Owen Jones meets Liz Kendall | 'I am Labour's anti-austerity candidate'

Labour leadership hopeful Liz Kendall talks about why Jeremy Corbyn's campaign has been so inspiring compared to the other candidates. We also discussed how she would deal with extremism in Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the future of the NHS, the living wage, and whether Labour made the right decision in not opposing the Conservative government's welfare bill.
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[@martinarnold5239]

"I am labour's anti austerity candidate" yeah, and I'm the fucking pope.

[@cebenezer]

+G. Whistler She's Nicola Murry

[@bmg_darby]

+cebenezer Better than Ben Swain... go stand over there in the corner, and do not move!

[@vasalexander5784]

lol

[@lewisgrace3596]

I completely detest her policies but I can't stand the hateful speech used against her as I think she's genuinely a quite nice person.

[@OwenJonesTalks]

+Lewis Grace She certainly was very nice when we went to meet her and, I agree, I don't think all the abuse directed at Liz or any of the other candidates helps. We need a grown up debate.

[@lewisgrace3596]

Owen Jones Agreed, interesting how her and Corbyn are leading the campaign against personal attacks. Also, are you watching the Channel 4 live stream?

[@MrDannyk123]

+Lewis Grace Totally agree. She's always got a smile on and she loves being in Labour.

[@MrDannyk123]

***** HAHAHAHAHAHA I WAS RIGHT YOU ARE FOLLOWING ME HAHA

[@rubbersoulja]

+Dave Long Dave Long, Dave Long, trolls on and on.

[@ChrisMcSweeney]

Can't shake off Frankie Boyle's take on her: "Liz Kendall, with her permanent air of an office manager who has just come back from a course, couldn’t lure a voter out of a burning building - and her whole campaign is based on changing Labour to be whatever people who hate it want it to be."

[@ChrisMcSweeney]

***** Be on the look out for things that make you laugh. If you see nothing worth laughing at, pretend you see it, then laugh.

[@wayne90079]

Brilliant

[@chemicalreality]

+Dave Long Have you swallowed the little book of calm?

[@mattletissier9167]

+Chris McSweeney I like Liz Kendall, but that description is perfect. She's not leader material. Then again, neither are any of the other candidates.

[@SimonWelander]

brilliant, I hadn't heard that.

[@01parmy]

she would do well in the tory party

[@01parmy]

i don't ;)

[@cuckingfunt9353]

+paul armstrong She did do well in Bliar's Tory party.

[@daviedovey]

there are two Tory parties

[@caxzrockz]

I am only judging her on her policies and she is not someone I would ever vote for.

[@carmonandy]

+Dave Long Liz Kendal, I presume

[@KiiNGofLONDON]

+cathaoir haughey she doesn't have any

[@monkzez]

+Dave Long I do

[@monkzez]

***** It doesn't mean its good though... She appears far more right wing than any other candidate and metaphorically far more plasticy. Also Tony Blair.... after hearing that I could never ever support her or anyone who supports Tony Blair.

[@Blake4014]

+cathaoir haughey She's not a good option for sure.

[@connor_selby]

Wow, she said an awful lot of nothing.

[@Volound]

+Connor Selby she cant say things that have meaning. she can just repeat hollow, contextless phrases. she is not an actual person: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKTGnGNurZiLkJY

[@connor_selby]

Volound yeah I've seen the vid. I'm a huge fan of LSR

[@NickSBailey]

+Dave Long The "Labour" part of that sentence is superfluous.

[@Blake4014]

+Connor Selby Many politicians are good at saying alot of nothing.

[@Blake4014]

***** ???

[@cinemarxism]

One of the things that frustrated me most over the General Election was that Labour just accepted the narrative that they caused the financial crash, and didn't try to correct the Conservatives at all.

[@jakebramham5063]

to be anti-austerity, dont you actually have to be anti-austerity?

[@OliverPriceGo]

This is the best I've seen her come across.

[@PrincipledUncertainty]

Owen gives me hope for the future. He is a decent and fair person, a rare quality these days. This is the caliber of person Labour needs to attract into Parliament. I know he won't stand, but I reckon he will give inspiration to others of similar values and abilities, to get involved in the mucky business of politics.

[@PrincipledUncertainty]

slothkingn1 I'd like to see more Owens in any capacity. You are right about austerity, it could well be the Tories ultimate undoing.

