The post-industrial Prime Minister?

Impossible to avoid talking about the imminent change at the top of the British government. As ever, these events provide a focus for thinking about a new direction for public policy. Will we get this?

Bill Clinton was famously described as the Post-Modern President, although the term described his style of presidency rather than policy focus. If anything Al Gore (COME BACK AL!!!!) was the driving policy force in the info-soc area. Even if he didn't quite invent the internet, he was instrumental in its emergence and later gave much attention to getting everyone on the information superhighway.

What kind of focus can we expect from Brown? We don't know. At first glance he's not the most modern of politicians, although surely nowhere near as cavemanish as John "never sent an email" Prescott (GO AWAY JOHN!!!!).

Brown was the man responsible for slashing the BBC budget, and indeed wanted an even bigger cut than the one we got. We can only guess at what his thoughts were in doing this, but my guess is he doesn't see an active role for the state in cultural enhancement. Then again, he did announce his leadership campaign in an art gallery.

These are just mere scraps of information, as we don't have much to go on. What is disappointing is there doesn't seem to be anyone among current ministers who is ready to take this issue and really get hold of it. Among backbenchers there are some much more active and interested MPs, and we hope to see some promising promotions after June 28th.

CB