It seems to me that the term “a decent man” has become the euphemism for “political failure”. Sir Keir Starmer’s departure is being mourned now by his previously silent supporters as “the loss of a basically decent man.” Other previous holders of the title include Sir John Major and Rishi Sunak.
Nor it is entirely possible that Sir Keir is decent. He may be the perfect gentleman, kind, faithful, honest in his private life. How though do we know. Can we form such a subjective expression?
In politics, perception matters. Now to some people, the perception will have been good. Indeed, I can look at what the Prime Minister has done and in some cases agree with his decisions, I believe ending the Rwanda scheme was right, decent even. In other cases I can appreciate the motives if not the action, I don’t agree with the Chagos island deal but understand the motives, ending the limit on child benefit may not be the most effective means of ending child poverty but again reflects a good heart.
For others, the perception is not so good. Personally I never warmed to Starmer. I thought he came across as condescending, sneering even in debate and that wasn’t a great look when debating a female opponent. Perhaps though that is about his inability to project warmth in his public persona and perhaps that’s not what he is like in private.
However, perceptions will also be shaped by what the Prime Minister did. For example, I thought, contrary to others that he was weak at standing up to President Trump and particularly his willingness to go along with the carving up of Ukraine wasn’t great. What stood out though was the way he treated civil servants working for him, expecting them to fall on their swords because of his misjudgment over appointing Peter Mandelson. Were those the actions of a decent man?
Can I suggest a few reflections here. The first is that when it comes to judging character, we are not able to read hearts. Only God can do that. We can only judge people on what they actually say and do. Similarly, I don’t know if other politicians are at heart racist or antisemitic. I can only go on what they say and do. This is true of church leaders as well as political leaders incidentally.
Secondly, people are complex. From a theological perspective we talk about Total Depravity, not meaning that they are as deprived as they could be but to observe how sin affects every aspect of life. For the believer, we both recognise the work of Christ to forgive and set free from sin whilst acknowledging the ongoing challenges of indwelling sin.
Thirdly, those things being so, we need to guard ourselves and model an engagement with others that is itself marked by decency. I am not convinced that politics is suddenly personal and harsh. I think it has pretty much always been so. Think of the old quote about a politician that an empty taxi pulled up at Westminster and they got out. That jibe dates back to the 1940s.
However, this doesn’t excuse how we think of, speak of and act towards others. Let’s remember, even as we engage in political discussion, even as our own strong feelings are there that these are men and women made in God’s image. This doesn’t prevent us from disagreeing with them or assessing their record unfavourably. It does mean we can treat others well and model a different approach.
Faithroots 