Category Archives for politics
Blair speaks!
Tweet From my 2005 play Waiting For Gordo a bleak existential drama of backbench life in the Labour Party. Spoken by my character Placebo Lackey MP, but all passages by Tony Blair I believe – passionately – that it is … Continue reading
Wanted: A Labour Leader (serious applicants only)
Tweet full text of article published in the Yorkshire Post December 16, 2019 (some zingers omitted) There is an old maxim in American politics: the best time to kick a man is when he’s down. It certainly applies to … Continue reading
John Donne anticipates the UK election results declared on St Lucy’s Day
Tweet ‘Tis the year’s midnight, and it is the day’s, Lucy’s, who scarce seven hours herself unmasks; The sun is spent, and now his flasks Send forth light squibs, no constant rays; The world’s whole sap is sunk; The general … Continue reading
Zingers Against Boris Johnson
Tweet Belittling Boris: A Users Guide by Richard Heller I have appointed myself Insulter-General against Boris Johnson. I offer this personal list of zingers to anyone, anywhere seeking to belittle him. Most carry a core message: Boris Johnson has the … Continue reading
Every election speech
Tweet Candidate 1 (Mr Aardvark): In all my time in politics, My friends will all agree I never dodge the issue I say just what I see. That’s why I tell you firmly (It’s what I’ve always said) The past … Continue reading
Lament of a Labour Leaver
Tweet unanswered letter to Keir Starmer MP, Labour Brexit spokesman, July 26 2019 Dear Keir, As you can see, I do not have the good fortune to live in your constituency, but I hope you might answer this … Continue reading
Boris Johnson’s Post-Brexit Fawning And Grovelwell Office
Tweet Published in www.politics.co.uk August 14 2019 It is part of the price of Britain’s political life, especially if you become a minister. At some point you must give a speech for the sake of your party or government which … Continue reading
The Terrible Message of Boris Johnson
Tweet shorter version published in www.politics.co.uk July 22, 2019 The advent of Boris Johnson to 10 Downing Street sends a terrible message to younger politicians of all parties. Why bother to be truthful, competent, diligent, or set an upstanding example … Continue reading
Lords of misrule
Tweet Letter published in Daily Mail July 18 2019 The Mail’s Investigations Unit did a public service by showcasing the lax rules on leave of absence from the House of Lords. Formally, peers are summoned to the House by the … Continue reading
Boris Johnson through the lens of Alexander Pope
Tweet Oh! could I mount on the Maeonian wing, Your arms, your actions, your repose to sing! What seas you traversed, and what fields you fought! Your country’s peace, how oft, how dearly bought! How barb’rous rage subsided at your … Continue reading
