Watching Michael Heseltine on Question Time the other week got me thinking. Which of New Labour's big beasts will still be around in ten years, not in power, but in a position of high public regard?
First of all, one needs to set some qualifying hurdles: Firstly, 'big beast' is not a synonym for 'statesman', a record of substance and achievement in office is not necessary, this is more about crude political clout – which is why John Prescott gets to play. Secondly, I'm going to limit this to New Labour's heyday, not to the current fag-end period in which hopes for future recovery are beginning to emerge – so no Milibands, Ballses etc just yet. Thirdly, I'm excluding the backroom boys and girls, this is for frontline politicians only – so no cronies, party workers or civil servants.
So given those rules, here's my bestial shortlist:
Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Jack Straw, John Prescott, Peter Mandelson, David Blunkett and the late Robin Cook. If one is feeling generous, one could extend the list to John Reid, Charles Clarke and Alan Milburn.
Now what about reputation?
Blair will be forever remembered for Iraq, but a sustained improvement in the situation there might change the way we remember his Premiership. Brown may be remembered as a terrible Prime Minister and a great Chancellor, but, if there's any justice, history will come to a very different judgement on his time at the Exchequer.
Mandelson, Blunkett, Prescott and Cook all had their reputations damaged by scandal, and perhaps only Cook will be well-regarded in years to come, if only thanks to his departure from, rather than his record in, office.
As Ministers, Reid, Clarke and Milburn can be kindly described as undistinguished, though Milburn may yet make a contribution to the post-Brown future of the Labour Party.
So, of the ten big beasts, that just leaves that great survivor Jack Straw, one of those rare figures who can pursue a high profile political career without ever getting into serious trouble or the losing the respect of the public.
Still, one out of ten, not very impressive is it?
