The Tories have had a very good run with their ‘it’s all Labour’s fault’, but it is slowly coming to an end. With the public, or at least the centre of gravity of public opinion, I think it came to an end...
Read MoreI think that despite the risks of Jonathan Ross saying something daft, and despite the risk of speeches over-running, the Beeb should rethink coverage of the Baftas and go for it live. Yet another example of how twitter is...
Read MoreOh dear … poor old Dave has decided not only that he needs a ‘relaunch’ for his ‘Big Idea’, the ‘Big Society.’ … but he is seemingly of the view that the problem is not the policy,...
Read MoreWell done to those councils which felt Michael Gove was exceeding his powers when bringing the Building Schools for the Future programme crashing to the ground. Yesterday’s High Court ruling was a victory for them, and...
Read MoreWhen finally Hosni Mubarak falls from power, there will be enormous celebrations among the crowds in Liberation Square, and throughout Egypt. There will be fear too, and it will not be confined to Mubarak as he works out how to...
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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.