Q&A: Do the Tories need a bigger kicking?

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Mar 27, 2026

A lively debate over whether the Conservatives’ crushing defeat signals real change or just more talk. Detailed discussion of migration, the mini‑budget, levelling up and housing failures. Analysis of Starmer’s use of “national interest” amid rising tensions with Iran. A cheerful detour into which politicians read widely and three books every would‑be policymaker should know.

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INSIGHT

Why The Tory Defeat Was More Than Ideology

The Conservatives' defeat wasn't just about being insufficiently right-wing; failures included competence and the perception of one rule for the powerful.
Michael Gove cites Partygate, the mini-budget fiasco and poor execution on policy like migration control as core causes of voter anger.

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ADVICE

Defend Your Team To Encourage Boldness

Conservatives should avoid punishing their own voices and instead embolden leaders to be bolder and defend allies under attack.
Michael Gove argues resisting the online 'pitchfork mob' and not instantly dropping figures encourages stronger politics.

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INSIGHT

Reform UK Is Here To Stay And Alters Right Dynamics

Reform UK won't simply fade away and may coexist uneasily with the Conservatives, acting as a right-wing accountability force.
Gove and Madeline note mutual roles: reform keeps Tories honest while future Conservatives could keep reform pragmatic.

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Do the Conservatives need a bigger kicking?

00:39 • 52sec

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Where the Conservatives went wrong

01:31 • 1min

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Migration and policy credibility

02:33 • 1min

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Economic mismanagement and the mini-budget

03:39 • 1min

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Levelling up and housing failures

05:00 • 1min

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Conservatives abandoning allies

06:08 • 1min

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Reform UK and the future of the right

07:09 • 3min

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Signs of change inside the Tory party

10:03 • 2min

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What Starmer means by 'national interest'

12:25 • 38sec

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Starmer's positioning on Iran

13:04 • 2min

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National interest as political signalling

Best‑read politicians you've met

18:03 • 1min

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Well‑read current MPs

19:14 • 5min

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Three books every politician should read

24:37 • 4min

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Trollope, conservatism and institutions

28:09 • 2min

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Literature's lessons for politics

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

The Winding Stair

A. E. W. Mason

The novel follows Paul Ravenel as he attempts to atone for his father's past mistakes by joining the French army in Morocco. There, he falls in love with Marguerite Lambert and becomes embroiled in local conflicts. The story explores themes of redemption, love, and political intrigue.

#1693

• Mentioned in 25 episodes

The Years of Lyndon Johnson

A Biography

Robert A. Caro

The Years of Lyndon Johnson is a multi-volume biography that meticulously details the life of Lyndon B. Johnson. The series includes four published volumes: The Path to Power, Means of Ascent, Master of the Senate, and The Passage of Power. These volumes cover Johnson's early life in the Texas Hill Country, his rise through Congress, his tenure as Senate Majority Leader, and his assumption of the presidency after John F. Kennedy's assassination. The biography is known for its exhaustive research, including interviews with numerous contemporaries of Johnson and a deep dive into the historical context of his life and times.

#9373

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

The Way We Live Now

Lost and Found

Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead's "The Way We Live Now" is a poignant reflection on the aftermath of 9/11, exploring themes of loss, grief, and resilience. The essay masterfully captures the emotional turmoil and uncertainty that gripped the nation in the wake of the attacks. Whitehead's evocative prose creates a powerful and moving narrative that resonates with readers on a deeply personal level. The essay explores the complexities of national identity and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy. "The Way We Live Now" is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and find hope amidst devastation.

#69664

The View from Number 11 (again in context of being a memoir)

Nigel Lawson

Nigel Lawson's 'The View from Number 11' offers an account of his tenure as Chancellor, with reflections on fiscal strategy, political tensions, and cabinet dynamics. The memoir provides practical perspectives on economic governance and the pressures of ministerial office. Lawson recounts key decisions and the rationale behind his approach to markets, taxation, and public spending. His narrative sheds light on the institutional culture of Treasury and the challenges of translating economic ideas into policy. The book is valued for its firsthand insights into high office and the era's economic debates.

#70476

Porterhouse blue

Tom Sharpe

Tom Sharpe's 'Porterhouse Blue' is a biting comic novel set in a fictional Cambridge college, lampooning the eccentricities and conservatism of academic institutions. The plot revolves around attempts to modernise the college and the extreme, often absurd resistance those attempts provoke, featuring a large cast of grotesque and hilarious characters. Sharpe's dark humour skewers privilege, bureaucracy, and the self-serving tendencies of those in authority, delivering laugh-out-loud scenes alongside sharper social commentary. The novel is celebrated for its sharp satire, memorable characters, and unapologetic farce, making it a staple of late-20th-century British comic fiction. Its critique of institutional stubbornness resonates with readers who see similar dynamics in contemporary organisations.

#1341

• Mentioned in 30 episodes

Reflections on the revolution in France

Edmund Burke

Edmund Burke's "Reflections on the Revolution in France" is a powerful critique of the French Revolution, arguing that it was based on abstract principles that ignored the complexities of human society and the importance of tradition. Burke's work is a classic statement of conservative political philosophy, emphasizing the importance of gradual change, respect for institutions, and the dangers of radicalism. The "Reflections" remains a relevant and insightful commentary on the challenges facing modern societies. Burke's emphasis on prudence, tradition, and the importance of preserving social order continues to resonate with conservatives today. The book is a cornerstone of conservative political thought.

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

The View From Number 11

Nigel Lawson

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#19830

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Phineas Finn

Anthony Trollope

'Phineas Finn' is a political novel by Anthony Trollope, part of the Palliser series, which follows the career of a young Irishman in British Parliament. The novel explores themes of ambition, social mobility, and the challenges of maintaining integrity in the corrupt world of politics. Phineas's charm and intelligence allow him to navigate the complex social landscape of London, but he faces numerous moral dilemmas. The story delves into the personal lives of politicians, revealing their vulnerabilities and the compromises they make to advance their careers. Trollope's detailed portrayal of parliamentary life and his nuanced characters make 'Phineas Finn' a compelling exploration of Victorian society and politics.

To submit your urgent questions to Michael and Maddie, visit spectator.com/quiteright.

In this week’s Q&A: do the Conservatives need an even bigger kicking? After their worst defeat in generations, they debate whether the party has really changed – or whether voters still see a gap between what it says and what it does.

Also this week: what does Keir Starmer actually mean by acting in the ‘national interest’? As the conflict with Iran escalates, they unpack whether the Prime Minister’s language reflects a clear strategy – or political positioning.

And finally: who are the best-read politicians – and which books should anyone in power be reading?

Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

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