The Edition: inside Nigel’s gang, my day as a ‘missing person’ & how to save James Bond
Feb 27, 2025
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Katy Balls, a keen political journalist for The Spectator, and William Boyd, a celebrated author known for his Bond novel, delve into riveting topics. They unpack the rise of Reform under Nigel Farage, exposing the inner workings of his team. Katy reveals the surprising mix of figures within this political movement. The conversation shifts to the paradox of technology’s role in crises, sharing humorous and intense personal stories of being 'missing.' Finally, Boyd discusses the evolution of the James Bond franchise, exploring what makes 007 timeless yet relevant.
Reform UK, now a major political force, has shifted dynamics by restructuring under experienced leadership to attract both veteran supporters and Gen Z members.
The podcast discusses the irony of technology's role in emergencies, illustrated by personal anecdotes of individuals mistakenly declared missing when their phones failed.
Deep dives
The Rise of Reform UK
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has seen a significant shift in its political influence, now consistently leading in opinion polls ahead of established parties like Labour and the Conservatives as local elections approach. Following a lackluster performance in the last general election, where they secured only 14% of the vote, the party has restructured under new management aimed at professionalizing its operations. Outsourcing the party's management to seasoned individuals such as former businessman Zia Youssef has enabled Reform UK to maximize its agility and outreach, capitalizing on the perceived struggles of the current Labour government and the baggage of the Conservative incumbency. This transformation has attracted both long-time Farage supporters and younger, digitally savvy members, positioning Reform UK as a formidable contender in British politics moving forward.
A New Campaigning Strategy
Reform UK is focused on refining its operational strategy in preparation for future elections, recognizing the need to develop a robust campaign infrastructure. The party intends to shift from the traditional political model favored by the Conservatives to a more dynamic, grassroots approach that resonates with modern voters. By training regional organizers and equipping activists with knowledge of electoral law, Reform aims to make its campaigners effective on the ground while retaining a strong presence in media and digital spaces. This dual strategy of building a grassroots movement while maintaining a nimble leadership creates a unique contrast to the more static nature of traditional political parties.
Engaging the Younger Audience
The involvement of a younger generation in Reform UK is pivotal for the party’s modernization and appeal. New team members such as Jack Anderton and Charles Carson have found ways to resonate with Gen Z voters, utilizing social media and contemporary communication styles to refresh Farage’s traditionally image-heavy narrative. This mix of experience and youthful energy allows the party to effectively communicate its messages while incorporating elements of fun and approachability, which could attract a demographic that often feels neglected by established parties. The challenge lies in balancing a professional demeanor while still embracing the playful aspects that engage younger audiences.
Political Implications for Labour and Conservatives
The rise of Reform UK presents a strategic headache for both the Labour Party and the Conservatives as they navigate shifting voter sentiments. While Labour is concerned about Reform's potential to siphon off its traditional voter base, Tory leadership is pressured to respond to the emerging threat that Reform poses, particularly concerning their influence over local elections. This competition has prompted discussions within Labour about adapting their platform and exploring new ideological offerings to counteract Reform's appeal. As a result, both parties are under increasing scrutiny to refine their strategies in order to remain relevant and retain their respective constituencies.
This week: Nigel’s gang – Reform’s plan for power.
Look at any opinion survey or poll, and it’s clear that Reform is hard to dismiss, write Katy Balls and James Heale. Yet surprisingly little is known about the main players behind the scenes who make up Nigel Farage’s new gang. There are ‘the lifers’ – Dan Jukes and ‘Posh George’ Cottrell. Then there are the Tory defectors, trained by Richard Murphy, a valued CCHQ veteran, who is described as a ‘secret weapon’. The most curious new additions are the Gen Zers, who include Tucker Carlson’s nephew, Charles Carlson, and Jack Anderton, known as ‘the Matrix’. Katy and James joined the podcast to lift the lid on Nigel Farage’s inner circle. (02:14)
Next: is technology a help or hindrance when it comes to missing people?
While smartphones are no doubt useful in emergency situations, they create the expectation that you will always be in touch – when sometimes, of course, you can’t be. But what happens when technology fails? Ross Clark tells the hilarious story of how he mistakenly became a ‘missing person’ after his phone died while hiking in Scotland. Ross joins the podcast to unpack the lessons from his day getting the full Lord Lucan treatment, alongside journalist and political correspondent for GB News Katherine Forster. Katherine’s sons, who used smartphones to track a hiking route, went missing last year in Bali when their phones died and they were unable to contact anyone. (17:33)
And finally: how do you make Bond great again?
James Bond seems to have lost his way. Gone is the charm, wit and romp of the original Connery and Moore Bonds, replaced by a grittier, more vengeful Bond with bloated plotlines that are far too referential. Amazon – which took full ‘creative control’ of the franchise this week – faces quite the task in rebooting the world’s most famous spy once again. Journalist Madeline Grant gives her prescription in the magazine on how to save Bond, but we are joined on the podcast by William Boyd, who is part of an elite class of authors to have written their own James Bond novels. (28:29)
Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.
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