Many thanks to twitterers for keeping me vaguely informed of what has been happening outside the no newspapers, not seen the news for a week Christmas zone where I have been. The two most interesting random things pointed out to...
Read MoreThere is nothing wrong with governments looking to politicians not actually inside the government, but broadly supportive of it, to do a job of work for them. So Michael Heseltine as an advisor on growth, manfully filling a gap...
Read MoreYes, I got an iPad for Christmas. Yes, I had a couple of blogfree days while enjoying Christmas and getting used to typing on ice, which is a bit how it feels till you get the hang of it. We have been up in the Scottish...
Read MoreCampaigners for sport and common sense secured something of a victory in forcing something of a U-turn when Schools Secretary Michael Gove foolishly took the axe to the excellent School Sports Partnerhips brought in by the last...
Read MoreI cannot bring myself to listen to the audioversion of the Telegraph’s stitch-up of Vince Cable, any more than I will bother to watch his ‘celebrity’ appearance on Strictly Come Dancing. The first is too cruel,...
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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.