Neil Blankstone’s Post

To #oppose is very different from having to #lead. In #business, a 30-60-90 day plan is a set of #objectives for new employees to achieve in their first 30, 60, and 90 days on the job. The plan is meant to smooth the #transition into a new role, give #direction to a confusing time, and allow the employees and managers to set #expectations and monitor progress. To Keir Starmer and The Labour Party go the ultimate spoils as winners of the UK 🇬🇧 2024 General Election in terms of the number of seats they will have in the House of Commons, and they will form the next #Government. “Change begins now” says Sir Keir. Only time will tell if the size of the Labour majority will have an impact. By that, I feel we are still to fully understand the what and the how they will actually undertake to fulfil their ambitions. I, therefore, urge Sir Keir to be #transparent in that for all our sakes. They’re not the only winners overnight. The Liberal Democrats and Ed Davey targeted the South & South West in their #campaign, finally realising that although they believe in Proportional Representation (PR), the current First Past The Post #voting system requires a different strategy to dislodge the traditional 2-party system. Reform UK, with Nigel Farage becoming an MP at the 8th attempt, secured a considerable proportion of those that voted but they haven’t won the number of seats that a PR system would have brought. The size of their vote shows that, for now, there is a strength of feeling on the Right of the country, certainly at “grassroots” level, that a more right-wing agenda is the only thing likely to currently satisfy what has been the traditional Tory vote. The battle for the Right of UK politics will be intriguing considering that Rishi Sunak or more likely his successor, as Mr Sunak is expected to resign not only as Prime Minister but also as leader of The Conservative Party today, will begin. How the remaining Tory MP’s will cope, as undoubtedly they are more centrist than the “grassroots”, will be intriguing in itself. Will they be able to withstand the pressure to move further right? As Daniel Finkelstein writes in The Times: “The Conservative Party vacated the centre ground where elections are always, always won. Labour won because the Tories lost. It’s why Reform did well too. They both did well because whatever kind of Tory you are, it became impossible to maintain that the party deserved another period in office. This election result reverses the tradition of a more united right defeating a divided left”. My last comment on this election is to say this to all involved in #politics in this country: Take note of the numbers who haven’t voted. Turnout at this election indicates that for a significant number they simply could not bring themselves to vote at all. ✌️🕊️🇬🇧 #reflection #reaction #outcome #media #socialmedia

In a stunning political shift, Keir Starmer's Labour Party has achieved a landslide victory in the 2024 UK general election. Early results indicate that Labour has secured a majority in the House of Commons, winning key battleground constituencies across the country. This victory marks a dramatic turnaround from the 2019 election, with voters showing strong support for Labour’s manifesto focused on public services, social justice, and climate action. Starmer, who took over the party leadership in 2020, has been credited with revitalizing the party and presenting a compelling alternative to the Conservative government. The Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, faced a substantial defeat, losing numerous seats in traditional strongholds. Analysts suggest that economic challenges, public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the NHS, and growing concerns over inequality contributed to the party’s downfall. In his victory speech, Starmer promised to deliver on his campaign promises and work towards uniting the country. The election results are set to have profound implications for the UK’s political landscape, potentially reshaping policies on health, education, and the environment in the coming years. #election #Uk #todaypost #globalpoliticaffairs #news #ukelection #ukelection2024

https://lnkd.in/dDKU8xcB UK Politics: Tory Party Leadership Other than 'Westminster wonks' and the Tory Party itself not too many people will be particularly interested in the Tory Party leadership contest, the process for which has just been announced with the new leader due to be unveiled on 2 November. But it is important. In particular, where the party comes down stands to be a significant factor in determining whether Labour wins the next general election, thereby getting the (minimum?) ten years in office which Keir Starmer has consistently claimed it needs to realise its programme. Back in 1997 in not dissimilar circumstances the Conservatives first tried a young and untested William Hague (who would, I think, have made a very good leader a decade or so later) and, after losing the 2001 election, swung rightwards (Iain Duncan-Smith, who was kicked out by his own party before he could lose and election, and Michael Howard, who led the party to defeat in 2006). Even heading back towards the centre thereafter in the form of David Cameron left them short of an outright majority in the 2010 election despite Tony Blair's departure as Labour leader and the GFC. All the signs are that, utterly spooked by Nigel Farage and Reform UK, they could make the same mistake, ie swinging further to the right, again. However, this is by no means a given, depending on the outcome of what amounts to a tussle between what is, on balance, a more moderate Parliamentary Conservative Party (PCP, now reduced to 121 MPs) and the more rightwing membership at large which will get to have the final say after the PCP has whittled down to two up to eleven possible candidates (the maximum the new rules permit). In other words, the backbench 1922 Committee - which sets the rules for leadership elections on behalf of the party and whose new chair, Bob Blackman, is a moderate - appears to have done everything it reasonably can to tilt the leadership contest away from the party's right-wing by maximising the PCP's ability to winnow out its candidate(s) before the grassroots gets its say. This may or may not work. And either way, the Tories still have problems. If a moderate prevails, it plays to Reform UK which, as Mr Farage has already made clear, will also be pitching hard for Labour voters especially in the 100 or so constituencies in which it came second to Labour earlier this month. If a right-winger wins, it makes it easier, in principle at least, for Labour - together with the LibDems - to continue to dominate the centre-ground. But keep in mind that all his has to be seen in an overall context of a far more volatile UK electorate than was the case between 1997 and 2010, meaning that Sir Keir really has to set about winning the next election rather than (largely) relying on the Tories to lose it.

