Simon Kuper, author of 'Good Chaps', joins Lucy Fisher, Miranda Green, and Stephen Bush to discuss the disintegration of public service in politics. They explore potential election surprises, tactical voting, and ethical concerns in British politics. The episode also delves into the anticipation of election results in key constituencies and upcoming elections in the UK and France.
Younger voters challenge traditional parties in key areas like the Red Wall.
Wealthier individuals now heavily influence Labour's funding, impacting party policies.
Deep dives
Raising Prices and Voter Behaviour
Big wireless companies are allowed to raise prices due to inflation, even if it violates stringent contracts. The recent scandal involving Farage's comments reveals structural problems within the reform campaign, attracting both supporters and dissenters. Younger voters, especially disillusioned with mainstream politics, pose a challenge for traditional parties' stronghold in crucial constituencies like the Red Wall.
Nigel Farage and Political Balancing Act
Nigel Farage's delicate political balancing act involves managing the acceptable statements from candidates within the reform campaign. His voter pool's alignment with the BNP ideology threatens a shift in his party's electoral appeal. Additionally, postal votes from older demographics play a crucial role in determining party support, particularly impacting Conservative and reform voters.
Sunak's Campaign and Aggressive Tactics
Rishi Sunak's campaign intensifies with aggressive messaging, such as 'do not surrender', aimed at creating fear around Labour's taxation policies. However, this approach has backfired by projecting an image of desperation rather than resilience. Sunak's attempt to depict Starmer as a threatening figure contradicts the real challenge of establishing Starmer's leadership in the party.
Labour's Financial Support Evolution
Labour's financial backing no longer solely relies on union funding but includes substantial individual contributions. Wealthier individuals like Dale Vince, Gary Lubner, and David Sainsbury now outsize donations from trade unions. This pattern represents a shift in funding dynamics, with richer donors exerting significant influence on party policies and strategic direction.
With under a week to go until polling day, Lucy Fisher and her panel — theFT’s Miranda Green and Stephen Bush — pulltogether the threads of the campaign to explore the remaining ‘known unknowns’ in this election. They are joined by FT columnist Simon Kuper whose new book ‘Good Chaps’ looks at the disintegration of public service in our national life and examines how to rid our political system of sleaze.
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Presented by Lucy Fisher.
Produced by Philippa Goodrich and Leah Quinn
Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner.