Steerpike Steerpike

Coming soon: Barry Gardiner – The Movie

Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images

With the BAFTAs last Sunday and the Oscars next week, film award season is well underway. And while it’s too late for new entries this year, Mr S hears of a dark horse for next year’s competitions. Step forward, Labour’s Barry Gardiner, who is the unlikely star of a documentary about his recent private members’ bill to ban ‘fire and rehire’ practices. Gardiner, Jeremy Corbyn’s colourful shadow trade secretary, ran a series of eye-catching stunts to raise publicity for the campaign, including gatecrashing the 1922 drinks at Tory party conference: a move that prompted frenzied speculation of an imminent defection.

His efforts to change the law might have been unsuccessful but at least they have been captured for posterity. The one-hour long documentary is about to go on a national tour around the country, beginning with showings at around 40 Constituency Labour party branches and then screenings at major left-leaning events like the Durham Miners’ Gala, the Tolpuddle Martyrs and potentially Glastonbury festival too. The

Get Britain's best politics newsletters

Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.

Already a subscriber? Log in

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in