Past Present Future The History of Bad Ideas: Party Members Choosing Leaders
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Dec 5, 2024 Robert Saunders, a UK elections expert, dives into the pitfalls of allowing party members to choose their leaders. He discusses how this shift has warped British democracy, spotlighting figures like Jeremy Corbyn and Liz Truss. The conversation highlights the historical evolution of leadership selection in Labour and Conservative parties, revealing the tension between grassroots members and parliamentary representation. Saunders also proposes alternatives like open primaries, questioning the legitimacy of the current system and its impact on political stability.
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Mysterious Selection of Douglas-Home
- In 1963, Alec Douglas-Home became Prime Minister through a mysterious process akin to choosing a pope.
- Soundings were taken within the party, but there was no formal election process.
Hague's Reform Backfires
- William Hague's attempt to reconnect the Conservative Party with the public by giving members power backfired.
- It empowered a narrow, unrepresentative group, leading to the election of Ian Duncan Smith.
2001 Conservative Leadership Election
- In 2001, the Conservative Party's first direct membership election saw unexpected outcomes.
- Popular candidate Michael Portillo lost, and the members ultimately chose Ian Duncan Smith.