The rise of the celebrity as politician

Most of us know what the role and purpose of a politician is. In case you didn’t know, or maybe you just forgot their role amidst the unsatisfying frenzy of Brexit, a global pandemic and the Cummings and goings of certain people (excuse the pun) within the political order, let me remind you. A politician is elected by their constituents to a position of political power. They then propose and create laws, raise constituent concerns, debate issues and put forward questions on issues affecting their constituency, the nation and world in parliament. They also attend functions, visit schools, engage with businesses and try to meet people from as many walks of life so that they can understand and contextualise the issues they discuss in parliament. Politicians also advocate on behalf of their political party, if they have one, and toe the party line. Their ability to do all of this well will improve their chances of gaining a seat in cabinet and walk within the high realms of Number 10 which, of course, is where real political power and influence lies. Right? Well no. Not anymore. Not in 2020.

The news that Marcus Rashford, a 22-year old footballer at Manchester United, was able to successfully campaign and influence the UK government to extend free school meals through the summer break is remarkable. His campaign will help feed over one million children in England at a cost of £120 million—a serious and significant political achievement for someone inexperienced at political campaigning and who isn’t a politician.

Yet Rashford's triumph provides serious food for thought about how famous figures can gain significant influence within the political arena. For Boris Johnson to acknowledge that Rashford was “right to draw attention” to the debate about food poverty is in itself astonishing. As the prime minister, it is Johnson who should have had his finger on the pulse of such an important political issue and prevent it from becoming an issue in the first place. For a footballer to exercise such powerful political clout over the PM is very telling of the nature and power of celebrity in the times we live in. It would have been unthinkable just a few decades ago. Now it is the norm.

Rashford's campaign and leadership on food poverty has resonated and connected with millions of people because he himself faced hunger as a child and was able to emotionally and persuasively convey his story. His letter to MPs stating that “The system was not built for families like mine to succeed, regardless of how hard my Mum worked” was personal and authentic, his campaign people-focused and purpose-driven. Rashford argued that “it’s important to have a voice” and it was his own voice and story that quickly caused tremors of action within government via a Twitter announcement, support from the Labour party and backbench Conservatives. Politicians at the top have the political power—but how many of them truly speak like authentic people with convictions instead of soundbite-focused spokespersons?

Concerns surrounding soundbites interpreted by spin and its impact on the crisis of trust in politicians has been present for many—too many—years. My Constitution Reform Group colleague and Labour party peer Peter Hain pointed this out as far back as 2003 in The Independent, where he stated that it is “breeding a climate of cynicism which is corrosive of democracy.” Is it any wonder then that more of us, particularly millennials and generation Z, are gravitating towards famous figures such as Emma Watson with her advocacy for gender equality, or Stormzy with his anti-austerity and anti-racism work, for political inspiration instead of monotonous mainstream politicians?

Despite this, there are a small cluster of politicians in the UK who have political clout, who powerfully communicate with a strong sense of character and conviction why certain issues are of importance to them and society. This includes David Lammy who has persistently campaigned against racial inequalities, Caroline Lucas who rigorously advocates for climate change action and Jess Phillips who passionately urges the government to help victims of domestic violence and abuse.

We need more politicians who are willing to put their heads above the parapet and speak up on important issues if we are to rebalance the political clout back in favour of politicians, where it ought to belong in a functioning democracy. While politicians can do this within the framework of a political party, it would arguably be more effective if the political system was updated so that more independent minded MPs can become elected and speak their own mind without recrimination from their party.

When politicians lose political influence and power to celebrities, when footballers become more respected than the prime minister and younger people increasingly turn to famous figures for political guidance and inspiration, we should recognise that something or someone in the system isn’t working. Fame can be short-lived but political decisions have long-term consequences. Politicians know what their role is, but more of them should take the opportunity to reflect on their political purpose, for their own sake as well as ours.