Economist Podcasts Bolt from the blue: Britain’s Conservatives triumph
Dec 13, 2019
Tom Wainwright, Britain editor for The Economist, discusses the unexpected success of Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party, revealing deeper political currents in Britain's electoral landscape. Adrian Blomfield, a correspondent from Kenya, dives into the challenges of land restitution, exploring historical injustices and the impact on local communities. They also touch on the demand for safety training among Chinese students heading to the West, highlighting growing parental concerns about their security abroad. Each topic unravels complex societal dynamics.
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Shifting Voter Landscape
- The Conservative Party's surprising win in the UK election signifies a shift in voter alignment.
- Traditional Labour strongholds are now Conservative seats, indicating a significant political realignment.
Unpopularity Contest
- Boris Johnson's Conservative victory was less about Tory popularity and more about Labour's unpopularity.
- The election became a choice between two disliked options, with voters choosing the lesser evil.
Johnson's Strategy
- Johnson learned from Theresa May's mistakes by avoiding media appearances and a detailed manifesto.
- His disciplined "Get Brexit Done" slogan resonated with voters tired of the Brexit debate.