I was at the Channel Four political awards last night, where the strangest thing happened. Their main award – (most inspiring political figure of the last decade) – was given to the Countryside Alliance, introduced by Jeremy Irons. As he spoke, boos came from the crowd. At first, I thought it was a joke. Then when the award was accepted (by Ann Mallalieu, president of the Alliance) the booing grew louder and cries of “get off” could be heard as she delivered her acceptance speech. In front of an invited Channel Four audience. Incredible.
One of the books up for an award was Peter Oborne’s one on the rise of the political class. The video showed someone on the judging panel saying Oborne’s thesis was not strong enough to sustain a book. It seemed to me that his thesis was alive, well and being demonstrated that night. An audience which cheered right-wingers like Hague to the rafters was booing the Countryside Alliance which, I suppose, is mainly staffed and supported by people outside the Westminster establishment.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in