🎧 Waiting for Boris

Episode summary: Barring an act of God, Boris Johnson is going to be the next leader of the Conservative Party. We’re exploring what that means in two parts. Today, Helen and David talk about the domestic implications. Can Johnson avoid an election? Can he hold on to the seats he needs while winning others he doesn’t have? Will he unite or divide his party? Will Labour be able to stop him either way? Plus we talk about what’s at stake for the Tories in Johnson’s relationship with Trump. Next week: Europe and Brexit. Talking Points: What shifted to make Boris Johnson’s victory almost inevitable? - We need to go back to the third attempt to get the meaningful vote through the House of Commons. That was Theresa May’s chance. - After 31 March, the political calculus changed. - If May had been able to pass her deal, there might have been more of an effort to stop Johnson from becoming PM. Labour is now the more divided party. And the Conservative Party has united around a very unpopular leader. - There are some parallels to the…