Politics Weekly UK Rage against the mainstream: did UK politics just change for good? – Politics Weekly UK
15 snips
May 8, 2025 
Gaby Hinsliff and Polly Toynbee, insightful Guardian columnists, dive into the seismic shifts in UK politics following the rise of Reform UK. They discuss how traditional party support is crumbling, particularly for the Tories and Labour, while exploring the drivers behind voter dissatisfaction. The conversation highlights the pressing need for politicians to connect with public concerns, especially around housing and immigration, and the call for more relatable political narratives. Optimism for reform emerges amid these changing dynamics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Reform UK Shakes UK Politics
- Reform UK has dramatically shifted UK politics by winning local elections and gaining seats in Parliament.
- Public anger with mainstream parties fuels support for Reform UK as a challenge to traditional politics.
MPs Validate Small Parties
- Reform UK's success reflects that once small parties gain MPs, voters see them as viable rather than wasted votes.
- Nigel Farage's initial repeated failures dampened Reform's vote until his parliamentary breakthrough.
Rage Fuels Reform But Challenges Loom
- Widespread anger is shaping voters' rejection of current politics but may not be permanent.
- Reform UK councils face financial hardship that may hinder their long-term success and expose internal challenges.