Intelligence Squared

The Sunday Debate: Is Labour Unelectable?

Nov 7, 2021
Matthew Goodwin, a politics professor, voices concerns about Labour's connection with traditional voters. Anand Menon discusses demographic shifts favoring Labour yet stresses the party's need for a clear vision. Journalist Ella Whelan critiques Labour's disconnect from the working class, while MP Jess Phillips emphasizes trust and hope as crucial for Labour's revival. They engage in lively debates on media influence, civil rights, and the importance of addressing key voter issues like housing and healthcare. The discussion culminates in a divided audience vote on Labour's electability.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Labour's Electoral Disconnect

  • The Labour Party struggles to connect with working-class voters outside of major cities.
  • They've become the party of the graduate class, students, and ethnic minorities in urban areas.
INSIGHT

Voter Volatility

  • The electorate is more volatile than ever, frequently changing party allegiance.
  • This makes it difficult to predict election outcomes based on current trends.
ANECDOTE

Brexit and Labour's Disdain for the Masses

  • Labour's response to Brexit revealed its discomfort with mass politics and working-class empowerment.
  • Their focus on image over substance, like choosing Keir Starmer for his serious appearance, further demonstrates this.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app