TRIGGERnometry Matthew Goodwin: Why Labour Lost the Election
Dec 22, 2019
Matthew Goodwin, a professor at the University of Kent and author of "National Populism," breaks down the shocking election outcome favoring the Conservatives over Labour. He discusses Labour's struggle to connect with working-class voters and the impact of identity politics. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing voter disillusionment and the need for Labour's identity redefinition. Goodwin also delves into Scotland's political future, populism's rise, and how climate change may shift party loyalties, illustrating the evolving dynamics in UK politics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
2019 UK Election Realignment
- The 2019 UK election was a realignment, with Conservatives achieving their largest majority since 1987.
- Labour suffered their worst result since 1935, failing to understand the shift in working-class voters.
Labour's Missed Opportunity
- Matthew Goodwin presented his research on working-class voters to both Labour and Conservative advisors.
- Lyndon Crosby (Conservative advisor) engaged deeply, while Labour showed little interest, highlighting a key difference in their understanding of the electorate.
Labour's Decline and UKIP's Rise
- Labour's decline began in the late 90s with New Labour blurring party lines, followed by working-class voter abstention.
- UKIP further capitalized on this disillusionment, setting the stage for the Conservative's eventual success with this demographic.
