Ben Walker

Ben Walker, a keen political commentator and journalist, joins Anoush Chakelian to forecast the political landscape of 2026. They reflect on the ten-year anniversary of Brexit and its long-term impact. The conversation touches on Reform UK's strategy to engage non-voters and the shifting public sentiments around staying in or rejoining the EU. They also explore the challenges posed by an ageing population and the pressures on social care due to council funding issues. Walker suggests that economic factors, notably cost of living concerns, will dominate political discourse.

Ben Walker, a senior data journalist and polling expert at the New Statesman, joins to dissect Labour's alarming polling crisis as the party sits at just 14%. He highlights the importance of aggregating multiple polls due to methodological differences and warns that current numbers indicate a 'rock bottom' low. They discuss Keir Starmer's dwindling approval ratings and potential leadership changes, while exploring how evolving political volatility might impact Labour's future. The conversation underscores the urgent need for the party to reassess its strategy amid rising challenges.