Daily Politics from the New Statesman Is Labour still Labour?
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Dec 6, 2025 The discussion dives deep into whether the Labour Party has strayed from its founding principles. Modern identities of the working class are explored, highlighting shifts in demographics and priorities. A critical look at public trust in the police reveals serious concerns about consent and accountability. The hosts address recession fears and how perceptions impact economic behavior, while questioning government messaging around inflation and wages. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the declining ability to enjoy 'nice things' in everyday life.
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Labour's Changing Voter Coalition
- Labour must build a new coalition because union membership and the workforce have fundamentally changed since its founding.
- Luke O'Reilly explains Labour shifted to appeal to migrants, graduates, and service-sector workers rather than an industrial union base.
Politics Broken Along New Lines
- Modern voters are split across economic, cultural and migration lines, not just class.
- Rachel Cunliffe highlights age and income-wealth splits that complicate building political coalitions.
Conversation With A Union Leader
- Luke recounts speaking to Unison's general secretary about union decline and electoral impact.
- He uses that conversation to show why Labour cannot rely on unions to win elections anymore.