“For 134 years the British political system has been a shining beacon of integrity…well most of the time” – the first words of commentary delivered by comedian Sue Perkins for Channel 4’s reality competition programme ‘Make me Prime Minister’ set the tone for the politically satirical series.
On first impressions, the concept of a competition programme that aims to simulate working in the Prime Minister’s cabinet feels dystopian. Marketed as a show that “brings together 12 ‘ordinary’ people” (Instagram @Channel4), the programme’s concept seems to highlight how undemocratic our ‘democracy’ in the UK is; when the closest an ‘ordinary’ person can come to political leadership is achieved through a simulatory competition programme, does the UK constitute as a democracy? The tone of ‘Make me Prime Minister’ hints that the producers at Channel 4 do not think so.
“People who went to Eton should not be running the country”
Contestant Danny Price
From the first contestant interview of the show that saw contestant Danny Price declare that “people who went to Eton should not be running the country”, Make me Prime Minister has had a consistent discourse of political criticism.
“We are absolutely agreed that the UK’s politics are in a mess”
Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s ex-spokesman
Much of the criticism in the show is delivered by the contestant’s mentors: Political heavy weights Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s ex spokesman turned political journalist, and Conservative MP Baroness Sayeeda Warsi. Campbell shared in a voice over during episode one that himself and Warsi “are absolutely agreed that the UK’s politics are in a mess and (they’ve) got to find new energy, new talent and (they) want to find an alternative prime minister.”
Fast forward six weeks to the series’ finale, Communications specialist Natalie India Balmain wins the competition programme championing her plan to crack down on Corporate Tax Avoidance in a live debate with her fellow finalists. Her speech was passionate, her responses to the live audience were raw and her determination was tangible, but I couldn’t help but think to myself, will she be able to make her vision a reality? Will Channel 4’s ‘Make me Prime Minister’ kick start a new wave of influential politicians, or will it simply exist in its own fantasy land of fairer politics? I got in touch with Natalie in the hopes of finding some clarity on the matter.
Q: Do you aim to become a member of parliament? If so, which political party would you run for?
A: Doing the show was certainly a life changing moment for me – I’ve always had a passion for social justice and a lot of ideas for solving problems, but I wasn’t really sure if I had what it takes to really get into politics… and then this show came along! I am having a few meetings at the moment about my next steps in my political career… For me, it’s important to get these right because whilst we all understand that we might evolve and change as we continue to grow, you don’t want to be making U-turns left, right and centre, as the current lot have so kindly demonstrated. I’ve been a labour voter all my life so if I were to join a party it would likely be labour, but that’s not to say I have completely agreed with everything the party has done in recent years. I personally would have liked to see stronger support of the unions earlier in the year and a more immediate statement of position on trans issues.
Q: How do you intend on gaining a political following?
A: I didn’t come onto the show with a particular axe to grind, so I don’t come with a niche audience other than those who knew me previously from my work with Type 1 diabetes Awareness Work. Generally, I take a very strategic look at politics and societal issues and link them together. I commentate a lot on the economy, end stage capitalism and its impact on democracy and human behaviours, so I think if there are people out there who are interested in these topics, I’m going to find my audience there.
Q: Outside of the British parliamentary system, how do you intend to influence politics, both in the UK and worldwide?
A: I am a strong advocate for building and rebuilding our relationships with other nations that the current government has neglected. Whether we like it or not, we are part of a globalised society and threats such as climate change and potential future pandemics make our international relationships more vital than ever. I already have strong connections with young political, musical and creator counterparts in the USA, Europe and Asia and believe that digital communities with hopeful, willing advocates like these will be the vital tool to help us achieve real change. As with generations before us, there are so many young people who are shining a bright light on politics through TikTok style satire, music, fashion and more and it’s such a powerful way of communicating that I think politicians need to consider more themselves!
My conversation with Natalie ignited a spark of hope and excitement in me. For a long time, I have stood on the side lines during political debates, disillusioned by the failures of our disconnected politicians. Now, after talking with Natalie, a working-class woman with great visions for the future and a history of drawing awareness to real issues, I feel a sense of excitement. Channel 4’s ‘Make me Prime Minister’ has acted as a steppingstone for Natalie and her fellow finalists to gain a platform from which they can inspire others and, I am eager to see what she does next.
Natalie can be found on twitter @realmissbalmain and on Instagram @missbalmain
Thank you to Natalie for sharing your vision with me.