Sketchy Politics: Sunak's sinking feeling

The FT's UK political commentator Robert Shrimsley and deputy opinion editor Miranda Green sketch out Rishi Sunak's defectors, the fallout from recent elections, and impact of political drama in Scotland
Produced & edited by Tom Hannen. Studio: Rod Fitzgerald & Petros Gioumpasis
6:39 Robert's column - Tories need to learn to love London again
www.ft.com/content/39f7d724-7...
11:37 Miranda's article - ‘True blue’ turns Green as party rides countryside wave
www.ft.com/content/d6cc4e0b-5...
#ukpolitics #ukelection #politics #rishisunak #voting #labourparty
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[@robertclark5695]

This series is great! Keep it up

[@1pauljs]

His ships not been above water any of the time he’s been PM

[@EamonCoyle]

That sounds like all ships to me lol

[@user-zc4yd9ss7h]

Great front cover on 'Private Eye' Titanic etc. One drowning Tory shouts...'At least we've stopped the boat!'

[@nicksimmons7234]

‘I see no love for Starmer’

[@samlee5549]

Very funny finding this right after the summer election announcement lmao

[@grateberk6435]

Sunak is just stuffing his pockets at our expense. Despise him.

[@os3990]

should be done for fraud under the new govt. If only!

[@user-fm5hj8cq2k]

I'm an ex-Tory and, at one point, UKIP voter who now votes Green. I just much prefer their liberal social policies and attitude to the environment. I was originally attracted to the Tories because of their patriotism and their defence/foreign policy. But social policies has won out for me. We need to be a progressive society.

[@Boghopper9999]

Man, you've been on a journey, but happy you got to a good place. I think the key question for you now is will you vote with your head (tactical voting) or your heart (preferred party) in the election? Hoping Labour treat the Greens and Lib Dems as allies when they are in power (one can hope)

[@CeticWales]

Tories to UKIP to Greens is a very interesting political journey, do you mind me asking what shifted your priority from defence and foreign affairs to social and environmental issues?

[@MrAH2010]

We need an update!

[@josephelmes2165]

New episode please!!

[@basbeekman97]

I’m not even Britisch, but love this explanation of the political landscape! Big elections every in the world right now. I would love to see these kind of video’s for countries like India, the US or the European election.

[@AndrewHadland]

The West Midlands mayoralty was only a close run thing because of the pro-Palestine independent who got 69,000 votes. If Gaza hadn’t been an issue Labour would have cruised to an easy win. If the Gaza war is resolved by the time of the election, the Muslim vote will return home to Labour. If it’s unresolved it makes the election much more interesting in areas with large Muslim demographics as people like George Galloway will capitalise on the issue

[@SlowhandGreg]

Labour don't need it the constituencies it matters in Labour already have a comfortable majority

[@AndrewHadland]

@@SlowhandGreg sorry I wasn't clear in my original comment. They might not need it but it will be interesting to see whether they choose to sit out the election or where their vote migrates to. It won't be interesting in the sense that it changes the outcome of the election I agree. Although I have to caveat that with not thinking it's a good look for them to allow constituencies in and other areas with significant majorities to disappear because of one issue.

[@SlowhandGreg]

@@AndrewHadland Any voter swayed by minor foreign policy shifts is transitory. Labour clearly stated they wanted a cease fire and a 2 state solution when they amended the SNP motion that policy has not changed while the pro Palestinian lobby have moved onto demanding sanctions. There is no win with these people Instead Labour are pitching to bread and butter issues like the cost of living, schools, housing, NHS etc. while providing at least a different vision on migration both legal and illegal.

[@AndrewHadland]

@@SlowhandGreg I agree they’re fickle and single issue voters but it doesn’t take away that this is for many Muslims the most important issue and that they’re a significant chunk of the electorate in quite key places (Birmingham, Yorkshire, certain districts of London and Manchester). I’ll be voting Labour for the first time this year (although I suspect it won’t make much difference as I’m based in Solihull, which is pretty true blue)

[@SlowhandGreg]

@@AndrewHadland I'm in a northern blue wall seat and am voting tactically Lib-Dem. The UKIP ification they have gone through has cratered support locally our local businesses have been severally hit by Brex1t, other key local issues include RAAC, sewage in the local river, the state of the roads, local transport and affordable housing. Even the well off middle class round here are venting on the Tories with their kids up to their eyeballs in student debt and having to move back home because of rent costs

[@Yickbob]

I like your drawing of Sunak - looks like he’s wearing a little sailor suit. Perfect!

