British politics sees surge in new ideas and party realignments
6 reported
According to a Guardian opinion column by Polly Toynbee, British politics is experiencing a period of fractured but idea-rich debate, with Labour leadership contests and new political movements reshaping the landscape. The column reports that Wes Streeting’s resignation and Andy Burnham’s candidacy for Makerfield have opened Labour to more open discussion, while Tony Blair’s recent pamphlet has sparked further debate beyond the party. Thinktanks and Labour MP caucuses are producing dossiers of ideas on issues like growth, energy prices, a national care service, NHS funding, defence spending, social housing, tech regulation, AI, relations with Europe, and climate change. The column notes that Prosper UK, a new movement co-chaired by Ruth Davidson and Andy Street, has signed up 20,000 supporters in less than six months and aims to recapture one-nation conservatism, filling a centre-right gap. It also states that a majority of Tory supporters are now remainers, according to More in Common, and that Kemi Badenoch has warned the EU ambassador she would reverse any advance toward better EU trade. The column concludes that the first step toward change depends on voters in Makerfield.
What’s reported
Wes Streeting resigned and Andy Burnham is standing for Makerfield.
Tony Blair published an epistle that spread debate beyond the Labour party.
Prosper UK, co-chaired by Ruth Davidson and Andy Street, has 20,000 supporters signed up in less than six months.
More in Common reveals a majority of Tory supporters are now remainers.
Kemi Badenoch warned the EU ambassador she would reverse any advance toward better EU trade.
David Gauke, Prosper’s deputy chair, says a third of Tory MPs are undercover one-nation Prosper supporters, a third Badenoch supporters, and a third floaters.
Key figures
Polly Toynbee (Guardian columnist)
Wes Streeting (former Labour figure, resigned)
Andy Burnham (Labour candidate for Makerfield)
Tony Blair (former Labour leader)
Ruth Davidson (co-chair of Prosper UK)
Andy Street (co-chair of Prosper UK)
Kemi Badenoch (Conservative leader)
David Gauke (deputy chair of Prosper UK)
Nigel Farage (mentioned as a political figure)
Zack Polanski (mentioned as a political figure)
Alan Milburn (author of a report on young people and work)
Ken Clarke, Michael Heseltine, Nicholas Soames, Amber Rudd, Dominic Grieve (mentioned as Prosper UK supporters)
Keir Starmer (Labour leader)
Jeremy Corbyn (former Labour leader)
Boris Johnson (former prime minister)
Sources: The Guardian
