Richard Johnson

Dan Hannan, a Conservative peer and Brexit advocate, debates with Richard Johnson, a Labour Party historian, over Brexit's implications for British jobs. They discuss the notion of Labour's loyalty to Brexit and its economic impacts. Alice Loxton, a historian and author, dives into the appeal of bite-sized history, defending its accessibility amid a distracted audience. The conversation also humorously touches on the chaos of having 95 bridesmaids, exploring social dynamics and expectations. It's a lively mix of politics and history!

Danny Finkelstein, a long‑time Conservative peer and former SDP member, shares firsthand tales of switching sides. Richard Johnson, an academic who studies party realignments, traces historical patterns of defections. They discuss when switching pays off, party culture and suspicion of defectors, the emotional cost at constituency level, and how new breakaway groups compare to past movements.

In this engaging discussion, Richard Johnson, an expert in British political history, and Danny Finkelstein, a Conservative peer with SDP roots, explore the complex dynamics of party defections. They analyze historical examples, revealing that success often hinges on a defector’s new party's stature. Danny shares his personal journey, highlighting the cultural shifts within parties. The duo also delves into the current weakening of party identities, illustrating how today’s defections mirror past trends, driven by ambition and changing political landscapes.