I have long maintained that of all the characters David Cameron has appointed over and above their intelligence level, Grant Shapps stands head and shoulders above the others, and it was with a deep sense of embarrassment that I realised he was related to the great Mick Jones of The Clash. Ying and yang, I suppose. If a family is blessed with a genuine talent, why shouldn’t they also have a blithering idiot in their midst?
Anyway, Mark Steel agrees.
One government post that always takes a while to fill after an election is the job of minister who more than any other makes you feel sick as soon as you see their face, often for reasons you can’t quite put your finger on.
Michael Howard excelled in this role, and Blunkett was exemplary, but the Coalition has taken a while to appoint someone. Soon, however, I predict reporters will be outside Downing Street gasping, “Several front benchers have been seen here this morning, and we’re being told the post of making you feel sick as soon as you see their face is to go to Grant Shapps the Housing minister. And here he is. Mr Shapps, can you confirm your appointment?”
Funny you should mention Grant Shapps, who is part of the team spearheading “localism”, this great agenda miraculously thought up by this government.
But before everyone gets too excited about what “localism” means to them, they need to consider what Grant Shapps told the Commons Communities and Local Government Select Committee. According to their report, published today, he said “perhaps most people misunderstand what is meant by localism” (page 19, para 48)
So, one meaning of “localism” for the government, and another meaning for everyone else.