Chris Bennett: Clear vision for next political era

As I write the nation, yet again, goes to the polls, but by the time you read this the decision will have been made.

Little was said of optics in the general election campaign but the profession has to be clear about what it wants from the incoming administration if it isn’t to be left flat-footed.

The optical associations can restart the political lobbying merry-go-round, schmoozing newly-appointed ministers and getting to grips with the political direction of travel. That approach has failed to get results for optics so is it time to try something different?

The idea of fixed term parliaments was an attractive notion but it fell at the first hurdle. With Brexit likely to dominate politics for the next two years politicians will be harder to get hold of than a greased piglet. But a grip on them must be achieved.