When the Tories were in opposition, non-aligned friends used to complain to me that the party’s front bench was unimpressive. Labour politicians had walked the political stage for more than a decade; many were household names, while the Tories were unknown. But eight months in and Labour’s top team is a largely unknown entity, with even its few ex-Ministers looking decidedly smaller without their briefcases, officials and government-issued cars. The Tory front bench, meanwhile, is the one looking serious and worthy of power.
There is William Hague, a brilliant parliamentarian and that even rarer beast: a well-liked politician. Though currently suffering from a little newspaper criticism, he is seen as a heavy-weight by his counterparts and is galvanising the long-neglected FCO. As I’ve written before, he is becoming the government’s James Baker figure: a behind-the-scenes fixer, planning for a changing world.
There is Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who has managed tricky issues with aplomb and seen his star rise in government accordingly. And Andrew Mitchell, whose ability to woo The Guardian and the party’s right-wingers alike is impressive. Reform-pursuing IDS and Liam Fox command their respective briefs and face little noticeable Labour challenge. Michael Gove has doggedly pursued his aim of improving Britain’s education system, despite being undermined by people inside his own department.
Not every minister is of the same calibre – they never are – but what is clear is that the Tories have a depth in competence that was not apparent before the election. Together they have set out and are sticking to the right policies – fiscal consolidation, debt repayment, decentralisation, hard-headed internationalism, school reform, and are now looking for an honest discussion about national identity. The country’s challenges are considerable and the international environment is difficult. But the ingredients for success – a good team with good policies are in place.
Comments