At Last, Andrew Mitchell has Gone
I am just surprised he thought he could stay after his outburst outside No.10.
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The meaning of Plebgate
The word ‘pleb’ is not always negative and abusive – it can indicate pride in being a member of the common classes, a free citizen and not a slave.
(I don't think Andrew Mitchell was attaching this definition to the word pleb.)
However, Mitchell used it with the invective of public school prefects. His nickname at Rugby School (‘Thrasher’) and military experience indicate a personality that expects obedience.
If that is the case, it was probably why he was appointed Chief Whip by David Cameron in the first place - effective House of Commons Whips have to be tough disciplinarians.
Mitchell also damaged a positive image earned in international development in both opposition and government.
Plebgate matters because it reveals what conservative politicians think of society.
Cameron’s choice
The danger for Cameron was twofold. As Chief Whip, Mitchell had lost authority and the government needed tighter control of backbenchers.
Also, his presence on the front line of politics conveyed privilege, arrogance and disregard for ordinary citizens. Plus verbal abuse on such a trivial matter with police officers amplifies this even more.
Mitchell’s actions served as a focus for claims that the coalition government is creating a more divided and unequal society based on different rules for rich and poor in a period of austerity.
Mitchell’s resignation makes Cameron look weak and a poor judge of character. Impressions can lead to political disaster - remember Gordon Brown.
Cameron needed to decide which option was the least damaging and there will be some speculation on whether Mitchell fell or was pushed.
Miliband’s chance
For Labour, the longer Mitchell was in position the better . He was a gift that kept on giving, especially after Miliband’s effective appropriation of Disraeli’s ‘one nation’ at the Labour Party Conference.
Miliband wanted to draw blood gradually, maximising the impact of plebgate, so the Conservatives are permanently seen as the party of the few.
Some call his position Blue Labour but in practice it positions Labour to attract disillusioned Liberal Democrat voters and attract some conservative leaning voters in marginal constituencies.
The development of progressive nationalism in Labour Party’s policy review and the influence of writers such as Tim Soutphommasane, emphasise collective identity while still outdoing the Conservatives on issues such as immigration.
Cameron’s improved performance was partly delivered by detoxifying the Conservative Party but, as the Big Society fades away and public spending cuts bite, much of that work has been undone.
Mitchell’s situation provided an opportunity for Miliband to develop his message of a society united, in direct contrast to the Tory leadership as elitist, out of touch and uncaring.
Perhaps, Miliband can also make hay while the sun shines over George Osbourne’s embarrassment on the train from Wilmslow to London. After plebgate, maybe ticketgate? "