I was a bit slow picking up on this story from a few days ago about Sky’s invitation to the three main party leaders to enter a televised debate on the channel in the run up to the general election next year.
Nick Clegg and David Cameron have accepted the offer, Clegg saying that it is important to do something different in the wake of the expenses scandal.
But not the Prime Minister. Gordon Brown said he’ll have to check his diary, and will let the TV station know closer to the time. I know he’s a busy and important man, but he is the Prime Minister – I’m fairly sure Sky would arrange the debate around his schedule if he asked them to. It’s almost as if he’s scared of losing the election or something. Oh wait…
Sky said they’ll have an empty chair in honour of Brown at the debate if he does not accept their invitation – a perfectly fitting image to represent the leader. Personally, I would have gone a bit further – maybe used a cardboard cut-out of him, or perhaps a Spitting Image-style puppet. The host could then ask him questions only to receive silence in return. That could be fun.
Brown and his aides really can’t have thought this through. I know his leadership hasn’t been the most popular ever, but do they really think having nothing at all is better than the party leader? Actually, now I come to think of it…
Anyway, remember the tub of lard used in ‘Have I Got News for You’ when Roy Hattersley failed to turn up? Do not underestimate the enduring power of an image like this to set the tone for the election.
Come on Gordon – sort it out.
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How about a slab of butter? Best butter of course.