THE timing of Alan Johnson’s resignation as Shadow Chancellor is certainly a surprise, but he has never looked comfortable in the role.

Indeed, there have been times when he has been embarrassingly short of basic knowledge about the financial workings of the country.

Mr Johnson possesses the “one of us” factor. He is a politician who connects with ordinary people because he is down to earth and a strong grass roots communicator.

Indeed, he made a virtue of his lack of expertise in economics when he was appointed as Shadow Chancellor.

But ordinary people do not want someone with their own level of expertise when it comes to the complexities of the exchequer – they want someone with in-depth knowledge.

As Mr Johnson’s successor, Ed Balls will bring a far greater understanding of the subject. He knows his stuff and will be a sharper and more abrasive opponent to George Osborne, who has been given an embarrassingly easy ride to date.

The downside is the heavy baggage Mr Balls brings as a result of his close association with Gordon Brown.

Conservative deputy chairman Michael Fallon, former MP for Darlington, got in an early blow last night by saying: “He [Ed Balls] was Gordon Brown’s first lieutenant… They brought the Government to the brink of bankruptcy.”

It is a theme which is sure to become well established in the exchanges ahead.