Change at Westminster

All change at Westminster. We now have a new Prime Minister, a man known for his buffoonery and unguarded comments. He’s the opposite of Theresa May, whose interactions resembled that of a unimaginatively programmed robot. His appointment has been noted across the world, and his political and personal likeness to Donald Trump has not been overlooked. How long this man can be the Treasury’s First Lord before making a major gaffe remains to be seen. His party is divided, Parliament in opposed to him and his track record as Foreign Secretary was brief and disappointing. His first appearance in the House was promising, but his advisers are likely to be nervous every time his mouth opens.

Attracting somewhat less attention was the appointment of the new Lib Dem leader, Jo Swinson. The Lib Dems are small group at Westminster, but they may be the powerbrokers after the next election. Her first speech was like that given by an impetuous child who has never been refused anything by a parent. She let the cat out of the bag when, claiming she wanted a second EU referendum, admitted she wouldn’t honour the result if Leave won a second time. One wonders if it’s time to change her party’s name. 

As for Jez the Red, he shows no sign of quitting any time soon. I’m convinced Labour would now be in power if he wasn’t at the helm. Still, we now have three genuine characters heading the three main English parties: an amusing clown, a spoilt non-democrat and an 1970’s socialist. 

1 Peter 2:13-19 says, emphasis mine:

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honour all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

The apostle does not require us to love or admire our leaders, but to obey and even honour them. I therefore urge us to pray for Johnson, as well as Corbyn and Swinson, whose effectiveness our Parliamentary democracy requires.