My idea of the year

It has been coveredatlength in Prospect and elsewhere, but, having written a book on the topic, I still think the most interesting idea of 2010 was the Big Society, which brilliantly redefined the centre ground in British politics.

Why? First, because it criticised left and right alike, tapping into public unease about the extension of the state, the erosion of human values, the rise of political ideology and partisanship, and the malign effects of market fundamentalism. It talked about hope, teamwork and looking after each other—the values of adversity and success alike. Second, because it clearly came from somewhere intellectually respectable, blending the sympathy of Adam Smith with the free institutions of Edmund Burke, the civility of political philosophers like Michael Oakeshott and the focus on human capability of thinkers like Amartya Sen.

And finally because, like Ann Widdecombe and almost uniquely in the political lexicon, it will never be reducible to a sound-bite. Reason enough for celebration.

Jesse Norman is Conservative MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire