Politicians

I wouldn't want to be a politician in todays world. There is little that is black & white. The issues are invariably incredibly complex. When I was in my 20's I stood as a Labour candidate in local elections in Ascot - Obviously hope over experience! I have been a liflong liberal socialist though. 

There are two questions that always occur to me;-

• What drives anyone to seek election?
• What does the electorate have the right to expect from Politicians?

I'm not cynical enough to believe that politicians are always driven by money & power. I do believe that many want to change the status quo & improve life for people. They genuinely believe in public service & feel that they have something to contribute. It is true though that quite a lot of politicians don't behave as we expect. Worse, quite a lot of ministers fall below the standards demanded. This goes from "disorderly conduct", through independent complaints, to breaching the Code of Standards & at the top treason or sedition. It's all about "acts" or "omissions" prejudicing the state or political system. 

Currently Nadim Zahawi has been sacked because of his tax situation. The worst thing about this to my mind is that he didn't think that his tax situation was relevant to holding high public office. He lied about it when it became public. He did not resign, he had to be sacked following an enquiry. Finally he did not feel his conduct required an apology. It all seems unbelievably duplicitous & arrogant. I expect more from people in high office.

Politicians are just as likely as you or I to make mistakes. That isn't necessarily sackable so long as they are truthful. We should accept their human fallibility. I doubt any of us could do their job without making mistakes, however good their advisors are. They should be held accountable for their actions & lack of action though, especially those in high office. 

It's bad enough that they are trained to avoid answering difficult questions. To prevaricate & stick to a pre determined script which often bears no relevance to the question asked. It's a skill they learn. Personally I think it shows a contempt for the people they supposedly serve.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/oct/28/never-give-a-straight-answer-zoe-williams-learns-to-talk-like-a-politician

Being a good politician must be stressful & difficult. All I want from politicians is that they tell the truth unless that would cause serious harm & that they comply with reasonable standards of behaviour. There should be evidence of a moral compass. 

Unfortunately I simply don't think much of that applies to this UK government.