
 The New Statesman: politics and culture Could “abrasive” Kemi Badenoch ever be Prime Minister?
 Nov 1, 2024 
 Former Tory MP David Gauke shares his insights on Kemi Badenoch's leadership potential and the current Conservative leadership race. He reflects on Labour's budget decisions, comparing them to past Liberal Democrat experiences, and discusses the complexities of the Tory party dynamics. The conversation highlights Rishi Sunak's confrontational style in Parliament and explores the implications of major economic choices, including tensions over inheritance tax. Gauke gives a candid look at political complexities that shape the future of the Conservatives. 
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Labour's Economic Approach Compared to 2011 Lib Dems
- The current Labour government's economic approach is being compared to the Liberal Democrats' 2011 strategy.
 - Both involve making tough choices and accepting limitations on government actions.
 
Austerity vs. Current Labour Budget
- Austerity, an ideological project, aimed to shrink the state by cutting spending rather than raising taxes.
 - The current Labour budget prioritizes raising taxes to fund increased public spending.
 
Winners and Losers in the Budget
- The current budget prioritizes health, education, and defense, while other departments face 2% cuts.
 - This raises concerns about future funding and potential challenges for departments like Justice.
 
