You can see it in the facial expressions of our political leaders and hear it in the intonation and tone of their voices.
The news of a murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe has shocked people in Westminster and beyond. For many people the grief of losing a friend is compounded by what we later learn about its horrific circumstances.
Police have said they have “no information” to believe it was a “politically motivated crime”.
However, at such moments people in public life are reminded of their prominence and sense of insecurity, not least after the murders of Labor MP Jo Cox and Conservative MP Sir David Ames in the last decade.
Ann Widdecombe was an extraordinary character.
Certainly, people will have strong opinions about their beliefs – those they strongly agree with and those that strongly disagree.
When I presented Any Questions on Radio 4, which was now the greatest privilege I’ve ever had professionally, alongside my work, she was one of my favorite panellists.
Every weekend, in front of live audiences in school halls, village halls, church halls and lecture theatres, I would discover guests – spanning the entire spectrum of political views – who could connect with the audience; Who can provoke, challenge, involve and sometimes even anger. Which will force the people present in the room to get up and look at that panelist.
In other words, the people most skilled at prosecuting what public life is about in a democracy: being able to articulate with clarity and conviction what they want.
presenting the essence of the listener’s own worldview, or perhaps its polar opposite. Some of his words will hit anyone – they will smack the listener in the face and demand a reaction.
Ann Widdecombe was feisty, charismatic, barbed and yes, she also had a bit of a silly side.
And he answered the question. I, in all honesty, can’t give every guest credit for doing this.
