I wonder whether history will judge his term as PM as the story of one referendum that should not have been called and a non-referendum that should.
If so, it will be because David Cameron was more of a political tactician than a strategist. A professing born optimist, Mr Cameron is also clearly not someone who wants to think for too long about the law of unintended consequences.
In the end, it was to David Cameron’s credit that he stepped aside quickly, allowing events to move forward with regard to Brexit negotiations. Fortunately, after much back-stabbing, the Conservatives moved fairly rapidly to resolve their – and the nation’s – leadership question.
Advertisement
The speed and relative smoothness of the change stands in stark contrast to the ongoing upheaval on the other side of the political divide.
Mr Cameron’s last appearance at the House of Commons despatch box also served as a reminder of one or two of the less seemly aspects of British politics.
The SNP used one of its two questions to goad the incoming Prime Minister at a time when the House was affirming the outgoing one.
A second SNP question turned into a short rant, which opportunistically promoted the idea of a second independence vote. The Scottish Nationalists then revealed an ugly meanness of spirit by declining to join the warm and lengthy general applause for David Cameron as he left the chamber.
Labour didn’t afford Mr Cameron a standing ovation in the way that the latter, in opposition, had done for Tony Blair. But Labour members and their leader Jeremy Corbyn, often the punchline in a Cameron joke, were generally warm in their tributes and joined the final acclamation.
In the end, this has been the type of day that was wholly unexpected a few weeks ago – and one for which there had been little or no preparation.
Advertisement
However, the traditions of the system promoted a sense of permanence. I firmly believe that, as at other times in this nation’s storied history, the pluck, determination and innovative skill of its people will reveal themselves in the coming months and years.
There are some interesting and perhaps turbulent times ahead. Yet the manner of this change of government and the vigorous public involvement in pre-referendum campaigning, reflect a nation that is ready, at least in principle, to engage the future.
Discuss in our Forums
See what other readers are saying about this article!
Click here to read & post comments.
8 posts so far.