We are informed that Laurence Fox is launching a political party which he says will take back British values from politicians who have lost touch with the people — that great amorphous mass with many and varied views, for whom Mr Fox purports to speak. I’m sure the amount of publicity he has already received for this project might have something to do with his fame as an actor and member of a well-known acting dynasty.
He suggests The Guardian newspaper will “no doubt” launch into a personal attack rather than a political one “just like all privileged middle-class Leftists”. I don’t suppose he is capable of seeing the irony in his making that actually rather personal attack.
For the avoidance of doubt, and speaking as a member of “the great British public” Mr Fox assumes he knows so well, he does not speak for me.
Penny Muir
Editor's reply
Dear Penny
Like you, I often don’t think that politicians, or would-be politicians, speak for me when they spout off, but I support more people getting involved in our democratic process. A diverse array of elected representatives arguing IRL has greater agency than bickering on Twitter. But does the freewheeling Mr Fox have a chance? The rejection of the alternative vote electoral system in a 2011 referendum left start-up parties struggling to get a foothold. Electoral reform isn’t a street protest topic in 2020 but is crucial for tipping the balance.
Mark Blunden, Technology Correspondent
City’s Covid cash
The City of London has found ways to make a financial killing out of Covid as “banks, brokers and lawyers will make an estimated £550 million… in a bumper year for banks — and banker bonuses” [Simon English, 2 October]. What a disgrace when front-line staff can’t even get a pay rise.
David Murray