The United Kingdom’s July 4 general election marked the worst performance in the Conservative Party's 190-year history, losing almost half its vote share and 250 seats. Prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Liz Truss, were ousted, reflecting public anger at 14 years of Tory rule. Labour, led by Keir Starmer, gained 413 seats, nearing Tony Blair’s 1997 victory. Despite this success, Labour's 34% vote share was low, highlighting ongoing political volatility. The new government faces significant challenges, including economic decline, social divisions, and the Brexit aftermath, necessitating radical reforms to restore faith in democracy and address systemic issues. https://lnkd.in/g75kzNSg #ElectionShock #PoliticalShift #UKGeneralElection

𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗨𝗞 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗔 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗘 In a decisive victory, the UK general election saw the Labour Party triumph with Keir Starmer poised to become the next prime minister. Reflecting on the results, Rishi Sunak acknowledged the nation's call for change, with Starmer affirming that Britain's transformation begins now. Out of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, Labour secured over 400 seats, while the Conservatives garnered just over 110. Labour: 410 seats, 210 seats gained Conservative: 114 seats, 247 seats lost Liberal Democrat: 70 seats, 62 seats gained Scottish National Party: 8 seats, 38 seats lost Sinn Fein: 7 seats, no change The Scottish National Party suffered substantial losses, while the Liberal Democrats celebrated significant gains. Among the prominent Conservative casualties were former prime minister Liz Truss, defense secretary Grant Shapps, Jacob Rees-Mogg, and Penny Mordaunt. In a striking development, Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party, became an MP for the first time as his party gained four seats. Additionally, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn triumphed as an independent, and Carla Denyer of the Green Party emerged victorious in Bristol Central. This election reshapes the political landscape of the UK, heralding a new era under Labour's leadership. #weekendpost #Insightful

The United Kingdom’s July 4 general election marked the worst performance in the Conservative Party's 190-year history, losing almost half its vote share and 250 seats. Prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Liz Truss, were ousted, reflecting public anger at 14 years of Tory rule. Labour, led by Keir Starmer, gained 413 seats, nearing Tony Blair’s 1997 victory. Despite this success, Labour's 34% vote share was low, highlighting ongoing political volatility. The new government faces significant challenges, including economic decline, social divisions, and the Brexit aftermath, necessitating radical reforms to restore faith in democracy and address systemic issues. https://lnkd.in/gE_-MtpZ #ElectionShock #PoliticalShift #UKGeneralElection

The United Kingdom’s July 4 general election marked the worst performance in the Conservative Party's 190-year history, losing almost half its vote share and 250 seats. Prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Liz Truss, were ousted, reflecting public anger at 14 years of Tory rule. Labour, led by Keir Starmer, gained 413 seats, nearing Tony Blair’s 1997 victory. Despite this success, Labour's 34% vote share was low, highlighting ongoing political volatility. The new government faces significant challenges, including economic decline, social divisions, and the Brexit aftermath, necessitating radical reforms to restore faith in democracy and address systemic issues. https://lnkd.in/gE_-MtpZ #ElectionShock #PoliticalShift #UKGeneralElection

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer insisted on Tuesday that tough decisions taken now will spark a new era for Britain, as he sought to shake a fog of pessimism that has clouded his new premiership. “Change must mean nothing less than national renewal,” he told a packed hall of delegates at the close of Labour’s annual conference -- the party's first in power for 15 years. The prime minister’s efforts to instill a sense of optimism come after the government has been accused of doom-mongering over the state of the U.K. economy and providing little detail on how it plans to improve things. Read the full story here: #politics #uk #economy #government #LabourParty

The United Kingdom’s July 4 general election marked the worst performance in the Conservative Party's 190-year history, losing almost half its vote share and 250 seats. Prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Liz Truss, were ousted, reflecting public anger at 14 years of Tory rule. Labour, led by Keir Starmer, gained 413 seats, nearing Tony Blair’s 1997 victory. Despite this success, Labour's 34% vote share was low, highlighting ongoing political volatility. The new government faces significant challenges, including economic decline, social divisions, and the Brexit aftermath, necessitating radical reforms to restore faith in democracy and address systemic issues. https://lnkd.in/gE_-MtpZ #ElectionShock #PoliticalShift #UKGeneralElection

In a significant political development, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has conceded defeat in the recent general elections, marking the end of his tenure and a dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape. The Opposition Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, has secured a commanding victory, winning over 300 seats. In contrast, Sunak's Conservative Party managed to secure only 61 seats. Addressing his supporters in Richmond and Northern Allerton, Sunak stated, "The Labour Party has won this general election, and I've called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory. Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country's stability and future." Sunak further expressed his regret, saying, "I am sorry. I take responsibility for the loss." This admission underscores the magnitude of the defeat for the Conservative Party, which has been in power for the past 14 years. Challenges Ahead for Labour As Sir Keir Starmer prepares to take on the role of Prime Minister, he faces a series of formidable challenges. The UK is grappling with a sluggish economy, deteriorating public services, and declining living standards—issues that significantly contributed to the Conservative Party's downfall. Despite Labour’s victory, polls indicate that there is limited enthusiasm for Starmer or his party, highlighting the need for effective governance and public engagement moving forward. Economic and Social Landscape The new government will have to address several critical issues. Britain's tax burden is poised to reach its highest level since the post-World War Two era, and net debt is nearly equivalent to the country's annual economic output. Furthermore, living standards have fallen, and the National Health Service, a cherished institution, has been plagued by strikes and operational challenges. A New Chapter in British Politics This election marks a pivotal moment in British politics. The peaceful transfer of power reinforces the stability of the UK’s democratic institutions. As Labour takes the reins, the coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively they can navigate the myriad challenges facing the nation and implement policies that will restore public confidence and drive economic recovery. #UKPolitics #RishiSunak #KeirStarmer #LabourVictory #GeneralElection2024 #PoliticalChange #UKEconomy #PublicServices #NationalHealthService #PoliticalStability #BritishDemocracy