Tower and Town, March 2021 (view the full edition)Another Good ReadAt a time when the world seems remarkably lacking in old-fashioned statesmanship, I would like to share with you the story of a truly outstanding individual from 100 years ago who embodied all those fine political attributes of integrity, non-partisanship, vision and efficacy which seem to be missing in our leaders today. Richard Haldane is that man, and his biography Haldane: the forgotten statesman who shaped modern Britain written by John Campbell and published by Hurst has recently appeared on the shelves. Here I must declare an interest as John Campbell is my brother-in-law, but I hope that will not deter you from reading on, because the story he tells is fascinating, instructive and inspiring. Richard Haldane played a pivotal part in the politics of this country at the turn of the last century, yet as so much of that was behind the scenes rather than front of stage he barely rates a mention in the histories of that period. Politicians of every hue, however, turned to him for advice and for his ability to make things happen. He reformed the British Army and saved it from defeat in the first five months of the war in 1914. He revitalised the British education system and was instrumental in the establishment of many great universities. He contributed to the reforming transformation of administrative and legal systems in this country. He was the midwife to the birth of the Canadian nation. In all of this he was a tireless and devoted public servant, never once putting himself or his own interests above those of the country, but serving with an intellect, a depth and breadth of knowledge, and a comprehensive understanding you would be hard pushed to find these days in an entire cabinet, let alone in a single politician. It was as much the way in which he did things as what he did that makes him remarkable, and not only does that make this book an invaluable instructional manual for any would-be politician in the 21st century, but it also makes it an inspirational read.  David Du Croz |