The New Statesman | UK politics and culture
Do the Greens need a more charismatic leader?
May 9, 2025
Ben Walker, a Senior data journalist, and Megan Kenyon, Associate policy editor, dive into the Green party's quest for charisma and how it impacts their visibility in the electoral landscape. They discuss the Reform party's unexpected gains in local councils and the potential risks it poses for overall polling. The duo also tackles a quirky listener question about the surprising vegan habits of Liberal Democrat supporters compared to Labour, shedding light on the cultural divides within UK politics.
23:05
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Quick takeaways
- The Green Party must revitalize its messaging and leadership to effectively compete with established parties, emphasizing eco-populism and economic equity.
- Reform UK's local council successes may lead to voter disillusionment as their governance struggles to align with their spending cut promises.
Deep dives
The SNP's Political Landscape
The Scottish National Party (SNP) currently maintains a strong position in Scottish politics despite a perceived decline in its visibility. Polling data shows the SNP has a double-digit lead over rival parties, indicating that it would still emerge as the largest party in the Scottish Parliament if elections were held soon. However, the party faces increasing competition as new parties like Reform UK begin to attract a portion of its voters, complicating the political landscape. Nonetheless, a pro-independence majority still exists, suggesting the SNP's influence remains intact even as its voter base diversifies.
