Owen Jones begins this column by referring to the perception of others that he looks like he 'should be delivering newspapers rather than writing for one'. He finishes it so:
Historically, it has been Labour's role to challenge wealth and power. If its leadership is unable to do so – whether it be through lack of courage or conviction – a vacuum will be left. In such turbulent times, that vacuum will be filled. The cosy consensus of the professionalised political elite may be suffocating, but it is not sustainable. A perceptive eye can notice the cracks and observe that - with a bit of a shove - the whole edifice could shatter.
Challenging wealth and power sure needs to happen. Still, perhaps it's just because I don't look like I should be delivering newspapers, but rather more like I should be retired (as in fact I am), that I receive with scepticism the idea that the whole edifice could shatter 'with a bit of a shove'. Mind you, I always have doubted that, being of the opinion that the edifice in question is more durable than Owen seems to think. Let's check back on this some years on.