Radical with Amol Rajan Britain’s New Right: Could Reform Replace The Tories? (Dr James Orr)
Jul 31, 2025
Dr. James Orr, a Cambridge philosopher and chair of the Centre for a Better Britain, discusses the current political landscape as Reform UK and the Conservatives vie for the right's direction. He examines the Tories' struggles akin to the Liberals' historic decline and debates the feasibility of Reform as a governing entity. Orr dives into the influence of Brexit on his views, national conservatism, and the importance of community over globalization. The conversation reveals insights about funding transparency and the vision for a post-Brexit policy framework.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Tories May Be Facing Historic Decline
- James Orr argues the Conservatives face an existential decline similar to the Liberals in the 1920s.
- He sees Reform as a credible right-wing alternative reshaping British politics.
Bookshop Moment Revealed Voter Fury
- At a Suffolk Tory meeting Orr asked who would vote Tory and who would vote Reform, provoking a clear reaction.
- Everyone voted Reform, revealing deep fury with the two-party duopoly.
Think Tank Built Around National Preference
- Orr frames the Centre for a Better Britain around a politics of national preference and sovereignty.
- He says Britain lacks a Heritage-style think tank to prepare a full government programme.