[@PrincipledUncertainty]

***** His articles are full of misinformation? You are either trolling or haven't read the man.

[@PrincipledUncertainty]

***** Gaining an Oxbridge education is hardly a bad thing and his Dad was a shop steward and his Mum an IT lecturer. Hardly McJobs but at least he isn't some Etonion, like those running the Tories. His family have been involved in Socialist politics for generations, not exactly the history of some out of touch elitist. I have no doubt he has got things wrong, as for deliberately spreading misinformation, you will have to back that up with an example.

[@jimmymyers8753]

Geoff Heisenberg He should cut down on Shirt Lifting !!

[@callangoldeneye7018]

She should've been leader.

[@surmanator1]

Does anyone else think Liz is pretty?

[@PerilousSelector]

pretty horrendous

[@jimmymyers8753]

Ed Surman Her Mother , Mrs Thatcher !!

[@computerlad8458]

How does it feel to be lied to so much, Owen?

[@wayne90079]

Yeah, she is a tory

[@adzafilms]

Any word on the Peter Hitchens interview?

[@cinemarxism]

+Mr Lillico coming next apparently

[@OwenJonesTalks]

+Mr Lillico Yeah, we met a couple of weeks ago. Adam's editing it now. It'll be later this week, hopefully.

[@adzafilms]

Nice, looking forward to it

[@slothfromthegoonies8201]

Is he the lesser brother of the great Christopher Hitchens?

[@slothfromthegoonies8201]

***** I guess someone had to.

[@TenderHooligan]

What's your opinion on the mighty pat Co dell?

[@paulinebradleycarroll7745]

Great reporting.

[@circleofrage]

i don't think she answered a single question there...

[@Gooner184]

Can't wait for that Hitchens interview!

[@robbyrne4060]

Interview Milo Yiannopoulos! You are both polar opposites, it would be a cracking conversation.

[@daviedovey]

where's Milo?

[@benjaminj1996]

She seems like a really genuine and nice person

[@bradley692]

Liz Kendall says a lot without really saying anything at all 😶

[@dan_dorjay]

Good honest interview and friendly exchange of ideas. Thanks for this, we need more debate like this and less insult throwing.

[@t-mac2791]

great interview thanks

[@ravyncorbin]

She doesn't half talk some twaddle. She "the anti austerity candidate" not on you Nelly!

[@StuartJonesJones]

Fair play for doing the interview knowing Owen Jones' leanings toward Jeremy Corbyn. Unfortunately I didn't hear a lot on policy, only a lot of 'others not doing enough' . What would you DO, Liz? Substance.

[@sigmachad96]

Oh, she is? She should have said.

[@Irplatyp00s]

She spoke well on the feminist issue and for the first time I actually was fully with her on something. Buuuut as per when it comes to any other policies she's just full of hot air

[@TB.....]

Never support somebody who shys away from condemning somebody who works with dictators. That's sonebody who puts career ahead of principles.

[@NeddLudd1811]

The smoke really doesn't go all the way up the chimney with liz kandall

[@lewisdavey466]

Love these videos, keep it up Owen

[@patricklilley]

Now that Russel has gone we now have Owen.

[@redword2007]

Why is Liz Kendall in the Labour Party?

[@BackFromNowere]

I really like Liz as a person. She seems like a genuinely nice woman but unfortunately I think she is too similar to the Tories. I think even deep down she knows she won't be Labour leader but fair play for her campaign.

[@OnTheAlmondTree]

I mean she completely dodged that tax credits question.

[@patricklilley]

Really good exchange of ideas between Owen and Liz and she comes over as friendly. I think this is probably one of her best media appearances.

[@TheDensley7]

I'd love to see Owen interview David Aaronovitch.

[@playthegamelike]

It's Nicola Murray!

[@TMitHyt]

This is how good journalism works - you ask challenging questions and give the interviewee a proper opportunity to respond. Liz Kenbdall comes over as a far more reasonable person in this interview than she does in a lot of the mainstream media coverage. She's still wrong - but I wish other journalists would give Jeremy Corbyn the same respect as Owen Jones gives her.

[@fortuner123]

She really is a lightweight. Most unconvincing. The sort of responses one hears in a pub.

[@Sakurayaya]

What's your opinion about Malaysia recent situation as the #Bersih4 held all over the world (which include London)? What do you think about Malaysia?

