The BV magazine, November ‘22 POLITICS
Just one comment: sorry
Politics is not a soap opera. A serious sense of purpose and a united, dedicated application has returned, says Simon Hoare MP Older readers may well recall the slightly disconcerting 1986 scene in the TV series Dallas when Pam Ewing wakes up, enters her en suite bathroom and finds her husband Bobby in the shower. The previous year, Bobby had been written out of the series, killed in a car accident. He returned, much to the surprise of viewers, and was met with Pammy declaring she had had a horrible dream. The period of his absence was immediately erased and life carried on as normal. Politics is a serious business. It can’t just erase memories. Decisions made affect the lives of us all every day. Politics is not a soap opera. That said, it has somewhat felt like one over recent months and for that I want to apologise. A one-act tragedy The government has not looked serious about discharging its important duties. The events of ‘partygate’ and Paterson combined to create a toxic environment in the country and in Parliament that led, as we know, to the fall of Boris Johnson (no returning ‘Bobby in the shower’ moment for him). Over the summer – when the country was looking for answers, reassurance and support – the governmental pause button had been pressed while a new leader was selected. The short-lived Truss government, more one-act tragedy than long running soap opera, needs no further
emanates an air of seriousness, comment. a sense of purpose and of Apart from one: sorry. dedicated application, I am not The principles that so naïve as to consider that all underpinned the mini budget is either forgiven or forgotten. were basically the right The Government has a big job ones. The UK needs to see sustainable growth. Individuals, to do and little time to do it in. The appointment of Rishi rather than the State, know Sunak as Prime Minister and best how to support their families with their own money. his retention of Jeremy Hunt at the Treasury Our tax system needs are important to be competitive While the reputational in order to attract principles rebuilding investment and so were true, the foundations. on ... The principles preparation and The Cabinet were true but the delivery were that Rishi has preparation and appointed delivery were appalling appalling represents and the impact on all views and opinions across mortgages and confidence the Conservative party, rather made worse by its avoidability. than being solely drawn in the While the markets are now narrow image of the Leader. steadier, the UK’s reputation is I firmly believe this will make repairing and the Government for better decision making and 31
