The UK’s first live televised prime ministerial debate generated hundreds of column inches and the unanimous agreement that the winner was Nick Clegg. Looking fresh out of Sixth Form, Clegg moved himself effortlessly into the spotlight and challenged his more experienced contenders with a confidence that no-one predicted. But he had the easiest job of the three. He had nothing to lose and could afford to go for broke, which he clearly did. The irony is, however, that he has now raised expectations of his performance on the next debates. If he is weaker in these (and Cameron and Brown will do their best to upstage him, now they know what they are facing), his previous performance will be seen as a fluke. So, from having the easiest job in the last debate, he has the hardest in the next.
Whichever government is in post after 6th May, here are two key policies I hope they pursue. Firstly, that access to finance is a cross-departmental issue and policy should be housed in one place, possibly Treasury. Or a cross-departmental champion should be appointed to ensure policies work together of create a truly enabling framework for the CDFI sector to grow and deliver the best possible services to its clients. Secondly, that the benefits system supports disadvantaged entrepreneurs, recognising the risk they are taking in becoming self employed and independent of the state. The system should taper benefits, giving them time to build their business and income. In doing so, the rewards are manifold for both the individual and the state.
On the home front
Moving my mother into a small house, I had to sort through thousands of family photos recently. All those moments in time: bad hair, dreadful fashions and gawky teens. There were babies, baptisms and birthdays, bringing back so many memories. Most poignantly, the photos inadvertently captured the decline of my father as cancer increased its vice-like grip his body, until his battle ended. Ten years ago this week.
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