Political theatre

Sir Robert Walpole, Great Britain's

first Prime Minister, in the 17th century.

Those of us who pay close attention to politics are well aware that there is a large element of theatre involved. Parts are played, speeches are made, and the actors walk the stage. It's like Shakespeare but without the genius, and certainly without any pleasure for the people at large, which the Bard certainly provided.

The latest act in Great Britain's tragi-comedy is the vote of no confidence in Conservative leader yesterday and, therefore, Prime Minister, Alexander Johnson, better known by his middle name of 'Boris'. (Actually, it's only one of his middle names. The other one is Pfeffel, which sounds like a French cake).

Under the rules of Britain's Conservative Party, the leadership can be challenged if a sufficient number of the Party's MPs (Members of Parliament, the representatives of their respective regions) write to a body called the 1922 Committee, who I suppose should be celebrating some kind of anniversary, although they don't look like the partying type). 

Johnson clung on, although not convincingly, with 41% of the 359 Conservative MPs voting against him. The rules of the party mean that there can be no further challenge to his leadership for a year. I doubt he will last that long, not because he will be deposed, but because he will get bored. Politics - once memorably described as 'pop music for ugly people', although I forget by whom - is a game which only entertains busy minds for so long. Also, politicians thrive on adoration, and increasingly they are getting less and less as ordinary people (despised and yet needed by the political class) are starting to cotton on that this whole scam is a cross between a gravy train and a Ponzi scheme.

The famous British comedy series, Blackadder, had one series set in the British Regency era. In one scene, Prince George explains to Blackadder that he is popular. 'Why', he says, 'only the other day I was in my carriage, and the people were shouting, "We hail Prince George! We hail Prince George!"' Blackadder (played by the comic genius Rowan Atkinson) replies, 'Sir, I think you will find they were shouting, "We hate Prince George".

Johnson and his wife arrived at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II (mentioned in the last episode) and was booed by sections of the crowd. He is not a man who takes well to criticism. Most politicians don't. And I think he will tire of the gig before long.

Johnson is, shall we say, a rather randy old ram, and has either seven or eight children. The newspapers won't confirm. See my piece here at Taki's Magazine a year or so ago for more information.

https://www.takimag.com/article/out-damned-symonds/