A Tory Victory

ON May 5, Tony Blair won a third straight term as British prime minister, a first for a member of the Labour party. Immediately, this was interpreted to be a loss-such are the peculiarities of the U.K. system. Also on May 5, Michael Gove was elected to the House of Commons. This is cause for conservative rejoicing-no matter where one lives. Gove is one of Britain’s best political writers, and one of conservatism’s best writers, and he promises to be a strong politician. Is it too early to talk about him as prime minister, given that he’s 37 years old and was elected to Parliament about two seconds ago? Yes, but a little such talk has already dribbled out.

In America, it would be unusual for a writer to be elected to the legislature, or to anything else. We’re not apt to see George Will, Michael Kinsley, or Shelby Steele on Capitol Hill anytime soon-unless they are instructing congressmen. In Britain, however, writing and politics have long gone together. Sheridan was in Parliament. So were Burke, Macaulay, and scads of others. British politicians always seem to be writing, especially about other politicians. Shortly before he died, Roy Jenkins, the Labour figure, wrote a biography of Churchill. William Hague, the former Conservative leader, recently wrote a biography of Pitt the Younger.

About the Author

Jay Nordlinger

Jay Nordlinger was a senior editor of National Review and a book fellow at National Review Institute.

Featured Tags

British Conservative Party

ON May 5, Tony Blair won a third straight term as British prime minister, a first for a member of the Labour party. Immediately, this was interpreted to be a loss-such are the peculiarities of the U.K. system. Also on May 5, Michael Gove was elected to the House of Commons. This is cause for conservative rejoicing-no matter where one lives. Gove is one of Britain’s best political writers, and one of conservatism’s best writers, and he promises to be a strong politician. Is it too early to talk about him as prime minister, given that he’s 37 years old and was elected to Parliament about two seconds ago? Yes, but a little such talk has already dribbled out.

In America, it would be unusual for a writer to be elected to the legislature, or to anything else. We’re not apt to see George Will, Michael Kinsley, or Shelby Steele on Capitol Hill anytime soon-unless they are instructing congressmen. In Britain, however, writing and politics have long gone together. Sheridan was in Parliament. So were Burke, Macaulay, and scads of others. British politicians always seem to be writing, especially about other politicians. Shortly before he died, Roy Jenkins, the Labour figure, wrote a biography of Churchill. William Hague, the former Conservative leader, recently wrote a biography of Pitt the Younger.