Douglas Carswell's Blog

Politician speak

Politicians, I often find, speak a distinct language. Rather than articulate thoughts and ideas the way ordinary folk might, too often they adopt a strange Westminster jargon.

Once in SW1, MPs seem to demand that their opponents "come clean". When was the last time you heard a normal person outside SW1 use that phrase?

When not "standing second to none", they are "exposing" their opponents. Claims are always undermined. Opportunities either for everyone, or missed.

The most effective political communicators, I believe, are those MPs that ditch such faux phrases, and speak normally.

What are your (least) favorite politician cliches?

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