Another Republic

The Historical Problem

A loud thunder crack woke Lara up. The wind was howling around the top floor of number 11, as the rain lashed against the windows. Lara stretched and yawned. She had stayed with her dad at her mums instance. Her mum seemed really set on making sure all her children had a good relationship with their father, though Lara preferred to visit Downing Street on her own as the flat was a little too cosy when her siblings were here as well.

Lara had been old enough to remember the day he left. The day he felt his family were no longer good enough but she was trying for her mums sake. She smiled slightly when she thought of her mum.

Boris' indistinct voice drifted into her room, the smile disappeared instantly. Lara wasn't sure how to feel about he dad. She understood that for most people he was like Marmite. Lara didn't tell people what her dad did for a living. She had learnt the hard way whilst he was Mayor of London. People always vented at her about him and his policies and she would inevitably feel obligated to defend both him and his policies, whether she agreed with them or not. The trade deal was still a hot topic of conversation. In Lara's opinion it was a terrible deal and the country would have been better off without it but she understood that Boris had no choice he couldn't walk away from both the EU and the US. She had bought the subject at dinner last night but was told, in no uncertain terms, it was none of her business and if she had issues to raise she should speak to her MP. She was then given the usual lecture about family loyalty and not expressing her opinions to anyone because of the negative headlines that he would then be forced to contradict.

"Well thats me put in my place" Lara had thought and had concentrated on eating for the rest of the meal.

With a weary sigh Lara got out of bed, she couldn't put it of any longer, so followed the voices towards the kitchen. As she got closer the voices became more distinct.

"There is support in this country for a Republic, Boris."

"It's too soon Carrie. I haven't even been PM for a year yet. I don't have cross party support, which I will need."

"Corbyn is a republican. His silence on the subject is confirmation of that."

"He's also unpredictable. He'll want the power for himself."

"Let him think what he likes. You don't have to honour anything once the deed is done."

"I can't do anything whilst she is still alive." Boris slammed his fist down on the table in frustration. "The woman point blank refuses to die."

"Bide your time, Boris. She isn't immortal and then your time will come. Start the preparation work. A lot has to change before you can move forward. Too much in this country is convention and prerogative with a complete lack of legislation or fixed constitution. Find reasons to begin legislating for the changes." Carrie paused "Make a list so nothing gets forgotten"

"We could look at reforming the House of Lords. An elected second chamber would start paving the way."

"Have you thought about a campaign to being discrediting them? Obviously one that can't be traced back to you?"

There was silence.

"Think about it."

Lara was frozen in a state of shock. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. . The sound of movement from within the kitchen helped snap her out of it. She didn't want to be discovered, so tiptoed, hurriedly, back to her room, thankful that she always wore bed socks as it muffled her footsteps. Back in her room, Lara didn't now what to do. She paced the small room, then sat down on the edge of the bed. What should she do? Lara couldn't stay still so she stood up and started pacing again.