I learnt far more about the character of my colleagues by talking to my staff about their interactions with them in the lift, than I ever did by interacting with them when they perceived me as an equal. MPs: cultivate this kind of relationship with your team. (6/7)
This doesn’t excuse the weird astroturfing thing by junior Tories this week, trying to turn a bullying investigation into a culture war, btw. Basic principle here: don’t have politicians judging politicians; politely discount their views when this kind of thing happens. (5/7)
It’s one of the reasons whenever an MP gets caught up in one of those scandals, the first response of way-too-many of their colleagues is to jump to their defence; disbelieve the victim; write character references. It’s not purely partisan - I’ve seen it cross party too. (4/7)
It was the same when I came to parliament - everyone who had been there pre-2010 was keen to tell me how shocked they had been to see the court case involving my predecessor (see https://t.co/uh9sORN07G) To them she appeared affable, trustworthy, dedicated. (2/7)
I came to realise those who hold power are almost always wholly unobjectionable to those they perceive to be of a similar status. They don’t hold power over you: there’s nothing to wield. (3/7)
A few thoughts (more sociological than political) on this week’s bullying investigation and response by fellow MPs. In every interaction I’ve had with Priti Patel, she’s been polite, professional and respectful. But that’s kind of the point. (1/7)
Should be obvious, but some people are struggling: you set aid at 0.7% of GDP so it drops automatically when our economy is doing badly. You get a cut, even when you’re not posturing in your self manufactured culture war. Oh, and probs not a great time during a global pandemic.
@Fatblokeonabike I like this though it also could double for an entry in @AwardsDarwin.
For reasons that are.. complicated I’m now the custodian of hundreds, possibly thousands of coins, all of which have old blu tack attached. Removing it is going to be a more than trivial task. Any thoughts? (The most helpful thoughts will be ones involving dangerous chemicals) https://t.co/CYIfDz2U0D
I know a number of people who are going to be disappointed to discover they’re not The Best Pollster In Britain ™.