With the UK general election looming like a mini storm cloud (or okay, not a storm, more a kind of heavy drizzle), there is a real feeling of predictability about the whole proceedings. I’m not necessarily referring to the inevitable outcome but to the general feeling that parliamentarians in the UK have really damaged themselves almost beyond repair. They have become the national joke, ridiculed, generally sniggered at and now lacking trust and credibility.

No amount of television coverage, no matter how innovative, can ever remove the nasty stain and overall distrust of members of Parliament who have fiddled, conned their expenses and generally lied to line their pockets all in the name of “serving the country”.

Being a Member of Parliament has quite successfully taken on the role of Britain’s most unpopular pastimes or professions (bankers, estate agents and second-hand car dealers – the clichés we are so used to). They have become the butt of every comedian’s joke with a lack of respect and dignity that were once afforded to such people. It’s a shame really because some do have their hearts in the right place but it is impossible, considering the coverage and general feeling, for the honourable members not to become tarred with this sleazy and rather grimy brush.

It’s difficult to say what the turnout will be or indeed the appetite for the British to vote on 6 May. I have already done my postal vote but whether thousands will trudge to the Polling Station is another matter.

On top of all of this there is a real danger of a coalition government. Whether we like it or not it’s quite possible that the Liberal Democrats could in fact be the UK’s decision-makers. There is, at the time of writing this, a very real and terrifying danger that the opposition Conservative party (the Tories) could win – but only just. If all they can muster is a mere three- or four-seat majority there is a possibility, as in the 1960s, that Britain could face a second general election in the same year. If that is to be the case, I fear that politics and the face of these now tarnished politicians will reduce the electoral turnout even further.

In a way we are facing a constitutional problem. This has been created by the politicians themselves through their greed, twisting and lack of appreciation of the electorate.

We could be heading down a road which needs a great big brush to sweep Britain clean. I get the feeling that the UK is thirsty for social reform. Not words, not spin, not greasy men in Armani suits but a figure (or figures) who can really talk not only to Middle Britain but to every section of our wide-ranging society.

After May 6, after the fallout of the general election, after the confusion and mess of the coalition, during the next almost imminent election campaign after this election I think that figure will emerge.

I don’t think we should wait and see, the electorate are intelligent and bright enough to see this for themselves. They will find an icon and a leader and I hope all UK political parties will look inwards at themselves and especially at the leadership selection process so we never have to go through this appalling and embarrassing mess again.

Ian Waugh

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