Summer Reading

Here is my employer’s (Weber Shandwick) latest thought-leadership piece for your consumption. I hope you enjoy the read.

The news cycle in 2009

My summary of the news events of the year is below. 2009 will be officially known as Groundhog Year.

Britain: the home of democracy. Yeah right

The electorate has spoken in England and there are now no Labour-run councils in the whole of the country. The Government has now also moved into third place behind the Tories and UKIP in the UK-wide European Election vote, despite totalling the same number as MEPs as the latter (13 each, compared to the Conservative’s 25). Check out the Beeb’s coverage here.

There is no doubt this is a complete disaster for Gordon Brown and the Labour Party and that there is nothing to spin here. I’m of the view, however, that this could end up being even more of a disaster for the British political system and most importantly for us…the public. If Brown stays on (which seems likely) it will be against the will of the public and ultimately against what democracy is all about. To make a dramatic point, under Gordon we will live under a dictatorship run by an unelected Prime Minister who sets his own agenda despite the will of the overwhelming majority.

It is my view that we are entering a hugely dangerous period in our nation’s politics and that the outcome of the next twenty-four hours (or so) will decide whether we care for democracy or not. We have nothing more to do than put faith in the Labour Party’s elected MPs to make the right choice on behalf of the British public. Some of you may feel he’s the right person to lead the country but we’ve spoken, we don’t and you work on behalf of us. Do your duty please.

Please go out and vote

I will be voting on Thursday in the local and European elections and I hope you all do the same. Here is our greatest opportunity to tell Gordon Brown that his Government has failed, its time is up and what is required is a General Election. It is time for a fresh start and as The Sun has said this morning time to send this mob packing.

It is amazing that Gordon Brown has said he will stay no matter what the outcome is on Thursday. We continue to have an unelected Prime Minister in what we define as a democratic country, hmmm. If the results go against him on Thursday he must be booted out otherwise our political system will be mockery on the international stage (as it is seen within these shores). We really are looking increasingly similar to Zimbabwe as time goes on. The MP expenses situation has shown that corruption lies right at the heart of Westminster – we need changes made to our democracy for things to improve and these changes must take place from the top down.

Elections such as the ones on Thursday are often perceived to be slightly less important than General Elections but this cannot be said about this week. Please I beg you all to go out and vote this week to make your voice heard, and please vote for the party that you feel has the best interests of Britain at its heart, both now and for the future. In a time of when full transparency is needed I’ll be voting for these guys.

Bored!

Three things I’m infinitely bored of…

1. Susan Boyle – is she really that good?
2. Ronaldo’s overwhelming ego and transfer rumours – he wants to go so just let him
3. The MPs expenses scandal – day 109…

Enough already!