Ian Waller enjoys another excellent events at the Bath Festival, this time for political grandee Vince Cable
Why is it that politicians appear to become far more electable once they retire? A great case in point is Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Democrats between 2017-2019, a member of coalition cabinet under David Cameron and Nick Clegg, and now one of the party’s few grandees.
Cable was appearing as part of the Bath Festival‘s wide and varied list of speakers and performers, largely to promote his new book How To Be A Politician and partly to talk about his view of modern British politics and the direction it appears to be heading in.
Throughout, his open, candid and honest views seemed to clash with the modern stereotype of politicians, something Cable himself demonstrated by way of an international poll where politicians remain among the least respected and believed of occupations. Throughout he openly admitted to the inevitable mistakes that he made during his lengthy career, that started as a Labour councillor in Glasgow in the 1970s.
The talk followed his recommended pathway to a career in politics, highlighting the skills and experience required, illustrated through anecdotes from his own time in the hot chair. While generally quite dry, with the occasional humours quote to lighten the experience, perhaps the most enlightening aspect was the generous – although certainly not universal – support he offered to opponents including George Osbourne and Keir Starmer. This was clearly a former politician looking back without the constraints of a party whip to stymy his views.
With the book plugging competed, it was time for the audience to take over, offering questions on Sue Grey, the failings of the coalition and predictions around next year’s election, all well handled by an experienced operator who appeared well prepared for the predictable topics.
Did I come away with a different viewpoint of his political stance? To be honest, no, but it was enlightening to appreciate the pressures that politicians face to conquer each stage of their professional growth – from volunteer to researcher, MP to cabinet minister – and having a greater respect for those, particularly from a less than wealthy background, who take it on.
For a full list of the upcoming talks and events still to come at this year’s Bath Festival, go to https://bathfestivals.org.uk/