In the very first Editor’s Blog of 2007, it is time for a brief look back at the last year and ahead to this one to see if British politics is likely to get remotely exciting. Not that you need reminding but 2006 saw, amongst other things; the Cameron honeymoon period draw to a close, Charles Kennedy resign his leadership of the Liberal Democrats, Blair announce his departure, the loans-for-honours scandal, Sir Menzies Campbell take the party reigns, and who could forget Mark Oaten and Lembit Opik both ensuring that Westminster never becomes too dull. Two things finally became clear to our politicians which the general public have known for certain, for quite some time. Firstly that global warming should be at the centre of the current political agenda (Mr. Cameron, Gore and Stern deserve much of the credit here). Secondly as politicians tend to be much more interested in themselves than anyone else by the end of 2007, it is almost certain that each of the three main parties will have had leadership contests and done plenty of soul searching in the process ignoring the electorate and focusing on party squabbles.

It is traditional at this point in the new year for commentators to make their predictions as to which major issues will be at the top of the agenda for the next twelve months. It is also worth nothing that current events usually bump most of these issues from the top spots of public concern. After all 2006 was meant to be about, amongst other things, Trident and pensions but ended up with extensive (or endless, take your pick) discussions about wearing the veil or funding of political parties. It would be wonderful, in a liberal and civilized democracy such as ours, to believe that the big issues of 2007 will be funding of the army, Lords reform and debates on taxation (both council tax and inheritance tax were flagged up as 2006 wound down).

However 2007 looks set to be another year of navel-gazing because this May will see local elections in England, Scotland and Wales and shortly before, or shortly after; this country will see a new Prime Minister. What is the likelihood that this is going to lead political fireworks? Almost none. Theoretically the certainty that we will see a new face in No.10 for the first time in a decade should stir up some excitement however, regrettably, much of the news between now and some non-specific date May-June writes itself. Those of you who don’t want to hear the news for the next six to eight months look away now. Blair’s political obituary will start to be written in the coming weeks and any bold policy moves in the next few months will be seized upon as his attempt to secure his ‘legacy’ whilst Mr. Brown will flatten any attempt by Dr. John Reid to steal his promised crown. The new cabinet will see Brownites favoured and Blairties snubbed with the notable exceptions of the few bright young things (particularly the Millibands and a Benn) designed to rival a still youthful and still smug, Cameron. Footage of Gordon Brown entering Downing Street and a 10 year old image of Blair doing just the same will be repeatedly shown almost as often as we will hear “renewal in office” from the former Chancellor’s lips. Sorry to ruin the surprise. Issues of real importance are likely to be buried in the weeks long cool-down period of one premiership and the warm up period of another.

There is of course always the possibility that “events, dear boy, events” will ensure some fireworks in 2007. Only a few weeks ago Hazel Blears (aka the Poison Dwarf) started a flurry of rumours when she suggested to party activists that an election could be “less than six months away.” The idea is that Brown, after having been elected leader of the party and consequently PM would call an election almost immediately to validate his position. Such an outcome was dismissed towards the end of last year as most commentators assumed that having waited so long for the key’s to No.10 Brown would be unlikely to take the gamble. However the idea may be back on the agenda particularly since there has been growing disquiet amongst sections of the media, who question the legitimacy of the next prime minister being picked by the trade unions. Nevertheless the plan has the support of Ken Livingstone (not that this means a great deal) and both Cameron and Ming Campbell have been making serious public statements about the possibility.

Although much of the news for the next few months seems wrapped up, already there is at least some chance of a decent scrap before then. Not that such predictability is a bad thing per se in fact it may just be an example of a stable constitution…however it does seem that, in Westminster at least, 2007 could be very dull.