The Rest Is Politics 530. Is Starmer the Next Joe Biden? Rory and Alastair React to Local Elections
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May 8, 2026 They dig into seismic local election results and what they mean for the future of UK party politics. They explore Reform’s surge, funding and media advantage. They debate whether Labour’s leader is in a Biden-like position and who might replace them. They discuss tactics to win back centre voters and urgent priorities like growth, immigration and AI.
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Local Elections Show Multi‑Party Fragmentation
- Local elections exposed a fragmented UK party system rather than proving Nigel Farage is inevitable as PM.
- Reform peaked in specific leave-leaning wards and benefitted from high turnout plus heavy advertising money, not universal appeal.
Money And Media Insulate Populists
- Massive private donations and media control insulated Reform from scandals.
- Rory notes a £5m gift and wide advertising (Evening Standard wraparound) that bluntly countered negative coverage.
Limit Donations And Tackle Social Media To Curb Populism
- Tackle structural drivers of populism by reforming social media rules and campaign finance.
- Alastair recommends limits on donations and constraining overseas money to level the playing field.