My experiences since the Handforth parish council meeting went viral have taught me how our politics needs to change
Six months ago the video of a fractious meeting of the Handforth parish council propelled its attenders – myself included – into the spotlight. I’ve been on quite a journey ever since and while I have mostly enjoyed the ride, I can’t pretend it’s been devoid of bumps or bruises. I’ve tried to learn as much as I can from the rough and the smooth, the peaks and the troughs, and I felt like this was an opportune moment to share some of those lessons.
First, the good stuff. I have met some amazing people – from the exotic world of showbusiness to the more familiar environment of local government. Making so many new acquaintances in a short period of time has made me a connoisseur of first and lasting impressions and I can say with confidence that it is people’s kindness, generosity and warmth, not their individual skills or achievements, that has stuck with me. These qualities are memorable because they are powerful. We are social creatures and it is through cooperation, collaboration and compassion that we achieve great things.
