Lucy Fisher, George Parker, and Anna Gross discuss Nigel Farage's entry into the election race, the potential impact on Tory seats, Labour's rising poll numbers, and the Liberal Democrats' campaign promises. They also cover Tory donor hesitations, immigration cap proposals, and the upcoming TV debate dynamics.
Nigel Farage's reentry into Reform UK's campaign disrupts Conservative party's re-election bid and poll standings.
Liberal Democrats' strategic campaign blends policy focus on care reforms with engaging tactics to differentiate their platform.
Deep dives
Impact of Nigel Farage's Return
Nigel Farage unexpectedly returns to the forefront of Reform UK's campaign, claiming they will surpass the Conservative party in the polls. This move disrupts the campaign landscape, causing concern for the Conservative party and potential shifts in poll numbers. Despite the excitement around his return and bold statements, the actual impact on winning seats remains uncertain.
Conservative Party's Morale and Challenges
The Conservative party faces a morale crisis following negative polling results and the entry of Nigel Farage into the campaign. With predictions of potential losses in seats, the mood within the party reflects a sense of impending defeat. Policy announcements, like the immigration cap, aim to address concerns but face skepticism and past failures in migration control.
Liberal Democrats' Strategic Campaigning
The Liberal Democrats employ a strategic campaign approach, focusing on care policies and using engaging tactics like gimmicks and photo shoots to attract attention. Ed Davey's personal stories add emotional depth to their messages, while policies such as care reforms and raising wages for carers aim to differentiate the party's platform. This dual strategy aims to balance serious policy discussions with attention-grabbing activities in the campaign.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s troubled re-election bid has been dealt a fresh double blow, as Nigel Farage seized the reins of Reform UK and announced he would stand as a candidate, while a new poll showed Labour could win the biggest majority of any party in a century. Lucy Fisher picks over the implications with political editor George Parker and politics correspondent Anna Gross. Plus, they talk about the Liberal Democrats’ campaign and the party’s pledge to offer free personal care to older or disabled people at home.
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Anna @AnnaSophieGross, George @GeorgeWParker
Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music by Breen Turner. Mix by Simon Panayi. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.