37. The Rules
What happened when I asked a bunch of Westminster vets from Blair to Mandelson for their rules of politics for a corporate in Dubai. Paid subscribers only!
When my brother was Prime Minister I was flown to Dubai, first class on British Airways, to give a well-paid speech. I needed content to add ballast to my chosen theme of “trust” (WHAT WAS I THINKING) so in prep I asked a bunch of politicos for their ride or die rules of politics: Alastair Campbell, Michael Gove, David Cameron, and yes, one Rt Hon Peter Mandelson. Oh yes - and Tony Blair.
If you read a more triggering first par today I’ll give you your money back!
To continue. Yes I’d decided for some reason to talk about trust in politics to the annual gathering and awards ceremony of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the event was at the Four Seasons, Dubai (still standing last time I checked, here are four lovely ladies who came to the event).
As there seem to be no rules any more, it’s one binfire after another, and the rules-based order has collapsed like a deckchair while the world may be being run by a madman, some sixth sense tells me it may be the moment to spill the beans for the very first time as to what these important men exclusively told me.
You might find them useful.
