Chris Huhne’s Anti-Establishment Edge
Posted by jonathanfryer on Wednesday, 31st October, 2007
Chris Huhne called for a Liberal Revolution when he launched his leadership manifesto in Westminster earlier today, stressing that he is promising a radical as well as a green platform. He urged party members to be bold, and said that Britain needs a party that will breathe trust and faith back into the political process by speaking honestly about the challenges we face. His manifesto declares, ‘The task of Liberal Democrats is to revive our anti-establishment edge, and remember that we are the party that wants to change the system, not just change the people on the back seat of the ministerial limousine.’
At the same time, he underlined the professional experience he has had, not jut in politics (as both an MEP and now MP for Eastleigh), but also in journalism and the City. He set up and ran a successful consultancy business dealing with risk analysis in emerging economies. He is committed to PR — though oddly he did not emphaisze that in his short presentation (compered by the feisty MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, Lynne Featherstone). But I wonder what hostage to fortune he may bring with his idea of enabling the British electorate to obtain a referendum on a matter of concern, if 2.5% of them sign up for it?
jamesgraham said
But I wonder what hostage to fortune he may bring with his idea of enabling the British electorate to obtain a referendum on a matter of concern, if 2.5% of them sign up for it?
The simple answer to that is that it isn’t what he supports. Believe me – I’ve gone several rounds with David Howarth over this one.
What he’s calling for is a People’s Veto – a rule whereby a referendum can potentially block a specific piece of legislation if 2.5% of the population call for one within a very narrow timeframe (the manifesto makes it clear that they are envisioning less than 100 days).
This is very much not an initiative system. The fact that it is Howarth-proof (and if you want to know his views on such measures, see here) means that it is leaving very few hostages to fortune.
Jonathan Fryer said
Thanks for the clarifcation, James. Clearly this is something that will need careful presentation to avoid misunderstandings, as several journos at the event came away with the wrong impression.
jamesgraham said
I’ve read all the press coverage today and that isn’t my impression. I don’t know what he said in his speech, but if he sticks to rhetoric about a popular Veto, then he should be on safe ground.
Tristan Mills said
Huhne to me seems very much pro-establishment…