Caroline Flint’s visit to Weymouth in Dorset on Thursday might not have hit the headlines but it proved to be a hit with the fifty or so Labour Party members who listened to her speak later that evening.

What is often missing in contemporary politics is the ability of the electorate to engage first hand with dynamism of the individual politician. Over the years so much emphasis has been placed on mediated political messages that it has eroded the value of individual charisma. The Minister for Housing, may not yet be classed as charismatic but it’s only a matter of time before she will be.

Her confidence resonated throughout the delivery of her assured speech which together with her confident vivacious demeanour is creating a formidable politician. Throughout her energetic delivery I saw flashes of Barbra Castle. This is due to the clever way her political tenacity is concealed by a mercurial charm. Such a combination is redoubtable simply because she can disarm opponents physically as well as intellectually.

Such dynamics are not so apparent on the television screen. Political sensibilities have become filtered through a medium which by contracting the image abbreviates the personality and therefore the very message being conveyed. That is why the Labour MP for Don Valley, was able to deliver such a strong message to her supporters, she is prepared to answer even the most challenging of questions. And for me there is nothing more exciting than asking a politician, of Mrs Flint’s standing a question and watching them reply with such verve and tenacity that you know you’re witnessing someone in their political ascendency.

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