The first time I met Boris Johnson was in Washington, DC last year. He was shorter than I’d imagined, though he assured me that he’s “immensely physically strong”. Concerned that this sort of detail might not impress my editor – American journalism is a serious business – I requested a follow-up interview the next day. “Hi Madeleine, sorry to have missed you,” he replied. “Have been flat out. Let’s catch up in London. All best, Boris.” Well, that was September. It’s now July and – as Prime Minister – Boris has promised the country that he’ll be working “flat out” to deliver Brexit by Hallowe’en. I do hope he pulls it off. Aside from a disunited Kingdom and the possibly-impending reign of Jeremy Corbyn, the Brexit story is starting to resemble Bleak House. Interesting concept. A few colourful scenes. One or two compelling characters. But all of it completely lost amid 350 pages on Victorian furniture.