The JSPrice Perception

Merkel at the front centre, as she has been in global politics for nearly 15 years (Image: Express & Star) By the end of next year, Angela Merkel will no longer be Chancellor of Germany, and I'll be one of many who will be genuinely sad to see her go. In 15 years as the biggest cheese in European politics, Merkel has almost single-handedly taken over the role as Leader of the Free World, which I argued was up for grabs in 2018 . It is difficult to deny her influence on the world stage and by her departing from it, will leave a big hole in global politics. Merkel has been Chancellor since 2005 and led her Party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to four general elections wins (federal elections, as they're called in Germany). Certainly, she had to rely on other parties to form a majority government, but it was always 'Mutti', as she is affectionately known (translated, 'mummy'), who would wear the trousers. Merkel is often trusted to lead the...

Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer (Image: Politicshome.com) I would like to start this article by expressing my delight when I heard that Sir Keir Starmer won the Labour leadership election. He was somebody who I voted for and, as I argued in January, him working with Angela Rayner as his Deputy will work wonders. They've been close colleagues over the past few years, both have respect for each other and they also have respect across the broad church Labour has developed. Starmer's leadership is at its infancy as I write this, but he couldn't have received a warmer welcome . When the result was announced, you could sense the delight and relief from previously disengaged members and Labour politicians. His shadow cabinet appointments went down really well too. 'Hurray, we have adults instead of children in Labour's front bench again,' I read many social media posts state. 'Rejoice, the Tories have a proper opposition,' cry out political commentator...