How Rishi Sunak is losing the right-wing media | Andrew Marr | The New Statesman

Summary

The video discusses the complex and rapidly changing relationship between UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the traditionally Conservative-supporting right-wing media. It describes how papers like The Telegraph and broadcasters like GB News are increasingly critical of Sunak, nudging their readers/viewers towards the further-right Reform UK party. The script argues this reflects genuine anger within the Conservative grassroots and predicts it may spark a future leadership contest, installing a more populist leader who struggles with moderates in Parliament. It concludes by saying such media hostility to a flailing government is rare and signals growing authority issues at the heart of politics.

Takeaways

• 📰 The right-wing media, traditionally supportive of the Conservative Party, is increasingly hostile towards Rishi Sunak and his government.
• 🔍 An opinion poll in the Daily Telegraph suggested a significant decline in Conservative Party support, predicting a landslide victory for Keir Starmer's Labour Party.
• 🗳️ The detailed Telegraph poll allowed MPs to see the potential impact on their individual constituencies, creating unease within the Conservative Party.
• 📈 Reform UK, a right-wing party, is gaining traction among traditional Conservative voters and media, potentially leading to a significant shift in UK politics.
• 🔥 The Telegraph's critical stance towards the Conservative Party marks a departure from its historical alignment and could influence the party's future direction.
• 🌐 The potential takeover of the Telegraph by a consortium involving foreign investors is a pivotal moment for British journalism and its independence.
• 💼 Modern newspaper editors, driven by data and reader feedback, are less politically aligned and more focused on audience interests, impacting their editorial choices.
• 📺 GB News, a right-leaning broadcaster, debates openly supporting Reform UK, which could further influence the political landscape.
• 🤝 Rupert Murdoch's News UK is reportedly aligning with Keir Starmer's Labour Party, indicating a shift in media support towards the likely next government.
• ⚖️ The changing media landscape reflects a broader shift in politics, with the media seeking new alignments amidst a perceived decline in Conservative Party authority.

Q & A

What is the relationship currently like between Rishi Sunak's government and the conservative media?

The relationship is increasingly hostile, with conservative media becoming more aligned with the right-wing and critical of Sunak's government ahead of the next election.

How damaging was the recent Daily Telegraph opinion poll for Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives?

It suggested the Tories were heading for their worst election defeat since 1906, which is very damaging for Sunak. The poll predicts a 1997-style wipeout with Labour having a 120 seat majority.

How could Reform UK pose an existential threat to the Conservative Party?

Reform UK is polling around 12-13% currently. Richard Tice believes with Nigel Farage's return they could get 16-17% by Easter. If they reach 20% and rival the Conservatives, it could split the right-wing vote and wipe out the Tories.

Why might the Telegraph be attacking Rishi Sunak's government when they may need its help against the Redbird takeover bid?

The new generation Telegraph editors like Chris Evans are data-driven and focused on readership. Readers are shifting to Reform UK, so the Telegraph reflects that in coverage critical of Sunak, despite needing government help against Redbird.

How could Paul Dacre and Rupert Murdoch's media operations impact the next election?

Dacre admires the Telegraph's Chris Evans, so if his Mail group bought the Telegraph he'd strongly influence the next Tory leadership race. Murdoch has apparently done a deal with Starmer's Labour, sensing they will win.

What is GB News' stance and how could it damage Rishi Sunak?

GB News owner Paul Marshall favours pluralism. It regularly features Reform UK members and is debating backing them fully. This platform for criticism of Sunak from the right is very difficult for Number 10.

Why can't Rishi Sunak rely on traditional right-wing media allies?

Times/Sun are distancing from Tories as Murdoch courts Starmer. Telegraph is reflecting its shifting readership. Unherd/GB News back Reform UK. Most media follow where power is heading, which is away from Sunak.

What change is happening in the new generation of newspaper editors?

They are data-driven and focused on readership over political links. Constant reader feedback means they reflect readers shifting to Reform UK rather than supporting Sunak like old Tory-linked editors.

How could the media landscape explode the right of British politics?

If Reform UK rivals Tories in polls, right-wing media backing them could help wipe out centrist Conservatives at the election. Then activists would elect a populist leader, shunned by Tory MPs.

What is driving the changes in the media's relationship with Rishi Sunak's government?

There is a radical loss of authority at the center of politics. The media reflect this by moving away from a failing Tory party and exploring alternatives like Reform UK or Labour instead of dutifully backing Number 10.