Podcast Summary
Labor Cabinet Meeting: Historic first Labor cabinet meeting in 14 years, new junior ministerial appointments, Keir Starmer's press conference, Tory Party leadership contest, anxious junior Labor Party members
Saturday, March 18, 2023, marks a significant day in British politics, with the first Labor cabinet meeting in 14 years taking place and the announcement of numerous new junior ministerial appointments. Jack Blanchard and Sam Coates from Politico discussed the historic event, sharing their experiences from the previous day's cabinet appointments, where they were able to get close to the new ministers despite the lack of advanced planning. The day is expected to bring clarity on the shape and composition of the new government, with Labor Party leader Keir Starmer giving a press conference after the cabinet meeting. Additionally, the Tory Party is in turmoil, and a leadership contest is imminent, which will unfold over the weekend. The junior ranks of the Labor Party are anxious about securing ministerial jobs, but it is unlikely that all shadow ministers will receive positions.
UK cabinet appointment: The recent UK cabinet appointment was cautious with most expected appointments and notable changes including saving Lisa Nandi's job and appointment of human rights lawyer Richard Harmer as Attorney General. Prime Minister Starmer preferred a calm approach.
Key takeaway from the recent UK cabinet appointment is that the reshuffle was quite cautious, with most expected appointments going to individuals who had been in shadow departments. Notable changes included saving Lisa Nandi's job by shifting her to the culture secretary role, and the appointment of human rights lawyer Richard Harmer as the new Attorney General. Emily Thornberry, a prominent Labour figure, was not given a role in the cabinet, and her former advisor, Damian McBride, remains outside of government. The lack of conflict during the reshuffle suggests that Prime Minister Kiyastama Starmer prefers a calm approach. The formal list of appointments to Downing Street, including roles for Sue Gray and Morgan McSweeney, is yet to be announced. The clarity of Starmer's principal advisors on major issues remains unclear, adding to the intrigue surrounding his government.
Labour Party Appointments: The Labour Party under Keir Starmer is making strategic appointments of experienced individuals into key ministerial roles to tackle pressing issues, such as scientific matters and the crisis in prisons.
The newly elected Labour Party under Keir Starmer is making strategic appointments of experienced individuals into key ministerial roles to tackle pressing issues, such as scientific matters and the crisis in prisons. Sir Patrick Valance and James Timpson, both with relevant expertise, have been appointed as Minister of State for Science and Prisons Minister, respectively. Additionally, there are speculations about potential appointments of close Labour acolytes, like Josh Simons, Torsten Bell, Chris Ward, and Douglas Alexander, who were handed safe seats during the election. Another point to watch is the potential political appointment for the UK's ambassador to Washington, which could involve figures like Peter Mandelson or David Miliband. These moves suggest a proactive approach from the Labour Party to address pressing issues and strengthen their government.
Starmer's First Weekend in Office: New PM Starmer faces diplomacy, housing, Rwanda scheme, and junior doctors' contracts in first weekend; Labour focuses on housing, cancels Rwanda, addresses doctors' contracts without caving; Tories in disarray, potential contender Liz Truss
Keir Starmer, the newly appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is facing a multitude of tasks in his first weekend in office. He is making diplomatic calls to world leaders, holding a press conference, and addressing pressing issues such as housing reform, the Rwanda scheme, and junior doctors' contracts. Starmer needs to act quickly to show the public that he has a plan and intends to make a difference. The Labour Party is expected to focus on housing reform as a cost-effective solution, cancel the Rwanda scheme, and address the junior doctors' contracts without appearing to cave in to their demands. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party is in disarray, with 121 MPs left to determine its future direction. About 30 of these MPs supported Liz Truss during the leadership campaign, making her a potential contender for the party's future. Starmer's first few days in office are critical, and he will need to navigate these challenges with skill and determination.
Conservative Party Crisis: The Conservative Party is facing a leadership contest after losing seats in the recent election, leaving them with the fewest number of MPs in their history. The new leader must appeal to both reformers within the party and Liberal Democrat voters to regain a majority.
The Conservative Party is facing an unprecedented crisis after losing seats in the recent election, leaving them with the fewest number of MPs in their history. This has led to a leadership contest, with potential candidates such as Sir Iain Duncan Smith, Penny Mordaunt, and Kemi Badenoch already expressing interest. The new leader will need to appeal to both reformers within the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrat voters to regain a majority. The election night diary by my colleague Asha Suliman and a discussion on Britain's place in the world by Anne McElhoy and Mack Minsky are recommended listens for those interested in further analysis. The political landscape is uncertain, and the Conservative Party's road to recovery will be a challenging one.