How Not to Be a Politician

1. From Foreign Diplomat to British MP: An Unlikely Journey

I had entered politics imagining I would be helping to form policies within the national debate.

A career shift. Rory Stewart's transition from a career in international diplomacy and development to British politics was driven by a desire to effect change from within the system. His experiences in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other conflict zones shaped his perspective on governance and policy-making.

Expectations vs. reality. Stewart quickly realized that the role of an MP was far different from what he had imagined. The day-to-day responsibilities of constituency work, navigating party politics, and the limitations of backbench influence were eye-opening. His background, while providing unique insights, also set him apart from many of his colleagues who had followed more traditional paths to Parliament.

2. The Challenges of Constituency Politics and the Reality of Parliamentary Life

Parliament was too often dominated by aged backbenchers, grumbling about Number 10 and their salaries.

Constituency demands. Stewart found himself juggling the diverse needs of his Penrith and Border constituents, from addressing rural broadband issues to fighting for local hospital services. This grassroots engagement provided a stark contrast to his previous international work.

Parliamentary culture shock. The author describes a Parliament that often seemed more focused on internal politics and personal ambitions than on effective governance. The disconnect between the grand historical setting of Westminster and the often petty nature of daily political life was a source of frustration.

• Emphasis on party loyalty over independent thinking
• The power of whips in controlling MP behavior
• The challenges of effecting change as a backbencher

3. The Complexities of Brexit and Its Impact on British Politics

Brexit was becoming more surreally detached from the daily reality of a Cumbrian business than the development strategy for South Sudan.

A divisive issue. Brexit exposed deep rifts within the Conservative Party and British society at large. Stewart, initially a Remain supporter, found himself navigating the complex political landscape of trying to respect the referendum result while mitigating potential economic damage.

Practical concerns vs. ideological debates. The author highlights the disconnect between the theoretical arguments about sovereignty and trade deals in Westminster and the real-world concerns of his constituents, such as the impact on dairy farmers. This disparity underscored the challenges of translating complex policy issues into tangible outcomes for voters.

4. The Struggle for Reform in the British Prison System

I was beginning to conclude that in order to get things moving, I was going to have to be very directly involved in a system which saw ministers as non-executive board members, not chief executives.

Systemic challenges. As Prisons Minister, Stewart encountered a system plagued by violence, drug abuse, and poor conditions. His efforts to implement reforms faced resistance from entrenched bureaucracy and a culture resistant to change.

Innovative approaches. Stewart's "Ten Prisons Project" and his willingness to stake his job on improving conditions demonstrated a commitment to accountability rarely seen in politics. His hands-on approach, including personal visits to prisons and engagement with staff at all levels, highlighted the importance of understanding operational realities in crafting effective policies.

• Focus on basic improvements: fixing windows, installing scanners
• Emphasis on staff training and morale
• Setting clear, measurable goals for reducing violence and drug use

5. The Importance of Practical Experience in Shaping Policy

I had known only one new MP reasonably well before my election. Kwasi Kwarteng had been at school with me. I remembered talking to him when he was fourteen about T. S. Eliot and medieval architecture.

Diverse backgrounds. Stewart's unique experiences in international diplomacy and development provided him with a different perspective from many of his colleagues. This sometimes led to friction but also allowed him to bring fresh insights to policy discussions.

The value of field experience. Throughout his political career, Stewart emphasized the importance of firsthand knowledge. His walks through his constituency, visits to prisons, and experiences in conflict zones informed his approach to policy-making, often challenging prevailing assumptions within his party and the government.

6. The Disconnect Between Political Rhetoric and Real-World Implementation

Too many managers seemed to want to talk about identity change, 'Strong, integrated, service delivery between partners' and rehabilitative leadership, while their prison officers lacked basic skills and their prisoners lacked blankets and toilet paper.

Empty rhetoric. Stewart frequently encountered a gap between the grand statements of policy and the practical realities of implementation. This was particularly evident in his work on prisons and international development.

Focus on basics. The author advocated for a return to fundamental principles and practical solutions, often at odds with the prevailing trend towards complex policy frameworks and jargon-filled strategies.

• Emphasis on cleanliness and safety in prisons
• Skepticism towards overly ambitious development goals
• Advocacy for clear, measurable objectives in policy-making

7. The Need for Humility and Realism in International Development

I felt that building this new and larger cadre of African specialists, with a deeper focus on local politics and context, would not be a threat to anyone today, while it would allow us, in a generation's time, to run better development programmes and make better decisions on African politics.

Challenging assumptions. Stewart's experiences in international development led him to question many of the prevailing approaches to aid and intervention. He advocated for a more nuanced understanding of local contexts and a greater emphasis on practical, sustainable solutions.

Long-term thinking. The author emphasized the importance of building genuine expertise and understanding, rather than relying on short-term interventions or one-size-fits-all approaches. This often put him at odds with the political desire for quick results and headline-grabbing initiatives.

8. Navigating Party Politics and Personal Convictions

I declared for Remain. Why? Partly because I was very aware of how many problems it would cause for farmers in my constituency, many of whom were already on the breadline.

Balancing act. Stewart often found himself torn between party loyalty, personal beliefs, and the interests of his constituents. This was particularly evident in his stance on Brexit and his approach to prison reform.

Principled pragmatism. Throughout his political career, Stewart attempted to find a middle ground between ideological positions and practical realities. This sometimes made him an outsider within his own party but also allowed him to build bridges and seek innovative solutions.

9. The Limitations of Ministerial Power in Effecting Change

Civil servants remained charmingly non-committal, and the junior ministers, exaggerated in their enthusiasm, never went so far as to act.

Bureaucratic inertia. Stewart encountered significant resistance to change within government departments, often feeling that his role as a minister was more about managing public perceptions than implementing substantive reforms.

Creative solutions. To overcome these limitations, Stewart often had to think outside traditional political frameworks, using media attention, personal visits, and direct engagement with staff to drive change.

• Leveraging public commitments to create pressure for action
• Building coalitions across departments and with external stakeholders
• Using personal credibility to overcome institutional resistance

10. The Value of Persistence and Adaptability in Government

I was beginning to sense that I was only one of many ministerial dominoes tipping in improbable directions.

Constant change. Stewart's career in government was marked by frequent reshuffles and changing priorities, requiring him to quickly adapt to new roles and challenges.

Seizing opportunities. Despite the frustrations of political life, Stewart consistently sought ways to make a meaningful impact, whether through constituency work, prison reform, or international development. His willingness to take risks and challenge conventional wisdom, while sometimes controversial, allowed him to leave a lasting mark on the areas he engaged with.

Last updated: October 6, 2024