Keir and Loathing – Are Labour misreading the Locals results?
May 9, 2025
auto_awesome
Quinn Slobodian, a Professor of International History at Boston University and author of Hayek's Bastards, dives into the Labour Party's response to local election results. He questions whether Starmer's strategies are misguided, sparking a discussion on the shifting nature of right-wing politics and the challenges Labour faces in reconnecting with voters. The conversation also touches on the complexities of contemporary populism and the legacy of neoliberalism, revealing why the political landscape feels so volatile.
Labour's misinterpretation of local election outcomes reveals a deeper anxiety about its identity amidst a populist movement, complicating its strategic direction.
Zach Polanski's emerging leadership in the Green Party signifies a shift towards eco-populism, merging environmental and social justice to attract disillusioned Labour voters.
Quinn Slobodian's insights highlight the complex relationship between neoliberalism and the far right, indicating that their alliance challenges traditional political narratives.
Deep dives
Labour's Local Election Strategy
Labour's response to local election results suggests a crucial misreading of public sentiment. The party's inclination to scapegoat progressive policies, such as Sadiq Khan's ULEZ scheme, indicates a deeper anxiety about its identity amidst a perceived populist wave. As Labour addresses declining support, it faces the dilemma of appeasing critics while grappling with the erosion of its traditional voter base, notably working-class supporters. This strategic pivot raises concerns about whether the party is genuinely attuned to its evolving coalition or merely reacting to fears of perceived elitism.
Zach Polanski's Leadership Bid
Zach Polanski's partial leadership bid within the Green Party exemplifies a shift towards eco-populism, aiming to resonate with disillusioned voters from Labour. Positioned as a voice for social justice, Polanski emphasizes practical issues like housing, moving beyond a purely environmental agenda. His background as a hypnotherapist, while occasionally controversial, is overshadowed by his ability to connect with the younger demographic through effective public speaking and social media presence. This new direction within the Green Party reflects an attempt to bridge support from both environmental and socially progressive platforms.
Trump's Economic Proposals
Donald Trump's latest proposals, characterized by offbeat language and incoherence, have ignited discussions about his understanding of policy implications. His threats of imposing tariffs on foreign films raise questions about the economic strategy’s practical execution and fairness. Critics point out the contradictions in his approach, especially as the Hollywood film industry adapts by seeking tax incentives rather than retaliation. This scenario illustrates the confusion within Trump's messaging, where his tendency to apply simplistic solutions to complex issues renders his agenda increasingly inscrutable.
Reform Party Dynamics
The Reform Party's recent emergence highlights Labour's struggle to navigate right-wing rhetoric while trying to reclaim disenchanted voters. Analysts argue that focusing heavily on issues like immigration aligns Labour's strategies with Reform's platform, a move seen as dangerous and counterproductive. Concerns arise that this focus may inadvertently fortify Reform's anti-immigration base and alienate Labour's traditional supporters, particularly in multicultural urban areas. As Labour grapples with internal dissent around its current trajectory, the challenge remains to reaffirm its core identity without capitulating to populist pressures.
The New Right and Neoliberalism
The insights shared by author Quinn Slobodian reveal the complex relationship between the new right movements and neoliberal ideology. Contrary to mainstream beliefs, many elements of the far right grew within the neoliberal context rather than in stark opposition to it. Slobodian identifies a troubling alliance between traditional economic libertarians and ethno-nationalists, suggesting that their shared interests overshadow divergent principles. This shifting landscape calls into question the stability of neoliberal ideals as they adapt to current political climates, impacting strategies on both sides of the political spectrum.
As Labour panic and freak out over Runcorn and the Locals, is Starmer drawing the wrong conclusions from the votes? Is “Reform are right, don’t vote for them” the best they can do? Or should they pick more fights with the Right? Plus, what if this newfangled populism isn’t so new after all? We talk to Quinn Slobodian, author of Hayek’s Bastards: The Neoliberal Roots of the Populist Right, about why the shape-shifting Right are so hard to lay a glove on. And in the Extra Bit: Does VE Day hit differently now Europe is full of fascists, enthusiastically supported by the US President?
ESCAPE ROUTES
• Ros recommends Les Années (The Years) by Annie Earnaux.
Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor and Matt Green. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.
