How To Win An Election How To Sell Starmer The Statesman
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Apr 9, 2026 Simon Finkelstein, former adviser to senior Conservative ministers, shares sharp takes on foreign policy, defence spending and political messaging. He debates whether recasting a leader as a global statesman can sway voters. Conversation jumps to defence as industrial strategy, the rise of the Greens, and whether Parliament needs more real-world experience.
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PPB Aimed Internally To Prevent Leadership Change
- The party political broadcast leans on Starmer's international competence to deter leadership challenges within Labour.
- Polly and Simon warn the message feels cautious and risks becoming a crutch rather than a transformational reset.
Force A Fiscal Reckoning On Defence Now
- If you commit to higher defence spending, make explicit funding choices and trade-offs now rather than vague targets.
- Simon warns reaching 3% GDP requires hard decisions: raise taxes or cut other spending.
Turn Security Spending Into Growth Opportunities
- Link defence policy to an economic growth story and practical incentives to mobilise public support.
- Polly and Sally suggest time-limited measures (tax bounties, incentives for solar/installations) to shift investment quickly.