[@gul-phamkhan5421]

Nice chat !

[@hashtagboss2935]

Why so short.

[@totalwarking7839]

I think many of labour MPs like Liz Kendall really do care about the people of the country unlike the tories but I want labour to move further to the left and maybe even form a coalition government with other left parties like the greens, lib dems and SNP, I think a coalition like that could really help the country or maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part

[@Gonzooo69]

Damn it Owen, release the Hitches one now! :P

[@niconiconico6183]

Liz Kendall definitely supports the private sector in the NHS, she has worked for the King's Fund thinktank which is dominated by the private healthcare sector, and for Patricia Hewitt, yet another health secretary who took the revolving door into private healthcare after quitting that post.

[@marcburman]

Please interview Daniel hannan

[@Weliketojumpandstuff]

Keep it up, Owen. There aren't that many people doing what you're doing; having important conversations and having them openly, being willing to properly listen to those that oppose you (allowing for sensible, informed conclusions to be reached). I think you're right not to run as an MP. At the moment, you're filling an important gap on the outside!

[@TazBuckfaster]

That pause when asked if she would condemn Blair for working for dictators says it all. Nope.

[@JapanJohnny2012]

It's like watching and listening to Davina Brent. Sheeeesh!

[@astcivor]

Well done Owen for keeping it together in spite of her saying nothing to work with. Difficult to interview someone who isn't actually communicating! Oh, and reversing the privatisation of the NHS, that is definitely NOT happening!

[@eshaahable]

you should have asked more questions about foreign policy.

[@OwenJonesTalks]

+rifat islam We were running out of time, I'm afraid.

[@UKgamer87]

When was this shot? Its been grey clouds and rain for a while now

[@OwenJonesTalks]

+Uk Gamer Just over a week ago. It has been grim outside, hasn't it?

[@UKgamer87]

+Owen Jones Yep probably because of the dwp revelations

[@maharishi3]

One more thing. There are plenty of good reasons for wanting to vote for Jeremy Corbyn but one is being able to watch him against Cameron at PMQ's every week. I cannot wait!

[@shamanahaboolist]

You should have never listened to your PR people Liz.

[@bighands69]

The UK has a deficit of near to 100 billion, national debt of 2.5 trillion and national debt liabilities of near to 10 trillion. There are no alternatives to cutting back. It has to happen.

[@johnmullarkey1878]

She is OK but she needs to think for her self and not be a puppet for the establishment . I see something try and break out of her but she is too scared to embrace it . A good person is our Liz and i hope she meditates for a while then come out fighting

[@mikedonington7578]

I really want to like Liz Kendall but I just can't.

[@meisam14]

Owen, you should have challenged her on her dismissal of Tory lite accusations.

[@Kayzef2003]

It's soo strange but everytime I see her talk, Tory comes to mind.

[@SquidPartyGames]

What will you tell me, Liz?

[@jamaln9056]

Liz Kendall creeps me out... like a mean highschool teacher

[@daviedovey]

you have to be mean to brats

[@mafoomatty7494]

is it 2003?

[@1994zacc]

Hey Owen, what do you think about a land value tax in order to reduce tax avoidance and reduce inequality?

[@lmmayer8770]

Owen, I live just down the road from Liz' constituency, a lot of people there have a lot of respect for her and her policies and they're not Blairites by any stretch. With my vote looming she's in the running for me for sure.

[@Me-ji2pn]

its good you got your school back pack on to meet your teacher Liz

[@alexander92179]

St Stephen's Tower, not Big Ben. That's the bell

[@ColdWarWarriors]

This woman is total establishment.

[@daviedovey]

the establishment know how to run things

[@HarrisonsGX]

It's odd that her answers seem to suggest very different policies to those hinted at previously. I think Kendall is typical of modern politicians who try to give what they think is the right answer to a question - which of course varies depending on the situation in which it is asked - rather than giving an answer that represents what they actually think.

[@JosephStealin]

Is it me or is Liz Kendall acually quite fit?

[@jessicawang7322]

can you interview Jacob Rees Mogg MP please?

[@fallyhag]

Need to see and hear you go more for the answer to the questions. It is all a little too nice and middle of the road....

[@DancingMad17]

good interview owen

[@suddenuprising]

"I think people want change" thats why Jeremy corbyn is so popular amongst labour voters and so feared amongst establishment politicans like liz kendal

[@derekchapman1328]

You didn't ask here about her pledge to reverse some of the Tory Governments trade union legislation.

