Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
When I was about 10, I had a bit of an obsession with football. I quickly grew out of it, I hasten to add. I had my favourite players, most notably Sandy Jardine, Alan Rough and, above all, Kenny Dalglish. These three could do no wrong in my young opinion. Even then I knew playing for Partick Thistle was a good thing.
I used to get very irked whenever one of them was substituted, especially when they were playing well. I just couldn’t see why you would take off a proven performer who was doing well, even if they were replaced by someone else that I liked. Sometimes that needs to happen to get fresh legs on the field, or if the tone of the game changes and needs a different tactic. It still makes you cry, though. When these changes involve not remote footballers but two of your friends, your emotions are very mixed.
That’s kind of how I feel today as we hear the news that Mike Moore is leaving the Cabinet. He’s been Secretary of State for Scotland since he replaced Danny Alexander in the wake of David Laws’ resignation in May 2010. He’s been in office during an exceptional time for Scotland, delivering further devolution and laying the groundwork for the independence referendum both process and developing the pro-UK case.
In 40 whirlwind months, Mike has ensured the biggest transfer of fiscal power to Scotland in 300 years with the Scotland Act; he’s laid the foundations for a legal, fair and decisive referendum on independence; he’s championed Scotland around the world from Brazil to China.
None of this has been easy. At the end of 2011, the Scotland Act was widely perceived to be dead in the water. It was dismissed by the SNP as a dog’s breakfast and came close to being scuppered by Labour at Westminster. Thanks to Mike’s measured, respectful and reasonable approach, it was passed by both Scottish and Westminster parliaments within a few months. Mike is very good at building relationships across parties. SNP Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described him on Twitter as “A tough opponent but always pleasant.”
He then had to deal with, on one hand, some Conservatives who thought that imposing their own referendum on Scotland would be a productive thing to do and the SNP insisting that it would not brook any interference from Westminster on any aspect of it. Again by being reasonable, he secured the Edinburgh Agreement, in the process agreeing to 16 and 17 year olds having the vote for the first time in a Scottish election.
Defending the status quo can be a challenge, but under his leadership the Scotland Analysis papers produced by the Scotland Office have built a credible case for Scotland to stay in the UK.
Mike leaves a remarkably strong foundation for his successor. The game is changing, though and that’s why, I suspect, that he’s been moved. It’s not because he’s off-form because he’s delivered so much, but the game has changed.
Now that the referendum campaign is gearing up into a more combative phase, Alistair Carmichael’s quick wit will take the fight to Alex Salmond in a different way. He will give no quarter and let the SNP away with no nonsense. He will do it engagingly and effectively and make us all laugh in the process. He’ll be pithy, plain speaking and punchy. I can see what they are trying to do in this new phase. but it still hurts to lose a good performer.
I do feel a bit sorry for him initially though. Imagine having to face Iain Duncan Smith and Chris Grayling around the Cabinet table and not be able to relax with a wee glass of wine later. His Go Sober for October pledge has so far raised over £500 and he will need extra motivation, so sponsor him if you can.
I’ve felt for some time that Carmichael is too big a talent not to have his own portfolio. He’s been great as Chief Whip, but keeping him lurking in Westminster’s shadows is not the best use of his considerable talents.
Alistair’s tenure is just beginning and I wish him well. He will do a fantastic job too with a completely different style.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
This post is a thank you to Mike, though. In the manner of any trashy reality show, here are some of his highlights:
Journalists heaping praise upon him after his statement in the Commons when he launched the UK Government’s consultation on the Independence Referendum.
Brokering the historic Edinburgh Agreement, paving the way for the referendum on independence and ensuring that it was decisive, legal and fair.
Winning Best Scot at Westminster in 2012
Being described as Westminster’s answer to James Bond and the man who saved the union by John Rentoul, not a habitual fan of the Liberal Democrats.
And having the Sunday Mail actually mock him up as 007.
Mike, thanks. You’ve been brilliant and you have so much to be proud of.
* Caron Lindsay is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings