Long-Read
— National populism, fuelled by media-backed disinformation, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and libertarian ideologies, threatens democracies globally by eroding institutions, fostering fear, and exploiting divisions.
UK Politics
— Reform’s recent surge in polling reflects discontent with Labour’s policies and rising protest votes. While correlations suggest fragmented party dynamics, Labour must prioritise delivery to regain dominance.
UK Politics
— Kemi Badenoch champions anti-woke conservatism over systemic inequality reforms, but her policies largely avoid addressing systemic racial disparities affecting Black Britons.
COMMENT
— Keir Starmer pledged integrity before his election, yet his government supports secrecy over Rishi Sunak’s investments. A tribunal outcome could reshape transparency on ministers’ financial interests, challenging promises of honesty and public trust.
Tories
— Tory ministers worked closely with Shell on its relocation to London ahead of COP26 in 2021, newly revealed documents show. Despite barring fossil fuel sponsorship, the government privately supported Shell’s move, downplaying climate concerns and avoiding reputational risks.
UK Politics
— New revelations expose former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s contentious relationship with Queen Elizabeth II regarding the prorogation of Parliament in 2019 and his handling of constitutional matters during his time in Downing Street.
Climate Change
— Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s scepticism toward net zero targets signals a shift, emphasising pragmatism and economic caution. Her ambivalence on climate policy suggests potential divisive strategies targeting Reform voters.
COMMENT
— A Nigerian talk show panel criticised British Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for her disparaging views on Nigeria and its culture, questioning her empathy towards her heritage and community.
Conservative Leadership Contest
— Kemi Badenoch, the first Black woman to lead the Conservative Party, takes over from Rishi Sunak after their disastrous electoral defeat. With her culture war ideology and controversial views, she pledges yet another attempt at renewal to regain public support.
Conservative Leadership Contest
— Kemi Badenoch’s scepticism over the UK’s 2050 Net Zero target has sparked debate in the Conservative Party. She questions its feasibility, suggesting an adaptation-focused approach, potentially reshaping Tory climate policy.
Conservative Leadership Contest
— Tory leadership candidate Robert Jenrick has pledged to repeal the UK’s Climate Change Act, drawing support from a group of climate science deniers who claim “there is no greenhouse effect”. This move threatens mainstream political relevance amid public demand for climate action.
UK Politics
— The Reform Party did not significantly undermine the Conservative vote in the last general election. In fact, both parties drew support from different demographic groups and were electoral allies rather than rivals.
Conservative Leadership Contest
— The Conservatives’ leadership ballot has unexpectedly ousted favourite James Cleverly, leaving right-wing candidates Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick in contention. This outcome underscores party disunity and risks alienating centrist voters.
National Security
— The UK COVID-19 inquiry reveals the previous Conservative government underestimated non-malicious threats like pandemics and climate change. Experts urge placing climate change at the heart of national security plans.
Conservative Leadership Contest
— Tory MP Kemi Badenoch recently sparked debate by claiming she “became working class” while working at McDonald’s – despite her middle-class roots, seemingly to resonate with working-class voters and reflect Britain’s shifting class perceptions.
UK Politics
— The Conservative leadership candidates face challenges akin to those of Silvio Berlusconi and Boris Johnson, whose media-driven, populist approaches ultimately yielded limited progress and lasting controversy.
