Kwasi Kwarteng, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, shares his turbulent experience during Liz Truss's brief premiership. He candidly reflects on the controversial mini-budget that led to a market crash and reveals his thoughts on the Conservative Party's struggle to find new leadership. Kwarteng discusses the party's internal divisions and the implications of aligning with extreme viewpoints, as well as the future of UK politics amid shifting public support for the Conservatives. His insights offer a behind-the-scenes look at a pivotal moment in British political history.
Kwasi Kwarteng critiques Liz Truss's leadership style, highlighting her strong determination yet questioning her emotional intelligence and judgment during her premiership.
Kwarteng emphasizes the critical need for tax reform in the UK to enhance economic competitiveness and address voter disengagement from the Conservative Party.
Deep dives
Reflection on Liz Truss's Leadership
The interview discusses Liz Truss's leadership and character traits that contributed to her short-lived premiership. Kwasi Kwarteng highlights her strong determination and drive but questions her emotional intelligence and ability to read the room, indicating a disconnect between her actions and political realities. He reflects on how Truss sacked him shortly before her own resignation, suggesting that this decision not only undermined her authority but also led to her quick downfall. Kwarteng's insights reveal a complex view of Truss as someone with great potential hampered by critical misjudgments during a volatile political period.
Economic Implications of Tax Policies
Kwarteng addresses the impact of high tax rates on Britain's economic competitiveness, arguing that they diminish incentives to work, invest, and start businesses. He points out that the additional rate of income tax in the UK is currently one of the highest among G7 countries, emphasizing the need for tax reform to invigorate the economy. His proposal of a simplified income tax structure aims to foster investment and create a more favorable economic environment. This discussion underlines the critical link between taxation policies and economic performance, particularly in light of the challenges faced by the Conservative Party.
State of the Conservative Party
Kwarteng reflects on the current landscape of the Conservative Party, noting a significant disengagement among voters, with many expressing indifference towards potential leaders. He attributes this sentiment to the party's recent electoral failures and quests for leadership, suggesting a need for the party to regain public interest and trust. The competitive dynamic within the party is highlighted, with Kwarteng acknowledging the diverse strengths of prospective candidates while maintaining neutrality on his support. His analysis suggests a necessity for the party to address its internal divisions and connect with a broader electorate moving forward.
Impacts of Brexit on Political Landscape
The conversation shifts to Brexit, with Kwarteng acknowledging the complexity surrounding its outcomes and the current sentiment among voters. He considers how the coalition that supported the Conservative Party in the past was heavily pro-Brexit, but that many party members now express discontent regarding its impact. Kwarteng argues for the need to build a new coalition, balancing traditional values while addressing the concerns of disillusioned voters. He emphasizes the changing dynamics of British politics, marked by volatility and shifting voter priorities, suggesting that effective leadership must navigate these challenges to succeed.
The former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng joins us at News Agents HQ for an exclusive interview.
He reflects on his disastrous time as chancellor under Liz Truss, and the mini-budget which sparked a market crash. He still bristles when asked to apologise for his role in it all.
He discusses the future of the Conservative Party as it searches for its new leader, the US Presidential election, and of course his thoughts on Liz Truss herself, describing her as an "unusual" woman.
Editor: Tom Hughes
Producers: Natalie Indge & Zeynel Yuce
Digital Editor: Michaela Walters
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly
You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents"