The tragedy of Chris Huhne

It was inevitable that he had to go – in fairness, it had been coming for some time. The spectre of the court case hung over him, further tarnishing his credibility. Powerful friends and allies had already exhausted their capacity for patience with him. He surely knew the game was up.

Today he was cast adrift. Now the courts must decide whether he is guilty (and therefore banished from public life) or innocent (and perhaps, once again able to return to the fold).

You all assume I’m talking about Chris Huhne, but outside the Westminster bubble, that’s how they’re talking about John Terry.

Two different conversations. The same words. But a world a difference between them.

They’ll be talking about John Terry in your local pub tonight. Facebook (a much more representative online space than Twitter) is awash with discussion and debate about how this will affect England’s chances this summer. Funnily enough I’ve seen little chatter from non-political friends about Huhne, or about how his resignation will affect the government. I’m not expecting to hear about it in the local tonight either.

That speaks to a much bigger problem with our politics than whether or not a (then very minor) politician did or did not try to shirk a speeding ticket. In the court of public opinion, that’s a far lesser crime than – for example – misleading the public and tearing up your manifesto. (Huhne’s leader and old rival Nick Clegg should take note). There will be few tears for Huhne. Even his own party seemed to think him vainglorious and aloof. Instead, the real concern today should be about how trivial the problems (and solutions) of our politicians seem to such a large chunk of the electorate.

They know John Terry’s name. They care (for better or worse) what happens to him. They’d be able to pick him out of a line-up.

They didn’t know much about Chris Huhne. For them he’s just a politician. They’re all just politicians.

The public have an affinity, an interest and a stake in the lives of young millionaires like Terry, but little affection or interest in those like Huhne who are elected to represent them.

If there’s any tragedy in Huhne’s resignation, that’s it right there…