It's that time of year again - when I make predictions for the coming year. Unlike this time last year, I'm afraid I can't indulge in any self-congratulation for what I correctly predicted. Yes, I forecast more "steady but unspectacular progress" for the Lib Dems, no real improvement for the Conservatives under Sunak, Dominic Raab resigning over bullying allegations and things not being "plain sailing" for an SNP with heightened "internal tensions" emerging. However, none of that will have been remotely surprising for anyone with any understanding of the political climate. Similarly, my prediction about the state of US politics ...
Augustus Carp with an end-of-year update on the number of councillors who have left the party under whose flag they were elected. The end of the year is probably as good a time as any to consider recent changes of political allegiances amongst our elected councillors. For divers reasons, numerous individuals have decided to re-align themselves away from the political party whose views they espoused when elected. What this might mean is for you to decide - maybe it's irrelevant, perhaps it's just the manifestation of personal vanity, or it might be evidence of impending political change, either locally or ...
The latest episode of Never Mind The Bar Charts welcomed back Duncan Brack for another of our reviews of previous party leaders. This time, it's Charles Kennedy we took a look at: Feedback very welcome, and do share this podcast with others who you think may enjoy it. Show notes Greg Hurst's biography of Charles Kennedy. Charles Kennedy on Have I Got News For You. The 1983 TV report on his first election (second video on the page). My earlier take on lessons from Charles Kennedy's leadership. Nick Clegg's tribute to Charles Kennedy following his death. The Lib Dem History ...
"In March 2023, the EU made the historic decision to deliver a million artillery shells to Ukraine within 12 months. But the number that has actually been sent is closer to 300,000. For all the rhetorical commitments to support Ukraine's defence against Russia's invasion "for as long as it takes", Europe has largely failed." Jack Watling says Ukraine can still defeat Russia, but it will require far more support from Europe. Hein de Haas argues that "we cannot divorce debates about immigration from broader debates about inequality, labour, social justice and, most importantly, the kind of society we want to ...
Despite harping back to a rather dodgy history of empire, the honours system does give the state the opportunity to recognise the often unheralded work of individuals in their community, for charities and for other organisations. What brings it down is when it is used to reward those whose main contribution has been in propping up their friends, in some cases gaining greater prominence for their views or business as a result. The Guardian reveals that this year is no different. They say that Rishi Sunak is facing accusations of cronyism after at least seven Conservative donors were given honours ...
Huge thanks to all my guests and listeners for my podcast, Never Mind The Bar Charts, through the last year. The two most popular episodes during the last year were: Meet the inspirational star who wants to be an MP – with Josh Babarinde, who hopefully will become an MP in 2024. Banning alcohol in the US didn't last; could Brexit be the same? – with Professor Ben Ansell. Previous most popular episodes In 2022 the top two were: What does 2022 hold for the Lib Dems? With Ed Davey and Mike Dixon – a tie-up with the ever-excellent Lib ...
Welcome to my summary of the latest national voting intention poll from each pollster currently operating in Britain. If you'd like to find out more about how polls work, how reliable they are and how to make sense of them, check out my book, Polling UnPacked: the History, Uses and Abuses of Political Opinion Polls, or sign up for my weekly email, The Week in Polls: Sign up to The Week in Polls "*" indicates required fields Email* Enter Email Confirm Email If you submit this form, your data will be used in line with the privacy policy here to ...
Following a trio of Liberal Democrats in the King's Birthday Honours earlier in the year, here are the Lib Dems in the New Year Honours I've spotted: Congratulations to Jude Godden MBE, whose charitable spirit is recognised in today's Honours. Jude is a carer for a family member, a caseworker for @timfarron, and has served her community tirelessly for over 20 years. Jude is the true embodiment of a community champion. — Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) December 30, 2023
