Unexpected Unity and Political Apathy in the Conservative Party

The word ‘unprecedented’ is often overused in politics, but these local elections have proved to be just that. The headline is: sweeping success for Reform. 

Nigel Farage's 'teal tsunami' comes at the expense of the main parties – turning the two-party consensus on its head. The recriminations for Labour and the Tories have already begun. On the left, a number of MPs have broken cover and urged the government to shift its position on high-salience issues such as winter fuel. On the right, Kemi Badenoch’s leadership is looking increasingly shaky, with Tory MPs and staff warning that a step change is needed. Where do the main parties go from here? And can anyone stop Nigel?

James Heale speaks to Isabel Hardman and The Spectator’s incoming political editor, Tim Shipman.

This episode was recorded as part of The Spectator’s local elections live broadcast. You can watch the full coverage here.