The fragility of close political partnerships is well documented, yet perhaps none have captured public attention quite like the recent fractures among world leaders.
One need only recall the apparent warmth between Nick Clegg and David Cameron during their joint appearance in the Downing Street gardens. Equally vivid was the sight of Donald Trump clasping Theresa May’s hand during her visit to the American capital. More recently, Keir Starmer was photographed in an undignified struggle to prevent documents belonging to the American president from scattering in the wind. That particular breeze has turned distinctly cold.
Among the notable friendships worth examining is that between Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, hosts of the popular The Rest is History podcast. Those who tuned in to their series covering Samuel Johnson and James Boswell will recognise a tale of profound camaraderie and rivalry. Johnson expressed particular disdain for Brighton’s surroundings during the 1700s, describing the settlement as so bleak that anyone contemplating self-harm through hanging would struggle to locate a suitable tree for the rope. One trusts the resort has developed somewhat since then. The author has contributed to the tree-planting effort personally. He frequently visited Brighton alongside his companion Mrs Thrale, staying on West Street, though her subsequent marriage proved incompatible with their two-decade association, and Johnson passed away without reconciling with her.
Most readers will have experienced their own version of losing a Boswell or Mrs Thrale. The writer discovered this early when secondary school divided him from his childhood companion. Together they had sported identical schoolbags featuring the superhero through their primary years. Attending separate institutions, much like maintaining distinct security approaches, does not necessarily terminate friendships, yet it frequently does. Alternatively, there was the colleague Bill, encountered through employment at the British Council in the Ukrainian capital. The writer returned to Britain; Bill relocated to Australia, along with the writer’s goddaughter. The christening ceremony at the Orthodox church remains memorable, with the clergyman posing three separate questions about Orthodox affiliation, each answered affirmatively. The writer felt confident the Almighty would forgive the fib.
Bill and the writer would linger on their commute from the office, similar to the pairings depicted in classic comedy. A brief interlude removed from professional duties and domestic obligations. Scholarly works will eventually chronicle the deterioration between Starmer and Trump. The hope remains that Tom and Dom feel no compulsion to address it, given the abundance of crises across the Middle East, Sudan and Ukraine that merit attention. Should evidence be required of how far even prominent couples have tumbled, the Daily Mail serves as reliable illustration. Though hailing from Patcham, Katie Price and Peter Andre hardly qualify as equivalents to Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
Consider the newspaper’s compilation of most emotionally affecting cinema. Titanic claimed the top position, its narrative interpreted as depicting a political party maintaining solid numbers yet sinking due to decisions made by its own leadership. The writer admits to no tears during viewing. Can one truly draw parallels between Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio with Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable? Gone with the Wind occupied fourth place, a narrative concerning a major political force collapsing abruptly, with the electorate thoroughly indifferent to its demise.
Dirty Dancing ranked ninth. The writer initially encountered it during a homestay programme in southern France. The tears shed were unrelated to the plot itself, but rather stemmed from contemplating a return to Britain characterised by nationalised railways and union leadership under Arthur Scargill. Yes, the writer appreciates wine. Not the European project. Who anticipated that 2026 would witness rail services returning to public ownership and the resurgence of left-wing politics.
Which tear-jerking films might readers include in their personal selection? The writer’s childhood included Watership Down, though specific details escape memory beyond its rabbit protagonists, yet the accompanying track Bright Eyes constitutes one of the earliest musical recollections, having first aired on radio when the writer was merely two years old. The lyric concerning a formerly brilliant light now dimming could equally describe another doomed partnership between Simon and Garfunkel. Heartbreak formed a significant part of early upbringing.
Brief Encounter follows, quintessentially English in execution. Without personal recollection of steam locomotives, sharply defined vocal tones or fashionable tea establishments, it nonetheless resonates deeply. As distinctly British as the legendary monarch Alfred. The restrained tragedy of two respectable individuals imprisoned within the social constraints of the interwar period. When the husband finally states his gratitude for her return, composure becomes difficult to maintain.
Love Story proves effective at stimulating lacrimation. Fewer may recall Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal, yet the musical score initiates the emotional response immediately.
Despite admiration for Samuel Johnson, the writer and spouse chose this location for good reason. One partnership that has endured for fifteen years. The famous maxim holds true: when one wearies of Brighton, one wearies of existence itself.
Alistair McNair serves as Leader of the Conservative Group on Brighton and Hove City Council.