The Bunker – News without the nonsense I shot the tariffs – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Jacob Jarvis
Feb 23, 2026
Gavin Esler, veteran broadcaster and political commentator, joins to survey looming political tests. He flags constitutional strains in the US and UK. They unpack the Gorton and Denton by-election and the risks of Reform-style politics. Discussion also covers Trump’s tariff clash, royal inquiries, and Europe’s security outlook.
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Democracies Are Showing Constitutional Strain
- Gavin Esler argues constitutional systems in the US and UK are showing serious strain, not sudden crisis but deep structural problems.
- He cites Trump's attacks on the Supreme Court and opaque royal-family decisions as examples undermining trust.
By Election Shows Two Party Complacency Is Over
- The Gorton and Denton by-election illustrates breakdown of two-party dominance and possible low‑vote winners.
- Esler warns winners could secure seats with under 30% and turnout might be 30–40%, exposing systemic voting flaws.
Losing To Reform Could Reshape Politics
- Esler sees Reform Party gains as potentially more damaging long term than Green wins because Reform mimics populist Trump‑style rhetoric.
- He notes Reform's articulate leaders use immigration myths to appeal to a base like Trump did.