Just did the start of Nicky Campbell’s phone-in on Five Live, and it was interesting that Nicky had to scour around for a few pro-Sun messages amid all the negative texts and calls coming in. I said doing interviews...
Read MoreI was just about to go to bed when Radio Five Live called to ask if I would talk to Richard Bacon about The Sun switching from Labour to Tory. ‘This is DEV-AS-TAT-ING,’ he said by way of intro though to be fair,...
Read MorePopped out to buy a few things at lunchtime. Radio on in the first shop. Alan Simpson calling on Gordon to go. A few shops down the street, BBC News Channel. Graham Stringer calling on Gordon to go. Nothing if not predictable....
Read MoreGordon Brown did well on the Andrew Marr programme this morning, in difficult circumstances. He was at his best when showing the kind of fighting spirit that Labour supporters hope will define the week ahead. He had something...
Read MoreI am indebted to one of the commenters on yesterday’s blog for the inspiration for today’s. You see – I do read them; and the ones on Twitter, and the ones on Facebook. I like the comments. I like the ones from...
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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.