Imagine for a moment that you are trying to explain UK politics and Brexit to a visitor who has no experience of either. /1
First, you have a referendum which was promised by a party who won an election. Fine. But there is no planning for one outcome of the election, despite the same government having had a recent close call with another referendum (Indyref) showing how close they can be. /2
One campaign is led by a man who decides at the last minute that he will support this side, having previously identified (and done speeches, TV programmes and books to prove it) for the other side. /3
This man wins. But doesn't look happy about it. And then is given one of the most important jobs in government and Offices of State: the head of the UK's relations with the world. The other two key departments are led by winners of the same side. /4
He then bumbles around for two years, contributes to a UK citizen faces further charges in Iran, sings inappropriate songs in former colonies (Myanmar) etc etc but is not sacked. Attention is always focussed on how he wants the top job. /5
He finally resigns because he doesn't agree with how the result of the referendum is being played out, despite being in charge of it. But he only resigns after a few days, having initially given his backing to it. /6
He goes back to a previous job, earning twice as an MP, churning out pieces for a serious (?) newspaper which keeps attention focussed on him. When he says something outrageous or offensive, he is defended in prominent newspaper columns written by his father and his sister. /7
Now he criticises the approach that he led in government for two years, where he was far from a lone actor. On the front pages of a newspaper he is paid to write for. Whilst still being an MP. And we all lap it up. Not a great advert for Britain, or democracy in fact. /END
