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I found myself deeply moved by the documentary Michael Portillo made last year about his family’s terrible experiences during the Spanish Civil War. His father, an intellectual Socialist, managed to flee to England in the nick of time while his uncles were fighting on the side of Franco. The family was torn apart and never recovered. Portillo’s account of those events showed him to be a man of great humanity, and quite frankly I saw a Michael Portillo that I had not recognised before.
I’ve also been enjoying his railway journey series. Didn’t know that he is half-Scottish, the linoleum factory which his grandfather owned in Kircaldy presumably being the source of his mother’s wealth. I’ve completely changed my mind about Portillo. Like Ken Clarke, he’s a thoroughly decent bloke and far too good to be a Tory.
Hague is an excellent politician – if he was leader I would actually be out actively campaigning for the Conservatives again.
On reflection I did Hague a disservice grouping him with Duncan-Smith and Howard
You’re right, he is an able politician and – as GC points out – an equally able, measured orator
It was the ’16 pint’ I’m-one-of-the-boys-a-man-of-the-people-ordinary-working-bloke toe-curling attempt at the common touch that put me off him for life
That and the infamous Tory-boy speech all those years ago
It was the ’16 pint’ I’m-one-of-the-boys-a-man-of-the-people-ordinary-working-bloke toe-curling attempt at the common touch that put me off him for life
Not one of his better moments – but I have no doubt most of us have managed to dig ourselves into very deep holes trying to over-impress at some time in our lives
Yep, pretty handy with a long-shafted stainless-steel spade myself
Poor old William, not his fault I bear a grudge that should long since have withered on the vine: mine and mine only
I have to confess that, in my ‘I hate everything Tory’ years, and before I was madly in love with him, I used to refer to Mr Portillo as ‘Tim, nice but dim’ [still think the character was based on him]. I hang my head in shame…..
His programme has been excellent. Loved it in the pub with the Border folks singing "LOCK THE DOOR, LARISTON" a great old song of the Reiving times.
First class bloke who has turned into as capable a presenter as he was a politician with a genuine interest in the people he meets and the places he has been to.
BBC should bring back "Face to Face" with Michael Portillo as host. He would be excellent in the role.
Craig
Disagree with that; I think he does very good scripted interviews but is still just a bit starchy and not a natural in front of the cameras. He’ll never be a Mark Lawson [the best inteviewer ever imo]. Mr Portillo is brilliant at doing scripted programmes about subjects he feels passionate about. And in that he really has found his niche [and quite a fanbase by the look of it].
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