Political Currency EMQs Political Craft Special: Speeches, diaries and the art of politics
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Aug 25, 2025 The hosts explore the essential skills of political life, questioning if a single speech can still shift political tides. They discuss memorable parliamentary interventions that have changed legislation, share anecdotes from their early days as MPs, and reveal the quirks of managing a ministerial diary. The balancing act of cabinet roles versus constituency duties is highlighted, along with insights on the surprisingly lighter cabinet positions. Light-hearted tales from the parliamentary tea room showcase the camaraderie and rivalries between parties.
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Speeches Can Shift Parliamentary Mood
- Parliamentary speeches can decisively change the mood and outcome of major votes.
- Edward Heath's backbench speech helped defeat a return to capital punishment by reframing the issue around justice.
Electrifying Speeches That Mattered
- George Osborne recalls two Labour speeches that electrified Parliament and shaped votes.
- He cites Tony Blair's Iraq debate speech and Hilary Benn's speech on military action as defining moments.
A Line Can Topple Leadership
- Single phrases or interventions can catalyse leadership change without a formal defeat.
- The phrase "In the name of God, go" helped end Chamberlain's premiership and resurfaced in later leadership crises.