Mister Hubris: A Glimpse into the Life of a Standoffish Liberal Cabinet Minister

In the world of politics, appearances can be deceiving. This is particularly true for one Member of Parliament (MP), Mister Hubris. From his televised appearances and eloquent speeches in the House of Commons, Mister Hubris appears charismatic and admirable. However, those who have had the opportunity to interact with him in person know that he is an acquired taste, often standoffish and seemingly non-verbal. In this installment of “True Member of Parliament Stories,” we delve into the humorous anecdotes and encounters that shed light on Mister Hubris’s peculiar character.

The White Horse and the Mini Me:

There was a memorable occasion when Mister Hubris, accompanied by his loyal handler, whom many affectionately referred to as his “mini me,” rode into town on a metaphorical white horse. This grand entrance set the stage for what was to come—a display of self-importance and a lack of regard for others’ time and efforts. Summoning the staff of the MP’s office he was visiting, Mister Hubris announced his intention to arrange exclusive one-on-one interviews with select minority news outlets, intending to push the government’s immigration policies. Naturally, he made sure to emphasize the exclusivity of this opportunity.

The Ultimate Handler:

Mister Hubris’s mini-me, the ultimate handler, left no stone unturned to ensure the MP’s public image was pristine. On a politeness scale that ranged from one to ten, she surpassed all expectations and hit a whopping fifteen. This was no small feat, considering the vast number of MPs encountered over three decades. She possessed an uncanny ability to navigate any situation with grace, but her loyalty to Mister Hubris often veered into the realm of obsequiousness.

Sympathy for the Stressed Minister:

Undoubtedly, the role of a Minister is demanding, with long hours, constant travel, and the need to maintain a public persona. It is understood that they often have to endure uncomfortable flights in economy class, and their yearly salary of a measly 300k certainly warrants our utmost sympathy. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Mister Hubris expected the entire Royal Family to bow in his presence or, dare we say, have the Pope wash and kiss his feet. However, it is essential for a Minister to possess effective communication skills and ensure that their senior staff, including handlers, are personable individuals, as they directly reflect the Minister and their office.

The Unappreciated Efforts:

Observing the lengths to which people bent backward to accommodate Mister Hubris and his entourage, it is disheartening to note his apparent lack of appreciation. The staff worked tirelessly to make him look like the rock star he believed himself to be, yet there was hardly a glimmer of gratitude from him. Perhaps, in his mind, he was petitioning to be the first Immigration Minister to have a star on both the Canadian and American Walk of Fame—a testament to his unwavering self-confidence.

Mister Hubris, the seemingly charismatic and impressive Member of Parliament, is a classic example of the difference between public appearances and personal encounters. While his televised presence and House of Commons speeches may win over the masses, those who have had the opportunity to interact with him in person know that he is an acquired taste. With a touch of humour, we have explored the peculiarities and idiosyncrasies of Mister Hubris, shedding light on the challenges of maintaining a public image and the importance of appreciating those who work tirelessly behind the scenes.