For young people in the UK, ‘political stability’ is an oxymoron. Our generation has grown up alongside a series of so-called ‘once-in-a-generation’ crises, and many hear the phrase ‘British Government’ and immediately think of a controversial policy choice, frontline politician or a scandal which is dominating the news.
This series, however, takes the long view of British politics and aims to gain a clearer understanding of how and why it has changed in the 21st century by interviewing 4 people who have each worked in and around the heart of Government during this time.
In this episode, Tom speaks to newly appointed member of the House of Lords, Baroness Catherine MacLeod, about her career as a journalist and how it influenced her experience as political adviser to Alistair Darling during the financial crisis.
This episode was recorded a few weeks ago before recent developments in Number 10.
(00:00) - (04:28) Intro
(04:28) - (08:18) Parliament’s Lobby – being a political journalist in the noughties
(08:18) - (11:43) The most memorable media trips with prime ministers.
(11:43) - (13:00) From the Lobby to the Treasury
(13:00) - 1(5:17) How a change of Chancellor leads to a change of dynamic within the Treasury.
(15:17) - (17:33) Inside the Treasury during the Financial Crisis
(17:33) - (22:39) Catherine’s role in the Treasury – adding perspective to policymaking
(22:39) - (24:38) What it was like working during crisis
(24:38) - (26:22) Advising the Chancellor on communications + Darling’s way of working
(26:22) - (27:5): Darling’s legacy and reputation
(27:57) - (30:07) The relationship between Gordon Brown and Alastair Darling
(30:07) - (32:31) The long shadow of the financial crisis
(32:31) - (34:37) Evaluating Starmer’s Government’s communications, some even better ifs…
(34:37) - (36:44) How social media is impacting political communication
(36:44) - (39:52) Catherine’s route into the ‘ludicrous’ Lords
(39:52) - (43:32) Catherine’s evaluation of the Lords as it stands
(43:32) - (46:03) A brief explanation of the Lords and how it works
(46:03) - (47:02) Book recommendation (“read as much as you can”)
(47:02) Outro