The Bunker
How the Tories fell: Inside Sunak’s disastrous gamble
Aug 29, 2024
Steve Richards, a sharp political commentator, joins author Ben Riley-Smith, who delves into the rise and fall of the Conservative Government from 2010 to 2024. They dissect Rishi Sunak's risky decision to call an early election despite poor polling, unraveling the internal turmoil within the party. Their discussion highlights the mishaps of a campaign misjudging significant national events and the chaos that ensued during leadership changes. The episode reveals the media's powerful role and the struggles within the Tory party to redefine its future.
39:35
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Rishi Sunak's early election gamble stemmed from internal pressures and a belief that timely action could stave off looming crises.
- The Conservative Party's instability, exacerbated by chaotic leadership dynamics and a lack of coherent long-term vision, hindered electoral success.
Deep dives
Rishi Sunak's Early Election Decision
Rishi Sunak's decision to call an early election in July 2024, despite being significantly behind in the polls, is analyzed as a multifaceted gamble influenced by various factors. Key reasons included anticipated policy challenges, party management issues, hope for favorable economic news, and fatigue within the government. The administration faced a looming threat from internal party defections and potential scandal, pushing them to act sooner to contain the fallout. Ultimately, Sunak's inner circle believed going to the public early would mitigate upcoming problems, even though this entailed risking six months of his premiership.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
