
The New Statesman | UK politics and culture
Could “abrasive” Kemi Badenoch ever be Prime Minister?
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Labour's economic policy demonstrates a shift towards increased public spending, signaling a significant departure from past austerity measures.
- The Conservative leadership race reveals ideological divides within the party, particularly contrasting Kemi Badenoch's focus on culture wars with Robert Jenrick's moderate approach.
Deep dives
Labour's Economic Challenges
The Labour government's current approach to economic policy is drawing comparisons to the Liberal Democrats’ coalition experiences in 2011, highlighting the tough choices that governments face regarding borrowing and spending. Acknowledging the limitations of fiscal policy, Labour's response to financial pressures demonstrates a recognition of the need for credibility in economic planning, particularly after recent market turbulence. Critics point out that despite proposed tax increases, Labour's strategy suggests a higher borrowing plan than originally inherited, which raises questions about long-term sustainability. This presents a challenge for the Labour party as they strive to manage public expectations while navigating difficult economic realities.