Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Politics
Original poster

Rory Stewart for Prime Minister

107 replies

Beneficentbovine88 · 27/02/2022 14:26

I know he's recently left politics to teach at Yale but I heard him speak about the Russia - Ukraine conflict on BBC international news this morning and he spoke with such intelligence and integrity that it reminded me what it would be like to have an intelligent, competent, responsible, honest, realistic person in charge rather than the current shambles. I know everyone is waiting to see whether BJ will have his Churchill moment given the current crisis but surely one of the hallmarks of a good leader is trustworthiness?

Just to be clear, I have no political affiliations at all any more. Just generally disillusioned.

OP posts:
Changechangychange · 01/06/2022 21:32

Re him being out of touch, he did a sofa-surfing thing with his constituents so he could understand people's lives and listen to their views. So he did try hard to be able to represent people

I know he is trying, which is why I like him, but I do feel that our government should be representative, and maybe made up of people who don’t have to actively set out to “try to understand the plebs”?

Like I say, I think he is the best he could be given his extremely privileged background (which he obviously can’t do anything about), and I don’t doubt his sincerity. I’m just not sure he is an ideal candidate.

He isn’t a normal person, he doesn’t know any normal people, and the only way he can meet normal people is by setting up stunt sleepovers when he is up for election… my issue is more philosophical about who leads us, than any particular issue with Rory. He is just unfortunately a great exemplar of the problem, while being a perfectly nice man himself.

Kendodd · 01/06/2022 21:54

Well members of the Tory party, with their great wisdom, decided Boris Johnson was better.

Nolongerteaching · 06/06/2022 14:25

Any chance he’d come back?

Fere · 06/06/2022 15:01

He could be PM but as he isn't an MP he can't, I believe, speak in Parliament. So would need a permanent representative there?

Flopisfatteningbingforchristmas · 06/06/2022 15:03

Oh god I read that as Rod Steward! I’ve often wondered what situation would be in with Rory instead of Boris.

Nolongerteaching · 07/06/2022 09:25

I think he would be very good for the times we are in now. He has credibility and intelligence.

even if he just did a short stint until Brexit/Covid/Ukraine/cost of living is sorted.

But he is probably too intelligent to take on the job with all those issues😄

Nolongerteaching · 07/08/2022 11:33

I think something is afoot…
Sid anyone catch the interview where he said he would like to beach in U.K. politics and that a new party is needed. Something that holds the middle ground…

Nolongerteaching · 07/08/2022 11:33

Be back not beach🤣

EveSix · 07/08/2022 22:21

I heard him say something like this on LBC a few weeks ago.
I'd absolutely l o v e to see him back in UK politics.

Nolongerteaching · 07/08/2022 22:32

Me too @EveSix

i don’t think we are alone either.

Hesperatum · 07/08/2022 22:43

I would love Rory Stewart to be PM but the cabinet would have to comprise the best of the rest I.e. the shining lights in all the other parties. Under the current system this is very unlikely to happen so, with the ghastly incumbents we already have, I feel we are doomed😕

3luckystars · 07/08/2022 22:45

I misread it and thought it was Rod Stewart.

That appealed to me.

FayeGovan · 07/08/2022 22:49

He's ok, for a tory

CPL593H · 07/08/2022 22:52

I said on a thread the other day that I think he is possibly too intelligent and open minded to really fit with party politics as they currently exist. However, as a lifelong, dyed in the wool socialist, I'd vote for him, because I do believe him to be intelligent and open minded (and seems less likely to offer his Granny as a human sacrifice for votes than most)

He also appears to have a genuine sense of humour; he claimed on Twitter that BJ had offered him a job as Downing Street Director of Communications. It took a while to sink in that it was 1st April Grin

Wonder if Justine could invite him for a webchat?

MissBattleaxe · 07/08/2022 22:52

He's a Tory with integrity and those are as rare as hen's teeth. I'm no Tory but he's had the guts to speak out while other Tories keep their heads down and ride the gravy train.

YorkshireTeaCup · 07/08/2022 23:15

Nolongerteaching · 07/08/2022 11:33

I think something is afoot…
Sid anyone catch the interview where he said he would like to beach in U.K. politics and that a new party is needed. Something that holds the middle ground…

@Nolongerteaching Politico reported a few weeks ago that some sensible middle ground types were getting together for a conference on reclaiming the middle ground but IT WAS DEFINITELY NOT A NEW PARTY 🤔🤣. Rory Stewart's name was in there, along with Tony Blair, David Gauke, Luciana Berger, Ruth Davidson and a few others.

If anyone is interested: www.politico.eu/article/tony-blairs-new-centrist-program-just-dont-call-it-a-party/

Nolongerteaching · 07/08/2022 23:19

@MissBattleaxe

yes, I think that is what will appeal to many - that he refused to work with BJ and that he has been quite contemptuous of his abilities.

I see a new gang on the block. The A team. Rory as Leader and a mix of the best from the old left, and right.

Come on, Rory. I bet you’re people are reading this. Make it so🙂

Nolongerteaching · 07/08/2022 23:20

Your not you’re😖😖😖

TroublesomeLuck · 07/08/2022 23:26

@yorkshireteacup god I wish they would. Surely there are loads of people out there looking for a sensible centrist option?

Nolongerteaching · 08/08/2022 08:11

That’s an interesting read @YorkshireTeaCup

AdultsSocialCare · 11/08/2022 07:10

Does anyone listen to his podcast it's usually in top 5 charts.

Porridgeislife · 11/08/2022 08:01

He’s been waxing lyrical about Australia’s Teal independents on the podcast and I suspect been quite heartened by their success, albeit they would have never succeeded in a first past the post system in the UK.

The Lib Dems are meant to fill that space and have been slowly encroaching - I’d rather see them work together.

MagpiePi · 11/08/2022 08:22

I've been listening to the podcast with him and Alistair Campbell and think he has a lot of integrity and makes up his own mind about things. I'm sure he's said he is no longer a member of the Tory Party, but has also said he wouldn't become an MP again. He totally despises Boris Johnson and the current shower of shit that are the current government.

marmaladepop · 24/09/2022 13:28

I'm absolutely loving The Rest Is Politics podcast he's doing with Alastair Campbell. I've learned more and laughed more about politics and history from them than anything else. A great (politically opposite) combo. Rory is so well travelled and a huge asset in International affairs. He speaks 11 languages and is so, impeccably polite, and almost goofy at times. Alastair takes the piss out of him but it's clear they have a real affection and respect for one another. He seems so honest, is brave having fought for his country, is hugely intelligent and has real compassion. Hope he comes back into politics and I'd vote for whichever party he stood for.

marmaladepop · 24/09/2022 13:36

SweatyChamoisPad · 01/06/2022 19:41

I think he’s a decent TV presenter but his voting record makes me see him in a different light www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/24964/rory_stewart/penrith_and_the_border/votes

He explained the voting record protocol in one of his podcasts recently. To vote against the whip you literally have to be prepared to lose your job. George Osborne threatened him with never ever being promoted if he went 'through the wrong door' whilst voting. It seems like utter blackmail. He is very honest about his feelings regarding Boris Johnson and vowed he would never serve under him but boy, he's got some funny stories about him - and about working under Liz Truss.