The Edition: Labour's Irish insurgent, Germany's 'firewall' falls & finding joy in obituaries
Feb 6, 2025
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Michael Gove, Editor of The Spectator, shares insights on the Labour Party's internal dynamics during Keir Starmer's tenure, focusing on Morgan McSweeney's efforts to shake off complacency. Tom Baldwin, Starmer's biographer, discusses challenges in navigating dissenting voices in the party. Meanwhile, Damian Arnold, a seasoned obituary writer, delves into the delicate art of crafting obituaries, sharing humorous anecdotes and the emotional nuances involved in commemorating lives. Together, they explore intricate political landscapes and the personal stories that define human legacy.
Morgan McSweeney's reforms within Labour expose tensions between traditional party values and a progressive agenda aimed at engaging disillusioned voters.
The weakening of Germany's political 'firewall' could signify a troubling shift towards far-right influence, raising concerns over national stability.
Deep dives
Morgan McSweeney: The Insurgent Behind Starmer
Morgan McSweeney is recognized as a pivotal figure in Labour's recent political success, specifically credited with orchestrating Keir Starmer's ascent to leadership and, ultimately, steering the party to a historic victory in the last election. His family history, marked by ties to the Irish Republican Army and Fine Gael political activism, informs his apparent drive towards insurgency within the Labour Party. However, dissatisfaction has surfaced among some Labour MPs regarding the party's direction under Starmer's leadership, highlighting a potential rift between establishment norms and a more aggressive, reform-minded approach. McSweeney advocates for a strategy that prioritizes engagement with disenchanted working-class voters, specifically targeting those who have previously supported Conservative policies, indicating a clear intent to redefine Labour's trajectory.
Internal Tensions in Labour's Leadership
Within Labour’s leadership, tensions are arising that reflect differing philosophies on governance and electoral strategy. Ed Miliband and Richard Hermer, key figures in the current cabinet, are viewed with skepticism by some Labour MPs who feel their policies do not align with the party's new insurgent direction advocated by McSweeney. This discontent creates an environment where there are calls for potential reshuffles, with suggestions that moving away from certain cabinet members could better reflect the voter expectations that Labour seeks to meet. The struggle between adhering to established party policies and embracing a more radical agenda exposes the underlying fractures within the party as it navigates the complex landscape of modern British politics.
The Challenge of German Politics: AFD's Growing Presence
The rise of the Alternative for Germany (AFD) party has created a significant upheaval in the German political landscape, particularly following CDU leader Friedrich Merz's reliance on their support to pass critical immigration votes. This strategic gamble indicates a weakening of the 'firewall' that existed to keep far-right politics at bay. The consequences of this cooperation are becoming evident as public discontent grows and the CDU's approval ratings slip, demonstrating the precarious position Merz finds himself in as he aims for the chancellorship. This situation poses fundamental questions about the future of the CDU and the broader implications for German democracy and political stability.
The Art and Heart of Obituaries
The crafting of obituaries is presented as both an art and a significant responsibility, requiring a delicate balance between storytelling and factual reporting. Writers often sift through complex narratives, seeking to highlight engaging and sometimes surprising aspects of a person's life, which may include personal anecdotes or lesser-known achievements. There is an emphasis on the narrative structure that transforms a life story into something compelling; even seemingly mundane lives can yield profound insights when viewed through the lens of a well-crafted obituary. The discussion surrounding obituaries suggests they serve not only as commemorative pieces but also as reflections on the human experience, reminding readers of both the fragility of life and the legacies we leave behind.
As a man with the instincts of an insurgent, Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, has found Labour’s first six months in office a frustrating time, writes The Spectator’s editor Michael Gove. ‘Many of his insights – those that made Labour electable – appeared to have been overlooked by the very ministers he propelled into power.’ McSweeney is trying to wrench the government away from complacent incumbency: there is a new emphasis on growth, a tougher line on borders, an impatience with establishment excuses for inertia. Will McSweeney win his battle? And what does this mean for figures in Starmer’s government, like Richard Hermer and Ed Miliband? Michael joined the podcast alongside Starmer’s biographer Tom Baldwin. (1:04)
Next: can the AfD be stopped?
Lisa Haseldine writes about an earthquake that hit German politics last week; the much feted ‘firewall’ – the agreement by mainstream political parties not to work with the far-right – appeared to fall. Freidrich Merz, tipped to be Chancellor after the upcoming German elections, relied upon the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) for two votes on immigration. Cue protests and denouncements; Merz’s most high-profile predecessor as CDU leader, Angela Merkel, even made a rare, political intervention to denounce the decision. Has the vote helped or hindered Merz? And has the German firewall fallen permanently? Lisa joined the podcast alongside Elisabeth Dampier. Elisabeth has interviewed the controversial AfD MEP Maximilian Krah for the magazine and writes about the man who calls himself ‘the German Donald Trump’. (21:02)
And finally: the curious life of an obituary writer
Mark Mason provides his notes on obituaries for the magazine this week, stating that ‘there’s nothing as inspiring or instructive or entertaining about reading a few hundred words about someone’s time on his planet’. What’s the process behind putting an obituary together? The Times' longest serving obituary writer Damian Arnold once said, ‘The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is check to see who's dead.’ Mark and Damian joined the podcast to discuss who makes for the best obituary, if there is joy to be found in celebrating death, and whether they’ve ever published an obituary of someone who isn’t actually dead… (33:48)
Presented by Lara Prendergast and William Moore.
Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
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