Theo Bertram, a former Downing Street advisor to Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, brings a wealth of political insight. He discusses the elusive nature of power within Keir Starmer's government and whether the chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is truly in charge. The conversation highlights the challenges of political communication and media narratives, revealing how they shape perceptions and rivalries. They also analyze recent polling trends and voter sentiments toward Labour 2024, emphasizing the balance between principled leadership and the need for inspiration.
Effective preparation for Prime Minister's Questions necessitates anticipating opposing arguments to avoid significant political embarrassment.
Current polling trends highlight rising smaller parties, urging major political entities to reevaluate their strategies and maintain public support.
Deep dives
The Importance of Anticipating Opposition
Preparing for Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) requires a keen understanding of the opposition's likely responses to questions asked by government officials. Anticipating the logic behind opposing arguments is crucial; failing to do so can result in significant embarrassment for the government. For instance, during their engagements, team members would study political rivals closely to predict their attacks effectively. The capacity to foresee counterarguments can often determine the success or failure of political discourse, making this preparation an essential aspect of governmental strategy.
Impact of Media Revelations
Revelations and analyses from well-connected journalists can create a critical atmosphere within government, prompting a mix of panic and strategic maneuvering. For political staff, discerning the truth behind media stories becomes a game of determining which details are accurate and which are exaggerated. Significant media revelations can trigger a sense of urgency, influencing how government members interact with each other and approach their roles. Keeping track of who benefits from these stories is essential for navigating the political landscape, as the motivations behind the leaks can shape the narratives that develop.
The Role of Advisors and Power Dynamics
Advisors play a crucial role in shaping a Prime Minister's image and direction, but they also need to remember their place within the hierarchy. There's a fine line between providing assistance and mistakenly assuming control, which can lead to job insecurity for the advisor if a reset becomes necessary. Maintaining the balance of power is vital for effective leadership, and advisors must remember that their role is to support rather than dominate. Instances where advisors overstep can lead to disruptions, challenging the Prime Minister's ability to govern effectively.
Polling Dynamics and Electoral Strategies
Current polling trends indicate a shift where smaller parties are emerging in the electoral landscape, compelling major parties to reassess their strategies. The fluctuation in voter preferences, particularly around figures like Keir Starmer and potential opponents, raises concerns about the ability of established parties to unite and present a cohesive front. Polling results serve not only as indicators of public sentiment but also as reflections of deeper underlying issues within parties. Navigating this complex terrain requires a blend of strategic foresight and responsive governance to maintain public support and fend off challenges from rising political entities.
This week the political masterminds (and Hugo) are joined by Theo Bertram, who worked in Downing Street for Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
After a new book by Times journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund sheds light on the inner workings of Keir Starmer's government, is chief of staff Morgan McSweeney actually in charge? And should a new YouGov/Times poll showing Reform UK ahead of Labour for the first time cause everyone to panic?
Send your questions, voicenotes or comments to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk.