Will Reform throw a brick in the Tories' red wall?

Will Reform throw a brick in the Tories' red wall?

Author: The Times July 1, 2024 Duration: 25:54

In 2019, Boris Johnson’s Conservatives upended decades’ of traditional voting behaviour, as lifelong Labour seats in the north and midlands fell to the Tories. But with Brexit delivered and Johnson gone, the Tories are being challenged from the right by a resurgent Reform, as Luke Jones heard in Ashfield.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests: 

  • Peter Kellner, Political Journalist and Pollster;
  • Debbie Soloman, Parliamentary Candidate, Conservative and Unionist Party;
  • Lee Anderson, Parliamentary Candidate, Reform UK; and
  • Rhea Keehn, Parliamentary Candidate, Labour Party.

 

Also standing in Ashfield are: Jason Zadrozny, Ashfield Independents; Daniel Holmes, Liberal Democrats; Alexander Coates, Green Party.

Host: Luke Jones

Clips: Sky News; Boris Johnson/Facebook.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
Rafah, red lines, and the Biden presidency [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:58
An Israeli airstrike that killed at least forty-five displaced Palestinians in Rafah has once again focused the world’s attention on the war in Gaza. The White House insists no red lines have yet been crossed. So where i…
Drake vs. Kendrick and the rap beef of the century [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:55
Two of the century’s biggest artists are exchanging diss track blows in a beef that has engulfed the internet. But how has rap moved on since the violence of the 1990s? With the rappers’ fiery verbal blows raising allega…
Could a Labour Government mean the end of private schools? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:00
With the election now just around the corner, Labour says that if it wins, it’ll take away the tax breaks Britain’s private schools have benefited from for years. The introduction of VAT could push fees up by twenty perc…
Thames Water: the business model built on sh*t [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:45
The state of our rivers is set to be one of the discussion points of the election and time’s ticking on Thames Water’s request for a 56 per cent increase in customers’ bills. As Ofwat mulls that one, it might ask how a c…
Felony or witch hunt: Who told the best story at Trump’s trial? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:37
Donald Trump’s 'hush money' trial is in its final stages as the prosecution and defence teams have both now rested their cases. The jury will return on Tuesday for closing arguments - and maybe even a verdict. This is ul…
Sunak's summer gamble [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:57
Rishi Sunak has announced a general election for July 4 after a day of fevered rumour in Westminster. The prime minister addressed the nation from outside No 10 and pledged to “fight for every vote" while Sir Keir Starme…