Comment: how my predictions for 2024 measured up

The most fun aspect of writing this column, and one which I know readers enjoy, is my annual attempt to make a few accurate predictions about the forthcoming year.

Given the rapidity of the news agenda, and the insane politics of the past decade, this has become more difficult.

Mystic Wolmar has been a bit of a failure, but with a period of stability ahead of us (at least in the UK), he should be able to get a few things right.

And despite the chaos, Mystic did not have too bad a year in 2024. Here’s what he forecast:

The election will take place in late autumn and Labour will win by a landslide.

Well - half a point for the landslide.

Mark Harper will retain his post as Transport Secretary to the bitter end, but Huw Merriman will quit over further proposed cutbacks.

Again, half a point. Harper stayed on, while Merriman, despite his anger at what happened, remained in post.

No land earmarked for HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe will be sold off in 2024.

That was an easy one. One point.

There will be yet more trouble for the driverless car industry, affecting plans to introduce them in this country.

Well certainly there have been more problems, with various incidents. But plans in this country still seem to be supported by the new government. Half a point.

The ASLEF industrial relations dispute will be resolved by separating out the terms and conditions from the pay rise.

Well, yes - but it took the new government to do that.

Queens Park Rangers, currently 23rd, will not be relegated.

Well astonishingly, they stayed up. And at the time of writing they are a remarkable 19th, after being bottom (24th) a month ago.

So, a very commendable 4.5 points out of 6 - Mystic’s best for years.

Watch out for Mystic Wolmar’s predictions for 2025 in the next issue.