Kemi Badenoch has been urged to channel her inner Princess Leia as the Labour government under Andy Burnham embraces nostalgia for pre-Thatcher Britain. The call comes from Daily Express chief political commentator David Williamson, who draws parallels between the Star Wars heroine and the Conservative leader's potential to shake up British politics.
Star Wars and British nostalgia
Williamson writes that the original Star Wars, released in 1977, remains a quintessentially British film, with many cast members appearing as if they were "rounded up at the local pub and put in costume." He describes the Death Star as a "creaking state-owned enterprise" rather than a shining example of technical genius, reflecting 1970s Britain transposed into a galactic myth.
The moment Princess Leia, played by Carrie Fisher, enters the story with wit and heroism, the adventure gains new momentum. Williamson compares this to the arrival of Margaret Thatcher in British politics, suggesting Badenoch could now play a similar role.
Poll boost for Conservatives
With the Conservative Party enjoying a three-point bounce in this week's YouGov poll, moving into second place, Williamson suggests some may conclude "the force is with her." The commentary comes as Andy Burnham, now Prime Minister, has expressed unashamed support for state control of industries.
Grief and leadership
In a separate section, Williamson expresses sympathy for Burnham as he navigates his first 100 days as Prime Minister while grieving the recent loss of his father. He recalls how Barack Obama lost his grandmother just two days before his historic election, and quotes the late Queen Elizabeth: "Grief is the price we pay for love."
Tarantino and PMQs
Williamson also notes that Quentin Tarantino, aged 63, is preparing to unleash his stage play The Popinjay Cavalier on London's West End. He jokes that the director, known for scenes of carnage in Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, and Kill Bill, might help Burnham and Badenoch come up with eviscerating one-liners at Prime Minister's Questions, though the Speaker might not welcome MPs swinging the Mace at a rival's head.
