98: Liz Truss and the scary future of the British Conservatives
May 20, 2024
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Liz Truss, a politically polarizing figure, is discussed by Professor David Runciman in terms of her shift towards the far right and alliance with Bannon and Trumpists. They analyze the implications for British conservatism, potential agenda on climate policies, power dynamics in progressive politics, and strategic considerations for the Labour Party amidst conservative resurgence.
Liz Truss blamed 'deep state conspiracy' for her failed leadership, aligning with far-right figures like Steve Bannon.
Truss's radical economic approach led to market concerns, highlighting competency issues and a disconnect with policy expertise.
Deep dives
The Rise and Fall of Liz Truss in British Politics
Liz Truss's brief prime ministership negatively impacted the Conservative Party, leaving lasting damage and trashing the party's brand. Her errors in policy, lack of qualifications, and hasty decision-making reflect poorly on her leadership abilities. Despite her short tenure, Truss's selection as leader raises questions about the decision-making process within the Conservative Party, undermining public confidence in political systems.
Challenges of Liz Trussonomics
Liz Truss introduced a radical economic approach characterized by alleged recklessness and poor timing. Trussonomics faced criticism for its hasty implementation and failure to anticipate market reactions, leading to concerns about competency and erratic decision-making. Truss's scapegoating of institutions like the Bank of England as being 'infiltrated with communists' highlights the disconnect between her self-belief and actual policy expertise.
The Influence of American Far-Right Ideologies on Liz Truss
Truss's alignment with far-right figures in the US, like Steve Bannon, and her endorsement of extreme views during book promotions raise concerns about her ideological leanings. The association with far-right rhetoric and tactics indicates a willingness to embrace controversial positions for political gain. While Truss seeks to enhance her international profile, her actions risk alienating mainstream political discourse in the UK.
Strategic Responses to the Rising Far-Right in British Politics
Amidst the emergence of a far-right ideological wave in British politics, progressives and the Labour Party face strategic challenges. Building institutional capacity, addressing public sector pay disparities, and countering far-right narratives require a proactive approach. Engaging in discussions that bolster societal strengths, rather than succumbing to populist critiques, is crucial for developing resilient responses to extremist political movements.
Liz Truss has managed to persuade herself of a very convenient (from her perspective) "truth": she wasn't a terrible prime minister with a flawed economic strategy, but the victim of a deep state conspiracy. Swinging aggressively to the far right, she has been courting Steve Bannon and the American Trumpists on a recent US tour.
What does this mean for the future of British conservatism? What's the game plan of this group of radicalised Tories - and how worried should we be? To talk us through these questions, hosts Zoe Williams and Luke Cooper talk to David Runciman, professor of politics at the University of Cambridge and the author of a number of books including How Democracy Ends. David's new podcast is called Past, Present and Future and can be found in the usual places. His recent Guardian essay on the strange world of the Truss phenomenon can be read here https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/mar/30/she-still-carries-an-aura-of-spectacular-failure-why-hasnt-liz-truss-gone-away
An extended version of this podcast is available to members of Another Europe is Possible. To join and support our work go to https://anothereurope.org/join
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