The votes are still being counted and the margins are, as ever, razor-thin. But the predicted ‘red wave’ of Republican victories across the political map of the United States appears not to have materialised. The party looks set to win the House of Representatives but the Senate, where Democrats picked up the crucial seat of Pennsylvania, remains on a knife-edge.
It has been a mixed night, too, for former president Donald Trump. Some of his favoured candidates — marked by extreme views including the false claim that the 2020 election was ‘stolen’ — have lost. Meanwhile, his biggest Republican rival, Ron DeSantis, was easily re-elected as governor of Florida.
For Joe Biden, the loss of even one chamber of Congress would effectively mark the end of the legislative era of his presidency. Like Barack Obama, Biden’s first two years in office have seen landmark bills become law, most notably on climate. That will now come to a close as Republicans block much of his agenda and attempt to swamp his administration with various investigations.
The very notion of American democracy was also on the ballot yesterday. While Republicans appear to have underperformed, they have still made gains including by candidates who wrongly deny the veracity of the last election. That not only poisons the body politic but paves the way for chaos during the 2024 election and its aftermath.
Williamson had to go
Yesterday, we asked whether Gavin Williamson was worth the trouble. The answer appears to be no. The former minister resigned from the Government last night, following deeply unsavoury allegations of bullying and a range of investigations into his behaviour.
It is right that Sir Gavin has gone. The claims against him, which he denies, are serious and stepping down provides an opportunity to get to the bottom of them. It is also good for the Government, which can now focus on the daunting challenges ahead — not least next week’s Autumn Statement.
The timing of the resignation was probably not wholly coincidental. The Prime Minister would not want accusations of misconduct to dominate yet another PMQs. Still, the episode does call into question the judgment of bringing Sir Gavin back into the fold in the first place.
Politics will always be, in part, about the cut and thrust but treating colleagues and civil servants with respect is not only the decent thing, but a valuable tool.
Rumble in the jungle
As one former Cabinet minister bows out, another prepares to take centre stage. Matt Hancock will be on our screens from this evening as he finally enters the Australian jungle. The one-time health secretary hopes his appearance on I’m a Celebrity will be an opportunity for people to “see the real me”. This suggests he may not have sat down and watched an hour of reality TV before.
Mr Hancock suggested that “showing that we politicians are normal human beings” was an important aim. This is true, though out of 650 MPs and roughly 20,000 local councillors, we would not necessarily have selected him for this solemn purpose.
