QE71: Follow the Leader

What has gone wrong with political leadership in Australia? And are things likely to change with a change of leader or government?

What is true political leadership, and how do we get it? What qualities should we wish for in our leaders? And why is it killing season for prime ministers?

In this wise and timely essay, Laura Tingle argues that democratic leaders build a consensus for change, rather than bludgeon the system or turn politics into a popularity contest. They mobilise and guide, more than impose a vision. Tingle offers acute portraits - profiles in courage and cunning - of leaders ranging from Merkel and Howard to Macron and Obama.

She discusses the rise of the strongman, including Donald Trump, for whom there is no map, only sentiment and power, and she analyses what has gone wrong with politics in Australia, arguing that successful leaders know what they want to do, and create the space and time to do it.

After the Liberal Party's recent episode of political madness, where does this leave the nation's new prime minister, Scott Morrison?