Robin Fletcher: Why is it all the northern banks that seem to be on the ropes?

Oct 3 2008 By Robin Fletcher

The roll call of struggle and panic that is the contraction of our banking industry makes for interesting reading: Bradford and Bingley, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Halifax, Northern Rock, Bank of Scotland.

On a financial level, it’s all very painful to watch, like witnessing a slowly unfolding but unavoidable car crash.

It’s also worth noting the situation on a geographical level as well as fiscal, because all the names listed have something remarkable in common: they have origins in the north.

Traditionally those from northern parts, particularly Yorkshire and Scotland, have had a formidable reputation for being good with money.

Why is it then that so many of those with this DNA are appearing to flounder during the economic meltdown, while others from further south seem less vulnerable?

Of course it’s impossible to know where and when all this horrible turmoil will stabilise.

But if I was the boss of a small building society anywhere above the Midlands I would be praying hard for a miracle at the moment.

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The role of the political spouse has fascinated commentators for many years. Think prime ministers or presidents and it’s easy to recall the names of famous partners alongside them like Clementine Churchill, Betty Ford, Hillary Clinton and Cherie Blair.

Traditionally the husbands or wives of world leaders have had a clear and unambiguous job to unequivocally support their partners in public and then stay out of the public eye as much as possible.

But one of the true tests of a leader is how strong they appear on their two feet, without a posse of acolytes, advisers, family or friends around them.

So the decision of Gordon Brown, or Labour conference organisers, to ask Sarah Brown to introduce her husband to delegates was certainly original. Yet whether it was wise is another matter.

Would JFK for instance been remembered better after his famous “ask not” inauguration speech if he had been introduced by his glamorous wife, Jackie?

And how would Mrs Thatcher’s historic “Where there is discord” words as she entered Downing Street have gone down if husband Denis had said a few words of introduction?

There is no doubting that Sarah Brown is a highly credible partner for Gordon Brown.

She’s bright, independently successful and a very presentable mother of two.

There’s also no doubting that she was sincere in everything she said about her husband.

But however presentable she is, or however original it was of party organisers to use her abilities on the stage, one can’t help wondering if her warm words of support simply sent us a message that Gordon Brown needs his wife’s help to come over as a strong and effective prime minister.

And that does not exactly inspire confidence during uncertain times, does it?