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Good evening, I am Chi Cowton, reporter and journalist for The Albion Times. In this series I will be interviewing each holder of Great Office of State and asking them the questions that we all want to know the answers to. My first interview is with the Prime Minister of the new Central Line government, u/model-raymondo:
Good evening Prime Minister, how are we?
"I’m very good, thank you! It’s great to be here."
It must be quite strange to hear the phrase Prime Minister, given I’m sure it wasn’t expected when you were elected Labour leader?
"It wasn’t something I had considered until late into the leadership election, and to be completely honest, it wasn’t a priority. My main aim in being Labour leader is to turn the party's fortunes around and lead us into success, just like my predecessors have. Being Prime Minister is definitely a boon to that goal, but it isn’t the be all and end all."
How does being a relatively new party leader impact you as Prime Minister?
"I don’t think it has as big an impact as one might expect. Take SapphireWork for example. She was an excellent Prime Minister, having been elected party leader and Prime Minister on the same day. I have experience elsewhere that means I am more than ready to take on the role of Prime Minister. I am ever aware of the fact that the position is incredibly time-intensive and can at times be stressful, but so far I am loving the role and I am very optimistic."
There have been numerous criticisms from those in solidarity and some within Labour itself about coalitioning with the Liberal Democrats and in particular Coalition - they say that Labour is abandoning its socialist roots for government. What do you say to these critics?
"Labour isn’t abandoning its roots; if anything, we’re leaning into our other roots. Labour has a long and storied history and part of that is the debate around socialism versus social democracy. These aren’t two ideas that are at odds and in fact work really well together. I don’t see an issue with coalitioning with C! and the LibDems, my main focus at the moment is to get out sensible and strong government in a time of crisis for thousands of households."
To be in government at the present time provides a challenging array of issues, both domestic and abroad from the cost of living crisis to the war in Ukraine. How do you envisage that your government will deal with these challenges?
"We’ll be dealing with these issues practically and proactively. I am incredibly aware that this is a crisis-time government and I and the rest of the government will be giving it our all to alleviate the worries of the British People. Ukraine is an ever-developing situation, and my heart goes out to all of the people affected and suffering because of a power-hungry man in the Kremlin. This government is devoted to crises both at home and abroad."
The previous government was beset by accusations of failings in Collective and Individual Ministerial responsibility on both sides, how do you anticipate preventing this?
"So far we have a very rigid set of rules in the cabinet and a great atmosphere of democracy when it comes to policy. These have been hammered out and are enforced by PoliticoBailey who is serving in the Cabinet Office. So far he has put all worries to bed and has truly excelled in all expectations for that position. I have absolutely no worries that the Cabinet and the skilled members within it will stay in line with collective cabinet responsibilities."
The Broad Centre government enjoys a larger majority than the previous government and a larger majority than they would’ve in Rose 3 - does the Prime Minister worry about getting complacent with the power of their majority and how will relations with the opposition in light of damaged relations between LDs/C! and the Tories, and yourself and solidarity work?
"There is absolutely no time for complacency and the moment I become complacent is the moment I lose the job. The extra majority is great, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be afraid to reach out if we need to. In terms of relations with the Conservatives I couldn’t possibly tell, but with Solidarity any dip in relations is temporary. Solidarity and Labour work well together, and I don’t think any of us want to see our parties stop working together."
There is clear distinctions in the approach and flavour of this government compared to the previous but it remains to be seen how this translates into action and policy. As the next few weeks progress we will get a real idea for who this government is and what they really want to do as their legislative agenda gets under way - or doesn't. Look out for our next interview with the first Muslim Foreign Secretary, u/Gregor_The_Beggar.
Chi Cowton
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