9. What does the author mean by stating that ‘a convergence in political ideals’ has blurred the once clear blue and red lines? Pick one answer and refer only to the information in the passage.
What qualities and attributes make a political leader successful? A recent poll asked voters what they looked for in the ideal political leader; a good economic strategy perhaps, a willingness to admit the past mistakes of one’s party or the ability to be likeable as a person. The popular answer seems to be ‘credibility’; voters want someone they can trust. How does this translate into a political strategy? To begin with, the poll suggests confusion surrounds the very basics of politics; what do the parties stand for anymore? The past few years has seen such a convergence in political ideals that the once clear ‘blue’ conservative and ‘red’ labour lines are now somewhat purple. To be credible, to be a successful political leader, you mustn’t be afraid of hanging the banners and stating your policy. By this, and not doing a political 180 after the election, is the key to number 10.