Isabel Hardman Isabel Hardman

The challenge for insurgents and ex-insurgents in tonight’s TV debate

The party leaders have been reflecting on the challenges facing them ahead of tonight’s TV debates. Nigel Farage said this morning that he wished there weren’t so many of them taking part, something the audience may also feel by the end of tonight’s two-hour extravaganza. But the Ukip leader is probably peeved by the sheer number of party leaders because it makes it more difficult for him to appear to be the only exciting force disrupting British politics. His advantage is that he’s the only one on the Right.

John Cleese or not, Nick Clegg does have one of the biggest challenges of any of the leaders participating. He needs to work out how to make his mark, now as a figure of government surrounded by new insurgents. I understand that Clegg’s main aim is to get voters thinking about who they would want influencing the Prime Minister.

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