First of all many thanks to Mark Wright aka Elvis for putting a bit of life into the campaign coverage yesterday. ‘Best pictures of the campaign so far,’ said ITV’s reporter, so we will live with that,...
Read MoreOne of the interesting things about moving in and out of the politico-media bubble is to see the extent to which though the world has changed since I was at it full-time, a lot of the political habits I came to reject have not....
Read MoreOne of the broadcasters told one of GB’s aides last night that David Cameron ‘won’ the second leaders’ TV debate. Fine, you might think. The guy’s entitled to his opinion, and that was what he...
Read MoreAs it was not the first, perhaps last night’s TV debate was not as exciting as the one last week, but it was nonetheless an enjoyable and illuminating ninety minutes. In the so-called spin room afterwards, as I declared GB...
Read MoreAs the Tories encourage the papers to savage Nick Clegg any which way they can, it is worth remembering that they have been doing much the same to Gordon Brown for months, backed by one of the biggest and most personal poster...
Read More
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.