[@joshhoffman1975]

Great series, thanks!

[@freddiecycles]

As always, a brilliant analysis by Robert and Miranda 👏

[@ouihenry]

I love these

[@andrewjones-productions]

I honestly think that Humza Yousaf's bold move in cutting off the Scottish Greens was the best thing for the SNP. Yousaf wasn't without his own issues and baggage, but I think that he'll possibly go down in Scottish history as the man that made the difference if independence is ultimately achieved. Regardless, Sunak's election delaying tactics is going to be good for Swinney and the SNP and not so good for the Tories, LibDems and Labour in Scotland. Especially if Swinney has some 'political wins' that appeals to voters before now and then. The only thing that he has to be careful of is Forbes. I suspect that she's liable to making impromptu statements to the press that might not qualify as gaffes, but will certainly divide the electorate.

[@Calvin23]

Fishy is a Yes Man and doesn’t command respect or authority. He also doesn’t address issues that people really care about.

[@Serpsss]

You could say that he's a fish out of water. A little fish in a big pond, always fishing for compliments but everyone knows there's plenty more fish in the sea (and turds).

[@SlowhandGreg]

His speech on Monday was given behind a Policy Exchange screen they are a climate denying low tax for the wealthy abandon net zero fossil lobby funded think tank He's doing exactly what his handlers have asked him to do including billions in fossil subsidies, billions to bankers, billions to millionaire pensioners, canning net zero etc.

[@RBC0405]

He also gives off massive Tony Blair vibes...

[@Helen-nl9lv]

And never answers questions. And never pulled up on it by the corrupt Mr Speaker

[@buzzukfiftythree]

@@RBC0405Tony Blair may have had his faults and made a few duff decisions (e.g. the support for the Iraq War). But the major differences are that Tony Blair was highly competent and had charisma. Sunak is akin to ‘’Tim Nice But Dim”.

[@ChubbyChecker182]

I hate this kind of politics coverage, more "posh people giggling and being witty"... They know nothing of what it's like for most people.

[@buzzukfiftythree]

There was a time, just a few years ago when the Tories could have put up a chimpanzee as candidate in our constituency and it would have romped home. Our local MP had a majority of over 15K in 2019. However, after the recent council elections they were left with just 7 council seats (almost all of them in the rural parts of the borough) out of 39. The Lib Dem Party now have 22 and council control and Labour has 5. I’m a lifelong Labour supporter but will be voting tactically for the Lib Dem candidate at the election.

[@childoftheuniverse2644]

Apparently they run out of chimpanzees and Susnak became PM.

[@nicks4934]

Great ❤

[@GeoffDavis1974]

And dragging England down with him. 🤬

[@robt2778]

A better comparison fir the Greens might be the SNP. Once dismissed as a niche party tyey eventually disposed of Labour, and despite their current problems they're going to remain an important party in Scotland. The Greens may never threaten to wipe out Labour in England but its not impossible that they'll eventually gain a couple of dozen MPs. They're doing well in traditional labour areas such as Liverpool, Bristol and Manchester, as well as in some rural areas.

[@FranzBieberkopf]

True enough, but the SNP may be taking this full circle with heavy defeats now and in 2026. I know single polls aren't very representative, but Labour with a 10% lead over the SNP isn't a good omen for the general election

[@sandyellis28]

Don’t know what Levido’s advising but Sunak hasn’t got a clue. He’s at war with every party / city / interest & even if by some miracle, Tories win large number of seats, no one will go into coalition with them. On security, I don’t think he will be trusted. A) People have stopped listening, don’t believe him & want change regardless. B) People feel much more insecure personally - in terms of finances, CoL, mortgages & rent, taking care of their families, their heath with NHS, dentists, soc care + crime, prison spaces & even drinking water now! So we’re not suddenly going to find new faith that this Govt will make us more secure, cares to, or that it’s even able to cope with any international conflict rationally!

[@davidwiiliams1656]

There were no local elections in Wales. How could Plaid Cymru do Well? 5.40 mins

[@CeticWales]

We did have PPC elections but they were not much of an indicator. She highlighted mid Wales and I don't think Plaid have any hope of gaining any additional seats in the Defyd-Powys police area since they hold most of the "Y fro Gymraeg" seats and I think they are unlikely to gain the seats in the more "British" seats in the east. They might get Ynys Mon but that is in North Wales.

