Start your engines: the Podcast of Ideas election special
Start your engines: the Podcast of Ideas election special
Listen to the first of our regular discussions with the Academy of Ideas team on the highs and lows of election campaigning.
Last week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took the nation - and many of his own MPs - by surprise by calling the next General Election. On Thursday 4 July, UK citizens will join the billions around the world going to the polls this year to pick their next political leaders. While Sunak might have been able to blame his wet start on the weather, the early stages of the campaign haven’t been bright and breezy. Faced with anger and confusion from his fellow party members - including threats of a no-confidence vote - Sunak’s charm offensive across the country is marred by the fact that most people believe this election has already been won.
And yet, the bookies’ favourites - the Labour Party - have their own problems. From a lacklustre speech to concerns about splitting voters over issues like women-only spaces or support for a ceasefire in Gaza, Labour leader Keir Starmer hasn’t yet made hay while the sun refuses to shine on his rivals.
The announcement of the General Election also took the outliers in the competition by surprise. Reform UK’s tough talk about taking on the Tories was somewhat marred by Nigel Farage finally admitting that he wouldn’t stand for election. And yet, Mr Brexit remains the most discussed man of this election campaign so far, thanks to his comments both about the higher status of the US and questioning whether young people - and Muslims - ‘loathed’ British culture beyond persuasion.
But it’s still early days for challengers, with new political hopefuls standing as independents and as members of parties like the SDP, Greens and the Lib Dems hoping to break the monopoly of the two big parties.
To discuss all of this - the big announcements of the first few days of campaigning, from National Service to votes for 16-year-olds - the Academy of Ideas team got together in the first of our regular Podcast of Ideas specials. Hit the subscribe button to this Substack to keep up to date with all our podcasts, and if you like what you hear, share it with your friends.
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It’s easy to be cynical about the election, but we can’t take democracy for granted, by participating we are supporting democracy. Reform captures the headlines, but I have also been impressed by the SDP, neither will win (or win seats) but a substantial vote gives them some moral authority. Reform shouldn’t fall in to the trap of being a one man band, others need to step up. My new Substack discusses Starmer’s proposed change in voting age with reference to my 16 year old self.
I think this year most people know who they don't want to vote for. The incumbents have had a bad showing - not standing for anything that inspires the people. Finding something or someone to vote for is more difficult. People are plopping for an alternative, more to express their dissatisfaction with the current incumbents than because they excited by anything on offer. We need new and big ideas to inspire people and I know that's what we'll get at this year's Battle of Ideas weekend in London.