Rob Wilson's Westminster Diary, July 9, 2009

Rob Wilson MP • Published 9 Jul 2009 12:00 0 Comments

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I WAS sorry to hear about the death of Michael Jackson last week, he certainly made his mark on the world in his fairly short life.

However, it did get me musing as I sat on the frontbench this week about the perils of isolation and debt. I may be stretching a point, but this Government appears to be going through a similar life experience to the "King of Pop".

Like Jackson, this Government went through an unparallelled period of popularity.

From 1997 to about 2003, Tony Blair was miles ahead in the polls and could do as he pleased as he bestrode British politics in a way few Prime Ministers have the opportunity.

As with Jackson, it was an error of judgement that started the downfall.

In Blair"s case it was the Iraq War, "the dodgy dossier" etc, from which he and the Labour Party never recovered.

Also like Jackson, the Government in the good times spent more than it could afford and plunged into massive debt. Jackson spent his last years running from his debts, something the Government does daily in the Commons.

I have never heard anything more absurd than Gordon Brown standing at the Despatch Box saying that there will be 'zero growth' in spending. It confirms that there may be more than a passing similarity between "Wacko Jacko"s" thought process and that of our Prime Minister.

Most MPs on all sides of the House have noticed how his grip on reality is perhaps not what it should be.

He has become increasingly isolated within a small inner core of people who tell him what he wants to hear.

This has clearly worsened as hard times have hit the country and he has bunkered down at No 10. Access has become restricted, Mandelson in particular has become a prop - probably emotionally as well as administratively.

Since Jackson"s death, I have read and heard stories about how he, too, had become incredibly isolated, relying on a coterie who severely restricted what he was told and, in effect, what he did. People at the height of their profession have enormous pressures placed upon them. Whether you agree with my analysis or not, Brown and Jackson did have that similarity.

Fortunately for the country and for Brown, the burden of office will soon be lifted either by his own party or a general election. I hope this will enable him to return to a more normal life.

It will do him good and I"m sure his wife and children will welcome it.

This blog appeared in Reading Chronicle 09 Jul 09

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