For Keir Starmer. There’s no magic wand any fairy godmother could wave to turn the PM into a brilliant communicator but Starmer could have a mince pie with Rochdale MP Paul Waugh who was a highly respected political journalist before standing for parliament in the town where he grew up. Starmer needs to control the narrative, remind people what his government has achieved in less than six months and use difficult questions to get to a better answer. Cheer up the backbenchers who’ll be wobbling over winter fuel payments, under fire from disgruntled farmers, WASPI women, business owners, local councillors and the press. Failing that, see if Duolingo has a quick course in how to speak human – ideal to listen to on those many plane trips around the world. Christmas fable: The Tortoise and the Hare – keep going even if it feels like you’re losing, slow and steady can win the race.
For Kemi Badenoch. Find one of the late Dr Michael Mosley’s podcasts about the importance of sensible eating, taking a break from the office and learning to listen. ‘Lunch is for wimps’ went out with padded shoulders and chain smoking – around the same time the Tories seemed unassailable. Face the reality of why the Tories were kicked out and ask what they’re for now. Christmas fable: The Sun and the North Wind – kindness and compassion is more persuasive than force.
For Ed Davey. While everyone’s busy looking at Reform and there’s no chance of Elon Musk bankrolling the LibDems, keep plugging away at building local support and do what worked in the general election by concentrating on a couple of key issues that the LibDems ‘own’. Social care and sewage haven’t gone away or been resolved but the big question for LibDems will be devolution and housebuilding. The prize of constructive opposition and pragmatism could be enormous. Christmas fable: The Bell and the Cat – having one good idea is better than having many.
For Nigel Farage. Riding high in the polls, basking in the limelight and without doubt one of the most effective communicators in politics but with success should come greater scrutiny. The very special relationship with Donald Trump and Elon Musk suggests not one but two. Christmas fables: Icarus who flew too close to the sun so his wings melted and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.
It’s been a tumultuous year in politics around the world and there’s great uncertainty ahead. War, climate change, the rise of populism and fake news all of which foster fear and hopelessness. Perhaps we’d do well to play Only Connect and remember how everything is linked. Poverty, bad housing, air quality and the food we eat affect our health and the NHS. To fix that means fixing the other things too and none of those are quick and easy. But if we turn our backs on democracy and decent politicians trying to do the right thing we will be in a far worse place. Christmas fable: The Lion and the Mouse – no kindness, however small, is ever wasted.
Merry Christmas!
