At the risk of offending fans of motor racing, I would like to take issue with Lewis Hamilton. Now I like to see young British sportsmen and women doing well for themselves, whatever the sport. I’m also not completely heartless when it comes to intrusion into the lives of celebrities, so long as they don’t conduct divorce proceedings from the GMTV sofa. But listening to Hamilton explaining his reasons for moving to Switzerland, I am concerned that he is in danger of losing public support.
For one thing, it is reminiscent of the spate of ‘celebrities’ who stated that they would leave the county if Labour got in in 1997. I’m not sure if any of them ever went, but I am pretty sure than none of them enjoys great public affection now. In fact, if we had made our sixth pledge the statement ‘Paul Daniels, Jim Davidson and Phil Collins will all leave the country if Labour is elected’ I wonder if we might have done even better.
I don’t imagine for a moment that this is because people want to defend the party that a great many of them voted for. But by making yourself a tax exile, you cut yourself off from being one of your fans. They all know you are not one of them, even if you have come from the same place they have. It not just draws attention to how rich you are, it also makes you look pretty mean spirited. To do it so soon in your career just looks petty.
The other problem, that could affect the popularity of this promising young man, is that it is highly unlikely to be his idea. 22 year olds seldom have a preoccupation with tax, making him look not just money grabbing but also like something of a brat. This would be really sad, and I can’t help wondering if his success could be found to be pretty hollow if he spends it counting his money in Switzerland.
Also, if anyone has news on why it has taken 10 years for some other celebrities to leave the country, answers on a postcard please.
