Clarke’s Comment
The recent miseries of our benighted PM have caused many of us to reflect on What Happens Next? Whilst many millions of opposition supporters (as well as plenty of Tories) would react to his departure with a colossal cheer and perhaps a street party, where would we actually be in a post-Johnson UK?
Well, in the short-term, we might exchange the anarchic and amoral soap opera of the current PM for the slick but soulless PR-act of bookies-favourite Rishi Sunak, or perhaps the comedy stylings of Liz Truss; a Sophie’s Choice to chill the heart of any thoughtful, compassionate or intelligent voter.
And what of the effects of this at the next General Election? Might the Tories be able to pull off the same trick another time and assure the voters that, after Cameron’s catastrophes, May’s misadventures, and Boris’ beastliness, ‘The Newer, Cleaner, Brighter Conservatives©’ deserve a fifth chance? Once again, the prediction markets currently favour a Conservative win, in spite of everything.
And if the faction-riven, unreformed and dysfunctional Labour Party were somehow able to claw a victory, or cobble together a coalition, would that really represent such a deliverance? For 77 years now, we have been governed by the Conservative Party, with occasional interruptions from Labour whilst the Tories bicker and regroup. We have also had a single coalition, which turned out to be a disaster for all involved. Is this really a way to govern a modern and diverse democracy?
Our country has never wanted for talent, for intelligent, passionate people, for campaigners, for great orators and for globally respected figures in all walks of life, but these people have so infrequently come from the ranks of our major politicians, and the reasons for this are increasingly clear. Any young person interested in participating in the political life of this country is immediately faced with a massive obstacle, to decide between the crumbling monoliths of the blue party and the red party. In other words, the very first thing you must do in politics is to abandon your personality, your convictions and your beliefs and submit to one of two outdated, prescriptive ideologies. From then on, your success will be directly correlated to your ability to follow orders, look convincing and toe the party line.
We see this amongst current and former Cabinet ministers who supposedly undertook Damascene conversions from being avowed remainers (when they thought remain would win) to ravenously aggressive leavers once the result was in (see Liz Truss, Sajid Javed, Matt Hancock, Robert Jenrick, Grant Schapps, etc). These people have successfully internalised the logic of double-think and have been rewarded for it. Meanwhile, the calibre of our elected officials plummets. For evidence, we need look no further than the following tweet regarding Nadine Dorries, MP, from the European Culture Editor for the New York Times – ‘Germany’s culture minister is a trained art historian; France’s wrote a book on Verdi. The new UK culture secretary … ate ostrich anus on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.’
In truth, the UK’s political system and culture is overdue for a radical overhaul. Whilst our professions are packed to the rafters with capable, thoughtful individuals, Westminster operates in a parallel universe where blind loyalty and the ability to lie without twitching are the most prized qualities. It’s time for something new.
As standards in public life continue to collapse, we at Renew will continue to stand up for our beliefs, for reform, fairness and participation, we will continue to call out the Government, to work for greater transparency, cleaning up our politics, modernising our democracy and standing up to be a part of what comes next.
We have put forward a raft of policy positions on how to reform and revitalise UK politics, including cleaning up money, transparency, free votes, term limits and citizens assemblies.
If you want to be a part of this new chapter for Renew, look at our refreshed website to learn more and sign up to be a member!
Join Renew at Democracy Rally in Parliament Square – Feb 5th
Our partners at Make Votes Matter have organised a rally to oppose the Elections Bill and to fight for equal votes. Renew will join the rally in support and all Renewers who are able to attend are welcome to join us from midday, Feb 5th at Parliament Square.
Following the rally, we will hold an informal discussion and drinks at a nearby venue TBA.
The official sign-up is here. Please also contact us at hello@renewparty.org.uk if you have any further questions.
If you want to be a part of this new chapter for Renew, look at our refreshed website to learn more and sign up to be a member!
Have a great week,
James and the Renew Team