As I write, the world feels more tumultuous than it has in a long time. For a fleeting moment last week, I felt a sense of renewed hope and optimism as plumber turned politician Hannah Spencer gave her victory speech following the Gorton and Denton by-election result being declared. Overturning a 13,000 vote majority, Spencer spoke passionately about those of us who work hard, asking the question "what does that get you"?
Leaving party politics aside for a second, I think she's hit on something here. For those of us who put the hours in, pay our taxes, abide by the rules, and just try to get by in life, it doesn't often feel as though that approach is rewarded. Whilst I feel for anyone caught up in the conflict currently raging in the Middle East, there is something more than a little galling about tax exiles being bailed out by the British taypayer in their hour of need. Similarly, there is a sense that a powerful elite somehow manages to make uncomfortable headlines go away, a superpower not available to the rest of us mere mortals.
Back to Hannah Spencer, and another quote from her fab speech: "Instead of working for a nice life, we're working to line the pockets of billionaires. We are being bled dry. I don't think it's extreme or radical to think working hard should get you a nice life. And if you're not able to work that you should still have a nice life".
It's so refreshing to hear a politician speak in these terms, and I felt it will have struck a chord with many. I listened to much of Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement earlier this week with a sense of incredulity, as it didn't seem to contain anything of any substance at all. To quote a good friend of mine, Alan: "Are modern politicians so distanced from reality that they think everything is fine? People, industry and commerce are hurting to the point of collapse, and hospitality in particular is in freefall, yet the government continue with increases in taxation, both overtly, and under the radar".
The response from Mel Stride for the Conservatives contained a lot of soundbites and shouting, but again no substance. It feels to me when listening to Prime Minister's Questions on a Wednesday lunchtime that those in the Chamber sound horrifically out of touch with the ordinary folk who graft hard, pay their taxes, and get very little in return apart from frozen thresholds and sneaky raids on their pay packets.
There was something authentic about hearing Hannah Spencer apologising to her customers for the fact she won't be able to fulfill their plumbing jobs in the coming weeks, as she'll be busy representing them at Westminster. I hope there are many more like her, and we can move away from the feeling that our political class is hideously out of touch with real life. Perhaps Spencer can flush out some of the rot in the crumbling Commons. She's a breath of fresh air.
Elsewhere this week, a number of frivolous surveys were considered in the making of this column. Hearing charity RNID has listed the common sounds people say they can't hear very clearly when they have undiagnosed hearing loss, and topping the survey are leaves rustling in trees, someone calling your name, and the sound of rain falling.
Meanwhile, it's British Pie Week, and chicken & mushroom is apparently the nation's favourite pie, spearheaded by Generation Z types moving away from steak to chicken, in the search of leaner, lighter meat. The data comes from Fray Bentos, who know a thing or two about pies. Mac and cheese pie finishes in tenth place, which I've not tried, but sounds like the comfort food I need right now.
And finally, only 8% actually manage to switch off completely when on holiday. I have written in the past about turning my phone off when I last had a holiday, which is almost two years ago. I can highly recommend a week without smartphone notifications and the associated doomscrolling. It's great for the blood pressure! The research from Flash Pack found that spending time in nature, doing nothing at all, and some luxury pampering are the top ways we find to switch off. I've got the next three Mondays off work, so perhaps a spa day is in order. Or failing that, a pie in the park, listening for the sound of rustling leaves. Not a politician in sight.