[@freyuhhhhh]

I went right off her when I met Liz at Swindon train station and she felt it necessary to take a taxi to the venue (less than a ten minute walk away). Needless to say I've heard very little from her concerning climate change/environment.

[@johnnyM809]

Best looking out of all the candidates !

[@ludwig_iv]

I was pleased to see this. I don't think Kendall is unlikable, but I do think her policies are wrong. I also think she's come across as patronising at times, lecturing the party, which has amplified the backlash against her. I wish you had taken her more head-on on some of her statements and positions Owen, especially with regard to welfare.

[@stephenking7095]

3:45 yes owen, we need this truth spoken loud and clear at every possible opportunity. well done for making her uncomfortable about old BLiar

[@MrOzzy281]

The DM also asked about Burnham's weight, but SEXISM!

[@MrOzzy281]

***** very

[@AHormonalHippo]

Well, in my view, up until this point I haven't felt even remotely inspired by Liz Kendall, but I have to say I think she comes across rather well in this interview and I respect her for taking it on

[@jadeazim8992]

She's actually really nice...

[@alanjackson4028]

talk about the 4000 people who were found fit for work who then died within in a month

[@jmak4679]

She definitely has that 'kinda hot french teacher' look about her.

[@musclerent]

I'm not a Labour voter but I can't help wondering why so many of their politicians look like lower middle management fodder trying their luck at politics!!. Liz Kendall as nice as a person I'm sure she is falls well and truly into that camp.

[@tecathome]

Liz will say anything, she wriggled around important questions and was at odds with what she has said previously

[@18cwood]

Interesting interview Owen, thank you. Just shows what a broad church the Labour Party is though. How LK and JC can be in the same party, let alone challenging to lead it is beyond me... There's definitely going to be challenges ahead uniting the Parliamentary Labour Party, whomever wins the race.....

[@MrDannyk123]

Regret it that I put down Andy and Yvette in 2nd and 3rd. They're both snarly nasty pieces of work attacking everyone and anyone. At least Liz agrees with Owen and Jeremy that this shouldn't happen.

[@jgtemperton]

oh Liz.

[@chaz01br]

Loved the part where she said are you going to stand to become an MP! Of course he wouldn't that would mean becoming an activist and chapping on doors! That's beneath Owen.

[@htrugby]

Although she's far from inspirational, in my opinion, I was so pleased to hear her standing up to the sexism of some journalists.

[@visnamacpherson5109]

I would rather stick pins in my eyes than vote for her. As much as she protest, she is in a wrong party, confirmed by the colour of her dress.

[@shacklock01]

Liz actually comes across as quite a nice genuine person here. Surprised to see. Can see her choosing her party line there as she debates how to answer about Blair haha bless, it can't be easy for his 'supporters'.

[@nasirakram518]

Owen, can you interview Yvette Cooper as bbc newsnight and MORI recently did a focus group workshop and she was the one who came up top to pursuade ex labour voters to vote labour.

[@get2rog]

On the question of beheading. No conviction in protecting minority groups just more careful words so as not to offend the perpetrators of such atrocities.

[@Leonacharissacallon]

She really doesn't sit right with me. No one deserves to be spoken down to though. They are all going to have things said about them. I don't agree with her sticking up for Tony Blair but she's bound to as she doesn't like the fact jeremy is doing well.

[@michaelskinner2237]

While I agree that people should treat each other with respect, while also accepting the reality that we have to deal with cold, calculating criminals who are prepared to employ lies and violence against the weak and innocent to achieve their goals. To combat this harsh reality, we need to develop strong, powerful responses to deal with these aggressive elements in society that place a greater value on their own greed and tribal interests above humanity and decency.

[@wayne90079]

Could not make it to the end!!!!!

[@maharishi3]

Well done Owen very good interview. I must admit I find Liz rather unpersuasive as a politician. For example simply asserting that people should vote for her as Labour leader on the grounds that she would inevitably proceed to win the ensuing general election is wafer thin, pie in the sky, Hello Magazine, style politics which seems to be what she specializes in. I thought you were very gentlemanly. Keep up the great work. B

[@MylesHoughton]

What's the backpack about Owen?

[@garethbarrington7488]

She is a tory do the right think liz and join them