OPINION: The new Prime Minister must aspire to inspire

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Published:
5:00 PM July 17, 2022



It’s good to know that there are still occasions when it seems entirely reasonable to part with even the most tenuous ties of grim reality.

As someone known for living in the past – much slower, quieter, more comfortable and cheaper – I still cling to the idea of ​​closing early on Thursdays for a welcome break of rest and reflection.

Perhaps that small remnant was vindicated to some extent by Boris Johnson’s eventual emergence from his capital bunker to step down as Prime Minister on Thursday July 7.

He reminded us that ‘no one is remotely essential’ after spending quite a bit of extra time inside No 10 Downing Street, suggesting there could still be exceptions to this golden rule . His new job as caretaker with special responsibility for the cabinet and the new curtains must bring a zest of consolation.

It soon became impossible to tell who had completely lost faith and called him out or retained sufficient loyalty to offer a helping hand in pursuing the affairs of state while a ‘beauty parade’ was held. to find a successor. Perhaps Larry the Cat, Peppa Pig and Paddington Bear were among the latter.

Such a fast-paced political pantomime based on the old-school playground ploy of picking teams from very average resources for upcoming sports games needed a few notable characters to make the boos and cheers happen.

Charming Prince Level-Up, played by the well-spoken Michael Gove, miraculously transformed overnight into a stunning autumn guy without a wallet while the Wicked Baron of Beergate, a perfectly groomed Keir Starmer, transformed from potential villain to brilliant good guy by currying favor with the scruples and scruples of the Wood Elves.

Meanwhile, it’s all too easy to pick up on the mumblings and behind-the-scenes machinations of a restless group of shrewd campaign cohorts, ready to rush into the limelight with catchy slogans and clever name-hoof checks on behalf. of those who throw their hats into the electoral ring.

Barely a hint of subtlety in winners like “Honest, Gov!” “Applause for Shapps!” “Rooting for Rishi!” “Just support Truss!” “National Hunt!” “It’s Tom’s time!” “Wise Penny! and “The only way is ethics!”

Yes, you’re right. It’s far too important a subject for such levity, though a little simple humor could have added new perspective and purpose to an unworthy scramble for the crown of leadership. “They are all the same !” is a typical common cry steeped in apathy and cynicism at a time when clarity and hope should be the main currency.

When was the last time you heard a truly inspirational speech from one of our traditional Westminster politicians, entertaining, witty, provocative and free of stale jargon, backstabbing, flimsy promises and serial sound bites?

I suspect most lists would hardly feature benches before current or recent years, but would include past luminaries like Winston Churchill, Clement Atlee, Nye Bevan, Michael Foot, Tony Benn and Betty Boothroyd. You may not have celebrated their party allegiances, but you have admired the passion and substance behind their offerings.

Boris Johnson’s glaring shortcomings in the integrity and candor departments should make it relatively easy for his successor to find immediate improvements. While his chatter and bluster nurtured a reputation as a “colorful character” at home and abroad, it ultimately led to a dramatic downfall suitably enjoyed by most who set him up and then fought. his corner for so long.

However, it will take more than a new broom in Issue 10 to sweep away the piles of obvious distrust between “ordinary people” and privileged politicians, too many of whom inhabit another planet where a cost of living crisis is measured by investment banks. and generous spending rather than food banks and soaring prices.

Plenty of exciting promises to cut taxes as the leadership candidate’s train of wagons begin the election campaign in scorching conditions, but barely a whisper of restoring confidence in a parliamentary scene plagued by scandal and dishonesty. A new government must commit to new standards of decent behavior in public life.

Getting his own filthy house in order, with a prime minister on a crusade for strong principles, creative teamwork and genuine respect for voters ahead of sleazy shenanigans, a selfish and callous pompous contempt for those who put them there have put, would do the trick to begin with.

A tall order, especially with several people remaining on parade after being badly tainted coming close to Boris at his skinniest with the truth, but we badly need atonement and a head start for parliament and the public after a grotesque global pandemic and the early stages of a cruel financial crisis.

MPs should spend a lot more time with their constituents to find out what it is really like to struggle under testing conditions. How about returning to early closing on Thursdays to make way for special field sessions between well-paid elected officials and their wading flock? Wide scope there for home truths.

Care in your local community should always come first.

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