For David Cameron, what counts is being Britain's prime minister. The other stuff – repairing the nation's finances, building the Big Society, managing the politics – all these things are important. But what best describes the opening months of Mr Cameron's premiership is his innate sense that he was made for the role.

Most of the things you hear about Downing Street's new boy are complimentary. Officials draw comparisons between Mr Cameron's steady, relaxed style and the chaotic psychodrama into which Gordon Brown's premiership descended.

Mr Cameron is said to be calm and courteous – solicitous of staff. He wears his authority lightly and does not fret about taking decisions. Clever as well as confident, his easy public manner attests to the inner certainty. He is not overly fussed about being liked.