Political Currency EMQs: Would you serve in your political rival’s cabinet?
8 snips
Oct 20, 2025 This discussion dives into whether Ed Balls could ever join the Tories and if George Osborne would consider Labour. The hosts reflect on a recent reunion with Nick Clegg and debate the merits of a multi-party political landscape in the UK. They tackle provocative questions about switching party loyalty and explore the impact of stamp duty cuts on the housing crisis. Plus, a challenge from the National Farmers' Union brings attention to the controversial 'family farm tax' and the perceived disconnect in the Treasury.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Putney Takeaway And A Furtive Cigarette
- George Osborne recalled sharing a takeaway dinner and a furtive cigarette with Nick Clegg in Putney during coalition times.
- The story illustrates the awkward personal dynamics between coalition partners despite professional cooperation.
Coalition Discipline Can Deliver Reforms
- George Osborne argued that coalition government forced clear, pre-agreed policy through a coalition agreement which can deliver substantive reforms.
- He still prefers the British single-winner system for decisive agency despite some merits of consensual coalition politics.
UK Culture Resists Continental-Style Coalitions
- Ed Balls argued British political culture resists open inter-party coalition bargaining because voters expect manifesto promises to be honoured.
- He thinks a multi-party, continental-style coalition system would be less stable and less compatible with UK traditions.
