The Coalition Government isn’t a patch on Lady Thatcher, a leading businessman has charged.
John Rider, West Midlands chairman of the Institute of Directors, accused it of being sloppy and lacking focus.
His attack came in the latest edition of the Institute’s regional magazine in which he highlights 30-plus significant U-turns including the pasty tax, caravan tax, fuel duty and the controversy over charity donations.
Mr Rider warned: “The Coalition continues to struggle with delivery.
“We are not used to such sloppiness, poor planning and implementation from our governments and, if this leadership style continues, it will invite many more strong challenges and dissent on all sorts of issues.
‘Shout loudly enough and we will change our minds’ seems to be the message
“This approach is certainly not enhancing the already tarnished reputation of our MPs and it’s a far cry from Margaret Thatcher’s style – the lady’s not for turning.
“And it does little for the magic ingredient for growth – confidence remains illusive.”
He went on: “The Leveson Inquiry is interesting but irrelevant and costly, and the population is certainly not calling for reform of the House of Lords.
“Instead the Government should concentrate on getting things ‘right first time’, with deficit reduction and the economy key to most ills. Focus please – don’t fiddle while Rome is burning.”
And he clearly fears yet another U-turn – this time over high speed rail.
“Where has the HS2 project gone – is it in the sidings? This sort of huge infrastructure project is sorely needed to boost job prospects across our region.”
Mr Rider highlighted evidence that the West Midlands economy was beginning to look more positive. Manufacturing and exporting were holding up while professional services were reporting better times.
Nevertheless risks to social cohesion were real.
“Has our society lost its moral compass?” asked Mr Rider. “It is becoming increasingly difficult for our political leaders to justify that ‘we are all in this together’ as austerity bites.
“Arguably the divisions in society are getting wider, as is the North-South divide, and we must avoid the prospect of social cohesion problems in our cities.”
He challenged the Church and faith groups to fill the vacuum and lead the debate.
