Recently “selected” Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been branded with multiple personalities. For some he is a maverick, whereas others consider him to be the man of all seasons for his opportunist politics. These labels only get worse. Opportunism in my humble opinion, is fair to a certain degree in life, but particularly in politics- as long as core fundamental values “Remain” part of the uniform and it's not a mere camouflage or concealment. Formation of Johnson's “most right-wing government” and appointment of this Cabinet surprised if not shocked many.
Almost 47 years ago, in 1962, when a similar butchering of the British cabinet took place, it was called the 'Night of the Long Knives'. Now, practising his “revengeful politics” Boris perhaps wielded a sharper sword, by choosing 17 Cabinet ministers who were either sacked or forced to resign in Theresa May's Government.
Perhaps, picking his lessons from the most diverse English cricket team that lifted the world cup for the first time ever, Johnson has tried applying that diversity formula to his political team as well. Out of his 20 core team players, there are three ministers of Indian origin, a Pakistani, a Jewish, and an African. The head of his No. 10 Policy Unit is Munira Mirza, a Pakistani. A real rainbow indeed; both men and women.
The most prominent of the top five heads are Sajid Javid and Priti Patel. As history is etched in British politics with the appointment of the most inclusive government perhaps, this is also the most appropriate moment to recall history.
The UK-India “special relationship” has achieved a new milestone today with “Patels” bringing our “homes” together. Priti Patel is the first Indian-origin minister to be crowned the Home Secretary of the UK at a time when the UK imperial legacy appears to be crumbling. Whilst, Sardar Patel, the Iron Man of India and it's first-ever Home Minister, was instrumental in India's freedom struggle against the British.
In the meantime, a person of colour from the “colonized” country has become the first chancellor of ex-chequer of his former colonizers in the form of Sajid Javid. Boris Johnson has a unique knack of politics. Perhaps, his background as a journalist gives him a special insight into the political dynamics of EU and his experience as a former foreign secretary gives him the advantage of handling international relations.
The May government with EU were more or less pushed over in considerable time. The recent announcements made by Boris- Javid, Michael Gove, and Rishi Sunak as well as others in the Sunday papers, only three days after appointment are rather revealing. Chancellor Javid talks about fighting funds, has pledged ample allocation of money for infrastructure development and public services, along with a generous amount to the non-agreed divorce preparations from the EU.
Britain has played a very devoted role in security and freedom of Europe for over two centuries. In tomorrow's world, European partners, at least some would identify that and try to negotiate a more acceptable exit. But, the huge allocation of billions of pounds will have a relative impact on British economic and financial spreadsheet. The consequences for stocks, shares and property values, foreign exchange and even budgetary discipline will be of enormous importance.
Some of the measures announced so far are aimed at winning over the Labour held constituencies, especially in North England, which may potentially increase employment. It's a multi-prong strategy.
At the end of the day good diplomacy requires more than photo-opportunistic and poli-ticking the diversity boxes. It requires strategic policies to be drafted and successfully implemented. But I have to admit, it is remarkable how Boris Johnson has developed a rainbow coalition; commissioning Conservative votes. Setting aside skeptics, going forward, people will be wary of any future Labour administration. It is also worth mentioning that so far, Johnson has managed to increase his popularity if only by 10 per cent. Elections may or may not be in the horizon but the government machinery is ensuring that there is no resistance to the right-wing Tory politics in the coming three to six months.
Johnson perhaps is well-versed in Bharatnatyam. Since the first horn was blown calling Britain's exit, to this moment, he has come a long way. Everything's is fair in love, war and politics. However, as far as I am concerned, the clear diversity reflecting from his choice of cabinet bodes as a good omen for the country and the minority diaspora. Everything else, is just a waiting game.
