Usually when a politician is described as being plain-speaking they’re backbench mavericks. Dennis Skinner is plain-speaking; Nick Winterton too. Rarely do we hear of a front-bencher or a high-ranking minister being acclaimed for speaking their mind openly and honestly. But maybe things are changing with this new government. This week alone we’ve had a health minister – albeit in a ‘personal capacity’ – calling obese people fat; and an education minister saying that some children are plain thick.

Of course, some people have been offended by such clarity – doctors have said being so plain about obesity may not be helpful to some and no doubt campaigners on behalf of children with learning difficulties will be wincing over Michael Gove’s words. But no real damage done, surely.

Of more concern, maybe, are David Cameron’s words about Pakistan yesterday when he suggested that that country needed to get to grips with the terrorism being exported from within its borders. A diplomatic row has erupted over some very un-diplomatic words. But was he correct in saying what he did? Many think so; for it is widely believed that many of the problems in Afghanistan stem from Pakistan and that some of the terrorist plots uncovered here in the UK also have their origins in that country. Maybe some plain speaking was required.

There is little doubt that the public would find it refreshing if their political leaders speak as they find and are open and honest – especially when it comes to their own mistakes.