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How To Win An Election

How To Bury Boris Johnson (And Other Political Ghosts)

Dec 5, 2023
Political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie, and Daniel Finkelstein discuss strategies for dealing with former party leaders, the importance of clarity and direction in politics, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of a digital identity system for elections.
38:17

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Rishi Sunak should sever ties with Boris Johnson and clearly articulate his own vision for the Conservative Party in order to establish his own direction and win the next election.
  • Keir Starmer admires Margaret Thatcher's leadership style and seeks to position himself as a leader with a similar vision and direction for the Labour Party.

Deep dives

Dealing with Former Leaders: The Challenge of Distancing

Leaders often face the challenge of handling their predecessors. In the case of Rishi Sunak, his refusal to distance himself from Boris Johnson's politics and trust has hindered his ability to establish his own direction for the Conservative Party. By not clearly stating his stance on Boris Johnson's policies and ethics, Sunak fails to position himself by contrasting with his predecessor's positions. This lack of clarity leaves the public questioning his intentions and ability to lead. To win the next election, Sunak should consider severing ties with Johnson and clearly articulate his own vision for the Conservative Party.

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