Ready for Mother Theresa v JC, the bearded messiah

No, not rhetoric or radicalism. I'm talking religion.

The UK has a long history of leaders who have been moulded by their faith, leaders such as Gladstone, Baldwin, Thatcher and Blair to name but a few.

But, as the 21st Century has seen popular opinion row back from religion to the rather-vague territory of agnosticism, it seems that MPs of more recent times have followed, becoming a little ashamed of talking about their own beliefs (apart from those that will get them elected, obviously).

Former Number Ten spin doctor Alastair Campbell tried to close down the subject, telling New Labourites "We don’t do God".

His boss Tony Blair went further, saying "if you talk about religion in our system, people think you’re a nutter".

In fact, a recent ComRes poll showed that 62 per cent of the UK population thought that politics and religion should not mix.

Yet this week, there was a marked change at the top.

On the one side we have Mother Theresa, the kindly voice of experience who just can't wait to use the government to do good and solve all the country's injustices.

On the other is the bearded messiah, a divisive character with the initials of JC who seems untouchable after his second coming.

Both have the aim of bringing their 'broad church' political parties together so they are all singing off the same hymn sheet.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was the first to go, cheered on by his growing army of zealots.

In 18 months he has transformed from a rather odd and slightly obscure backbencher to the leader of the largest political party in western Europe.

The adoration from his supporters is unrivalled.

While he may not like to be compared to in religious terms - what would they be saying in the Islington coffee houses if he did? What Corbyn has created is a cult.

Those that are signed up are true converts and believe this one man alone can solve all the world's problems; those who are on the outside just simply don't get it and look at every follower with sympathy thinking they are a bit barmy.

The tricky bit, as the early Christians found out, is selling this collective fervour to the wider audience.

For Corbyn, who despite the wishes of some members of his own party has survived the early Judas Iscariot betrayals, he now needs to rely on his own talents rather than mythology of his martyrdom to convert the masses.

It is an almost reverse transfiguration if you like, as Corbyn must go from being this god-like figure to someone that everyone can relate to.

First step was to create a team around him to spread his gospel. But so far, this new shadow cabinet is made up largely of those already converted to the cause.

Someone who has had a slightly easier transition into her new role is Mother Theresa May.

The daughter of an Eastbourne minister, the new Prime Minister grew up on a diet of tales of right and wrong.

Through hard work and a steely edge, Ms May has used her strong moral compass to navigate her way to the steps of 10 Downing Street.

Her first conference speech was an indicator of what she wants Britain to become - a nation of savers, of community do-gooders, of team players.

And for those that need it, the Government will be waiting like the Good Samaritan to nurse those individuals on the way for as long as they need it.

It was a sermon that drew applause from her own disciples, even if their adoration was reserved and delivered with a smile and besuited party member in their Sunday best.

Neither protagonist may be the most attractive advocate for the nation to follow.

But the stage is set for a political showdown of biblical proportions.

Amen to that.

LIKE many I was left slightly aghast at the news that Ukip MEP Steven Woolfe was taken to hospital after an altercation with party colleagues.

The full facts of the case have yet to emerge.

But the sight of the North West MEP lying face down on the floor in the Strasbourg parliamentary building made for pretty harrowing viewing.

Most agree that nobody should face physical violence for disagreeing with someone politically.

The good news is that he seems on the mend, with initial fears that he was in a serious condition quickly alleviated.

But the irony was not lost on me that a man who has campaigned for the UK to leave the European Union perhaps had his life saved by the free health care provided for by the French authorities - something that EU membership guarantees all UK citizens.