The Wardman Wire

It’s been a funny old twelve months in politics. Then again, it usually is I suppose. Last year we saw the Brown bounce end with a thud. This year we have seen bottler Brown being portrayed as some kind of super hero. Who would have thought the most catastrophic economic crisis most of us can ever remember would actually save the man who has presided over the economy for the last decade? The rollercoaster ride continues for our men in charge and the wannabes. But who performed well this year and who must try harder? Here is my report card for the class of 2008:

Gordon Brown – This was supposed to be the year Brown copped it. The media were at his throat, Cameron was the golden boy of politics and even his own party were ready to take him down. Yet somehow he has not only weathered the storm, but he in a stronger position within his party now than he has been since he took reigns at No.10. While it remains to be seen whether he actually is the man to lead Britain though the downturn, he will most definitely be the man who will lead the Labour party into the next election. Given his position at the start of the year, that is a massive success. GRADE: B.

David Cameron – The man who could do no wrong has been sidelined lately. While Brown was acting and being very vocal about the economy, Cameron has looked weak and indecisive. Brown has started to land a few punches on the Tory leader with sound bites that seem to be sticking – “the do nothing man, from the do nothing party” – it works because Cameron can do nothing and Brown is doing everything. Whether Brown is doing the right thing or not is a little irrelevant at the moment. However, Cameron has led his party to one of the biggest wins in by-election history this year, but it has been downhill from there. I sense Cameron is biding his time and waiting for Brown to slip up again. Something I think may well happen. A disappointing year, but has shown good potential. GRADE: C+.

Nick Clegg – I am afraid to say the Lib Dems chose the wrong man in December last year. From his wildly poor judgment to tell GQ magazine how many people he has slept with, to the policy mistake of backing the EU Treaty, Clegg has been an embarrassment in the media and ineffective in the Commons. There has been virtually no movement from the Ming days in the polls; but the Lib Dems are stuck with Clegg until the election at least – unless they want to change their leader again in this parliament’s life?! Weak: must try harder, but not sure he has anymore to give. GRADE: D-.

Peter Mandelson – Has been living it up in Brussels most of the year and sunbathing on Yachts for much of the rest of it, yet has still had time to make a profound impact on government this year. Without doubt the most significant comeback into British politics for quite some time. It is no coincidence the polls went into reverse for the Tories when the Prince of Darkness started lurking in the corridors of Westminster again. Mandelson could well be the most powerful man in government – not bad for a few cocktails on a Yacht, a massive EU pay-off and no elected seat in the Commons. If Labour are to win a fourth term this man has not only made it possible, but is their biggest hope for making it real. GRADE: A.

George Osborne – Was threatening to become the Tory’s biggest asset. Saved Cameron’s job at conference last year and made another brilliant speech this year in Birmingham too. He also had Alastair Darling and Gordon Brown on their knees with his brilliant exploitation of the 10p tax fiasco. But then he met the Prince of Darkness. It exposed his naivety at this level and also almost cost him his job. He still has not recovered and his reputation has been damaged. He has also completely failed to make any capital out of the worst economic crisis for years – an opportunity most opposition chancellors can only dream about. With Ken Clarke in the wings, there will be pressure from some to get rid of him. Think he will survive, but quite amazing it is even discussed given how well the rest of his year went. GRADE: C.

Alastair Darling: When he was left by Brown to deal with the economic woes and lost disk fiascoes he was a disaster. When Brown took over and pretty much sidelined him, his job became safer; says it all really. He was never the man for the job in the first place and has done nothing this year to make me think otherwise. Safe, but only because no one would want to be chancellor in this climate and even if you did, Brown is running the show anyway. GRADE: D+.

The Best (and worst) of the rest:
Jacqui Smith – punching above her weight (ahem) and pushing her own personal agendas and prejudices too much. C+

Jack Straw – Should have a much bigger role in this government, but strangely quiet. B-.

David Miliband – the Golden Boy turned Bananaman. His plotting and dithering has reduced him to a ‘has been’ before he was ever anyone. E.

Harriet Harman – To think some people tout her as a future Labour leader. Scary. Handled PMQs just about alright though. C+.

William Hague – Got to love him at PMQs. Confident – looks like a man with nothing to lose and without a care. B+.

Dominic Grieve – Played the arrest of Green well to start with. Danger of milking it a bit much now. B-.

David Davis – Plonker. F.

Eric Pickles – Masterminded some great by-election wins. The Tory’s secret weapon. A.

Alex salmond – Has taken the SNP to the being the main party in Scotland. Still has no idea mind you – Icelandic economic policy anyone? B-.