Coffee House Shots Should Starmer be worried about this petition?
Nov 25, 2024
This podcast features Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman, both prominent political writers at The Spectator, known for their keen insights on political dynamics. They discuss the mood at the Confederation of British Industry Conference, where Labour seeks to position itself as the business-friendly party despite economic concerns. The conversation dives into a viral petition calling for a general election signed by notable figures. They dissect whether this should raise alarms for Labour amid their challenges in gaining trust and support from the business sector.
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Shifting Business Sentiment
- Labour's relationship with businesses has cooled significantly since Rachel Reeves' initial charm offensive.
- Businesses feel misled by policy changes, particularly the employer's national insurance rise, impacting their support.
City Figures' Disenchantment
- Isabel Hardman recounts a private dinner with city figures who were initially impressed by Reeves but now express concern.
- They are surprised by Labour's perceived struggles and the scale of proposed tax rises and reforms.
Repeating Past Mistakes?
- Labour's doubling down on Tory mistakes, like raising national insurance, raises questions about their learning from recent history.
- While the politics of the budget play well within the Labour Party, its impact on the growth mission is questionable.