How To Win An Election How To Lose An Election, Really Badly
Oct 16, 2025
Sally Morgan, a former Labour insider, Danny Finkelstein, a Conservative peer and Times columnist, and Polly Mackenzie, a policy expert, reveal tales of political blunders. Sally discusses Neil Kinnock's professional campaign failings in 1987. Danny analyzes the reasons behind John Major's heavy loss in 1997, citing Tory exhaustion and scandals. Polly delves into Jo Swinson’s missteps in 2019, particularly her Lib Dem's flawed Brexit strategy. The trio also debates electoral pacts and the potential impact of youth voters on future politics.
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Young Candidate Against Livingstone
- Danny Finkelstein ran for Brent East at 24 against Ken Livingstone and never expected to win.
- He recalls being followed by activists and learning much from being a candidate.
Communication Without Policy Fails
- Labour in 1987 professionalised communications but failed to change core policies, so the campaign sat on sand.
- Sally Morgan says professional presentation cannot substitute for policy reform.
Align Message With Policy First
- Do pair creative campaign presentation with substantive policy changes before launch.
- Sally Morgan argues policy shifts must precede communications to make campaigns stick.
