The Intelligence from The Economist Field work: The race to succeed Boris Johnson
Jul 12, 2022
Mian Ridge, The Economist’s American social affairs correspondent, dives into the intense political landscape in Britain post-Boris Johnson. The conversation highlights the race to find his successor amid diverse candidates with varying economic policies. Ridge also explores the controversial topic of fetal personhood, examining its growing legal recognition and the ethical dilemmas it presents for abortion rights. Additionally, the podcast touches on Egypt's government challenges with houseboats on the Nile, reflecting broader urban development issues.
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Unpredictable Race
- The Conservative Party leadership contest is unpredictable due to a lack of a central question.
- The party usually focuses on key issues like regaining power, Brexit, or defeating a specific leader.
Tax Cuts vs. Tough Truths
- Many candidates focus on tax cuts, proposing reductions in income or corporation tax.
- Rishi Sunak, however, positions himself as a realist, emphasizing tough truths over tax cuts.
Policy Continuity
- While candidates criticize Johnson's leadership style, they largely maintain his policies.
- This includes controversial policies like sending migrants to Rwanda and stances on identity politics.