The Liz Truss Show The Liz Truss Show Extra with Mark Littlewood
Jan 14, 2026
Mark Littlewood, Director of Popular Conservatives and former head of the Institute of Economic Affairs, dives into the failures of the Conservative Party over 14 years in reversing Tony Blair's legacy. He discusses the enduring influence of Blair's reforms, which have limited political power and shifted authority to unelected quangos. Mark critiques the technocratic approach dominating policy-making and emphasizes the need for radical institutional reform to restore accountability. The conversation highlights the necessity of reclaiming control over budgets and policing for effective governance.
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Potemkin Parliament Behind Conservative Rule
- The Conservative government largely warmed to free-market ideas but failed to implement them in practice.
- Mark Littlewood calls the result a Potemkin parliament where elected officials appear in charge but real power rests elsewhere.
Public Sees Systemic Failure And Rigging
- The public senses a systemic failure and believes the system is rigged and unfair.
- Mark Littlewood says voters' attitudes may be more advanced than the political class in recognizing the problem.
Centralize Budget Control To Follow Money
- Do centralize budgetary control so ministers, not permanent secretaries, control spending flows.
- Liz Truss recommends a corporate-style centre like the US Office of Management and Budget to follow the money.