are we experiencing an almost impossible to govern, never-content citizenry? All ruling parties may be opposed with similar speed following election, however great its landslide victory, except if it comes bearing quick fixes offering substantial benefits for underfunded government departments and cash-strapped families.

Predictably, anxiety among MPs will make conversation regarding new leadership rife if May's elections go as poorly as forecast – or, various commentators argue, sooner.

The Way Forward

Here's ministers' paradox: The party's sole opportunity resides in hopelessness. Assume they will be wiped out whatever, so utilize their significant numbers for the remainder of the term to pursue their inherent progressive principles: implement substantial tax changes, raising plenty.

Prepare for opposition subsequent votes, so implement all policies immediately. Disregard popularity ratings and focus groups; enable the public to witness authentic dedication. The only way to restore some respect is to execute clearly what they believe most right and fair.

• This credibility has become essential to save the country from disaster
• The bright light from Caerphilly showed the significant "stop Reform" impulse
• More than sixty percent of an exceptional turnout rallying to block populist advances
• That requires mass tactical voting for the strongest progressive option

The Chancellor rightly calls Reform "the single greatest threat" to our way of life. As the Tories virtually merge with Reform, a voting agreement of some kind looms.

The party's obligation is to do whatever it takes to block this outcome. Prepare for coalition, be acceptable to allied groups when party affiliations is overshadowed by the deep red line against a political danger unknown in our lifetime.

This represents a mission to defeat discouragement.