The last time I went out to Alan Sugar’s offices in Essex was in 1997, to persuade him to come out publicly for Labour. On the way there, his PR guy Nick Hewer (later to become his sidekick on The Apprentice) made the...
Read MoreLast month I posted a piece on the French presidential elections, predicting that they were about as tough to call as they come. I reflected on the fact that so many supporters of the Parti Socialiste said two highly...
Read MoreAs with previous inquiries, I decided on being called as a witness to the Chilcot Inquiry that I should say nothing beyond my own evidence. That was harder when earlier inquiries were going on, because I was still working for...
Read MoreTo return to one of my favourite themes … David Cameron didn’t win the election because he lacked strategic clarity. The public gave it to him – make a coalition work and sort out the economy. That sense of...
Read MoreSomeone calling himself James Hacker asked me on twitter this morning if I was more obsessed about politics or sport. It’s a close call. I’m certainly having a sporty week so far. Last night cricket. Shortly heading...
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by
"Your country needs you. Your world needs you. Your time is now."
Our politics is a mess. We have leaders who can't or shouldn't be allowed to lead. We endure governments that lie, and seek to undermine our democratic values. And we are confronted with policies that serve the interests of the privileged few. It's no surprise that so many of us feel frustrated, let down and drawn to ask, 'But what can I do?' That question is the inspiration behind this book. It's a question regularly posed to Alastair Campbell, not least in reaction to The Rest is Politics, the chart-topping podcast he presents with former Tory Cabinet minister Rory Stewart. His answer, typically, is forthright and impassioned. We cannot afford to stand on the sidelines. If we think things need to change, then we need to change them, and that means getting involved. But What Can I Do? provides each of us with the motivation and the tools to make a difference. Opening with an acute analysis of our polarised world and the populists and extremists who have shaped it, it goes on to show how we help transform it. It explains how we can develop our skills of advocacy and persuasion. It draws on Alastair’s long experience, as well as on role models and lessons from history, to offer practical tips on starting and leading a campaign. It offers advice on developing confidence and coping with criticism and setbacks. And it sets out the practical steps by which we can become political players ourselves. Part call to arms, part practical handbook, But What Can I Do? will prove required reading for anyone who wants to help change things for the better.