Saturday, January 30, 2010

An Appreciation of Duncan Brack

One of the great things about running Politico's for seven years was that I got to meet a huge number of people from across the political spectrum, who otherwise I would never have got to know. Duncan Brack was one of those people.

Unless you're a LibDem activist you've probably never heard of him. But he's been a leading light in the LibDems for more years than he cares to remember. He was Head of Policy under Paddy Ashdown and for several years now has been chairman of the party's conference committee. It's safe to say that he is on the 'beard and sandals' wing of the LibDems and viewed Charles Kennedy's leadership with barely disguised contempt. He is no more likely to say "read the Orange Book, it's got some great ideas" than to vote Conservative. He is also one of the driving forces of the thriving LibDem History Group. I've also pubished several excellent books which he has written or edited and he's an author who is both professional and a pleasure to deal with.

Why am I writing this? Why am I am paying tribute to a LibDem? Partly because tonight I am attending Duncan's 50th birthday bash, but mainly because Duncan is one of the unsung people in this country who make politics tick. He's a man of integrity, intellect and dedication. And I don't say that about many LibDems! But more important than that, I am proud to call him a friend.

And if the LibDems have any sense, it won't be long before he changes his name to Lord Brack of Streatham!

Happy birthday, Duncan.

9 comments:

Tapestry said...

Europhiles cannot be friends, Iain. Only liberty is our friend. Anyone who wants it taken away is an enemy.

The Purpleline said...

Iain- do you have any female friends?

Anonymous said...

Thoroughly nice post this Iain.

Steven said...

Hear hear!

James Graham (Quaequam Blog!) said...

Good to see we agree on something Iain!

Happy birthday Duncan.

Tim Leunig said...

Well said, Iain

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree with you more. The Journal of Liberal History is an excellent work of scholarship, both readable and authoritative. In an ideal world those with an interest in history would read such works by such men regardless of their party affiliations. Rather late now but I wish Mr Brack a happy birthday.

Simon Gardner said...

And a very, very nice man.

Simon Wilson said...

For a nice change, I couldn't agree more!