Rayyan Mirza, the Change Candidate for Green Party Chair

The party of artists formally known as the Liberal Democrats have just launched their new pre-manifesto statement entitled Make It Happen. It is a daring new move in the realm of political communications, as freshfaced leader Nick Clegg presents his party’s vision and values with a “thrilling” allegorical tale about a young woman from a small town who dreams of one day becoming a famous dancer. With the deft touch you’d expect from the writer of Step Up and Save The Last Dance, the film clearly illustrates the aspirations of the Lib Dems to become the biggest party in British politics, but also depicts a struggle with twists and turns that run parallel to their own rocky road to power.

When the main character finally gets into the “big time” in the “big city”, rather than fulfil her dreams of fame and fortune, she is forced by circumstance to play a decidedly less appealing and dignified role, much like the Lib Dems in Parliament. Relegated to the fringes of the dancing world, she works hard until the main headliner of her dance company withdraws due to injury. Our young heroine, feeling the hand of destiny upon her shoulders, steps forward to claim her rightful place as the star of the show – something Nick Clegg is hoping to do at the next general election.

In an age when the public are increasingly disillusioned with politicians and the political process, packaging the Lib Dems’ story and aims in an MTV-friendly, urban music-driven feature film aimed at a younger demographic shows how well the Lib Dems understand the new media environment of YouTube and Bebo. Make It Happen has already excited party activists, although has not been well received by some critics, who accuse it of trivialising politics.  In any case, it seems that Clegg’s communications team are taking on board my comments that political parties need to do more to engage and inspire the public.

He can rest assured over the summer recess that his core message is reaching the electorate, and that his party is heading for bright lights and the big city.  For everyone wishing to share in the impending success of the Liberal Democrats, Make It Happen is in cinemas across the country today.

(hat-tip to Jim Killock, external communications director of the Green Party, for procuring a pre-release publicity poster – he must be wishing he had beaten the Lib Dems to it)