The Bunker – News without the nonsense Here comes the Rayner again – Weekly Wrap-Up with Alex von Tunzelmann
Mar 20, 2026
Alex von Tunzelmann, author and historian known for clear historical analysis, joins to dissect a turbulent week. They debate Angela Rayner’s warning and whether it signals real leadership maneuvering. Public health alarms over a Kent meningitis cluster get urgent attention. The conversation also covers shifting UK party dynamics, mixed US messaging on Iran, and a surprising baseball triumph for Venezuela.
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Rayner's Warning Signals Real Risk To Labour
- Angela Rayner warned Labour is "running out of time" as party polling falls and core voters shift to Greens and Lib Dems.
- Alex von Tunzelmann says her critique echoes others like Andy Burnham and highlights genuine risk to Labour's survival if direction isn't reset.
Starmer's Strategy Has Alienated Core Voters
- Labour's strategy under Keir Starmer and Morgan McSweeney has cost the party large swathes of core voters.
- Alex traces defections to Greens, Lib Dems and nationalists and calls the approach a "disastrous" polling loss.
Keep Foreign Policy Credibility During Party Infighting
- Maintain a credible foreign policy stance during domestic disputes to avoid appearing irresolute.
- Alex notes Starmer's firm line on Trump over the Iran conflict temporarily boosted his credibility despite domestic woes.