[@markjones4704]

yup surely only a matter of time before it collaspes

[@felicitymabudusha4761]

Kan julle nie engel subtitels insit nie?

[@CeticWales]

You highlighted Plaid doing well mid and West Wales were they already hold Ceredigion and have no chance of gating Brecon or Mongermyshire in elections. It was also just PPC elections in Wales no logical elections. They want to try to gain Ynys Mon which is a three-way marginal between the Conservatives, Labour and Plaid but I don't see them making inroads much elsewhere.

[@memofromessex]

If Labour won my local constituency, I'll run down the high road naked - if they win Mondeo Man town then the Tories will be on less than 100 seats; which is possible, if we look at some of the projections!

[@-BY205]

Celebrities??? 😂😂 there are going because there are toast 😂😂 Circus UK 🇬🇧 😂😂

[@nicks4934]

He has achieved nothing as a minister or pm. At least the FT has some integrity

[@derekwhite2929]

Actually much more like a submerged submarine than a sinking ship!

[@legalbeagle2916]

He’s signing his biggest deal - the FTA with Modi in India soon

[@user-nh5re9xr7l]

Tories sinking sharks incoming 😂😂😂

[@chrisbennett-lp7pd]

Vote the Tories out. Useless party.

[@paulholdstock4751]

safer with tories??? Please do us a favour

[@alwayshonestopinion]

Southeast Asian politicians' ship never sinks, FYI! They know how to retain political power forever! He will retain political power with the support and help of Southeast Asian leaders! June 5th it will be visible to everyone 🎉 Example - London mayor election results 🎉 So stop day dreaming 😅😂😂

[@cameronmartin3616]

Nov 14th?

[@smritipahari3363]

July 4th

[@EamonCoyle]

Should have called it the Fishy Rishi !!

[@Boghopper9999]

Less SS Sunak, and more SOS Sunak😜

[@markbrad123]

Back to the day job then.

[@rev.olution583]

Greens are a middle class party for the middle class

[@nicks4934]

Not really. Class wars don’t help. Do you mean educated? If so why are you against educated people?

[@khar12d8]

The Tories will lose but I think their demise is a tad overdone. There are habitual tribal voters in Britain, both Labour and Tory have them. Smaller parties UK wide don't so much. So the Tories will win a whole slate of seats because of sheer tribalism. Just like Labour will always win a base due to the same reason. Reform appeal more to poorer, older white areas i.e. Blackpool. But in the more affluent provincial Tory areas Reform aren't much of a threat, just like UKIP wasn't in those areas 10 years ago. And then Labour in power will have to balance its more liberal metropolitan centres with its more immigration sceptic, culturally conservative areas. So that's a divide I doubt is completely going away. It will just be expressed through a new governing party.

[@Serpsss]

I'm sorry but that picture looks like Sunak is throwing tampons overboard in the hopes they'll expand enough to restore buoyancy 😂. Nevermind; given the pathetic playground stunts he's been employing it's still a good analogy.

[@rosanecamilli2765]

O ministro brasileiro, Barroso, numa RARA ENTREVISTA ???????? ... kkkkkkk ... aff, o ministro Barroso adora os holofotes ... e no Brasil, vive dando entrevistas ideológicas, pois é "amigo do rei" ... rsrsrsrs ...

[@fToo]

Robert constantly talking over Miranda makes this unwatchable. Shame - I was looking forward to it.

[@nicks4934]

Mansplaining lol❤

[@carlishiggins]

bkg ggm instead of making ranting videos about tories you realy need to move on by making videos on how to get our stolen billions back by planning , identifying tory businesses and putting winfall tax on all tory owned businesses and their spoilt foreign wealthy friends siblings who are in our universities having fun squatting in UK

[@carlishiggins]

ahem instead of making ranting videos about tories you realy need to move on by making videos on how to get our stolen billions back by planning , identifying tory businesses and putting winfall tax on all tory owned businesses and their spoilt foreign wealthy friends siblings who are in our having funsquatting in our universities

[@musiqueetmontagne]

Yawn yawn.... 🥱🥱🥱

[@flickthenick]

Go to sleep, please...

[@Serpsss]

​@@flickthenick Have a heart, they're probably one of the third class passengers Sunak has locked in the lower decks deep below the waterline. The hypoxia is making them tired & unable to think clearly.

[@ArjunKumar-qn3ex]

this is so boring

[@flickthenick]

Don't watch then...

[@CeticWales]

Why are you watching if you find it boring?