Shabana Mahmood: human shield

If Shabana Mahmood didn’t exist, “Blue Labour” would have to invent her. The Home Secretary, one of few Cabinet ministers kept in their role by Andy Burnham, is tough on immigration, so much so that even many Right-wingers have a soft spot for her. She is rooted in a salt-of-the-earth, Old Labour tradition, and in something its adherents like to call “place” (in her case, Birmingham). She is motivated, above all, by an earnest patriotism, reinforced by “profound faith”. It is no wonder that Lord Glasman, the standard-bearer for Blue Labour, trumpets her as the second coming of Elizabeth I. The comparison is well-chosen. Like Gloriana, Mahmood is unmarried; she gives the impression of being singularly devoted to her country. In her manner and speech, she is plus anglais que les anglais. Wha