Sorry, is there anyone at all in British politics that an international observer would consider charismatic? Can't remember one in my lifetime.

It’s a fundamental mistake that people make so often in politics, is to think that somebody they personally find repulsive or merely bland must be seen the same way by others. It can be a shock to recognise that figures like Boris Johnson and, yes, even Farage, have hordes of fawning admirers who don’t just agree with their policies and methods but also find them witty, charming and even attractive.

Good point. I’d assumed that the rise of Farage was due to this - I don’t see him as charismatic, but can’t think of any other reason people listen to him.