" In opposition, you move to the centre. In government, you move the centre. "
- George Osborne

When a political party is in opposition, it often adopts more extreme positions to attract attention and differentiate itself from the ruling party. This approach helps in rallying support among those who feel that current policies are inadequate or flawed. However, once in power, the same party tends to adopt a centrist position to appeal to a broader range of voters and implement practical policies that can gain widespread acceptance.

The deeper meaning behind this quote suggests that political parties often modify their ideological stances based on their strategic needs at different times. While in opposition, they may emphasize policies that cater to specific interest groups or address perceived grievances strongly, which helps in gaining popularity among those who are dissatisfied with the current government's policies. Once in power, however, these same parties tend to adopt more pragmatic approaches and might abandon some of their earlier promises if they find them unfeasible or politically damaging.

George Osborne is a prominent British politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer under Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative Party government from 2010 until 2016. Known for his economic policies aimed at reducing Britain's national debt, Osborne has been an influential figure in shaping modern British politics and economic strategy.