The Trouble With Politics

Josh Russell, from FORWARD DEMOCRACY which spearheads the MOVEMENT FORWARD campaign is a massive advocate of tactical voting. In another exclusive episode of The Trouble With Politics, he and I discuss using your vote to try and ensure that the change, which seem to be indicated in the polls, becomes reality for the General Elections. AND he’s got an interesting take on how it could work for the forthcoming local elections. But also, I quiz Josh on what happens next if voters decide they do want to vote tactically? Then what? Tune inFurther reading:LOCAL ELECTIONS Thursday 2 May 2024: WHO AM I VOTING FOR? Check here: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information Check you’ve got the right VOTER ID: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-idMain tactical voting websiteSTOP THE TORIES VOTE – ‘A tactical voting tool by The Movement Forward’ https://stopthetories.vote/ 1997 TACTICAL VOTING INFOJosh referred to how tactical voting worked in 1997, here’s a Guardian comment piece by Will Hutton in the run up to the 2019 General Election reflecting on that: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/08/tactical-voting-helped-rescue-britain-in-1997-we-can-do-it-againRecent Politico review: https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/politico-london-influence/lets-talk-tactics-2/ DATA DROPJosh mentioned data released by Best for Britain on 6 April, which said’13 million Brits ready to vote tactically and identifies 510 ‘tactical voting seats’ key to keeping Tories out of Number 10 for a decade’. Read the full report: https://www.bestforbritain.org/tactical_vote_mrp_spring_2024 Good Morning Britain / Survation poll revealed Monday 29 April 2024: https://x.com/GMB/status/1784815936509227045 Labour’s New Policy Forum website: https://www.policyforum.labour.org.uk/ And report on current voting system of First Past The Post https://www.labourforanewdemocracy.org.uk/news/fptp-flawed-and-damaging MEDIA REGULATIONMedia regulation is alive and kicking in the UK. Make any complaints you want to about newspapers and other printed publications direct to the media organisation and to the regulators, of which there are several! IPSO https://www.ipso.co.uk/IMPRESS https://www.impressorg.com/OFCOM (covers broadcasting) https://www.ofcom.org.uk/Other sites of interestHACKED OFF: https://hackinginquiry.org/SOCIETY OF EDITORS https://www.societyofeditors.org/TTWP PODCAST SITE https://marverinecole.co.uk/podcast/ TTWP CROWDFUNDER: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-trouble-with-politics-podcast/contact#start  

The twists and turns of politics are often not far behind when speaking to elected politicians. The episode was recorded last week, and yet and within hours of the edit being finalised, there was some breaking news about Mr Gething. So here’s the context which we acknowledge:Vaughan Gething accepted over £200,000s in campaign donations from a controversial waste company, Dauson Environmental Group -  whose director was convicted of environmental offences.Former First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford conducted an internal investigation, which in February 2024 concluded that Vaughan Gething’s actions did NOT breach the ministerial code.However, on 22 April 2024, the leaders of Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservative Senedd appear to be dissatisfied with that investigation and have now called for new investigation – which should be independent.Gething immediately ruled that out the next day, insisting that there was no conflict of interest.For more detail, read up herehttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/vaughan-gething-first-minister-welsh-welsh-conservatives-carwyn-jones-b2533390.htmlhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clm3gev0vl2ohttps://www.gov.wales/first-minister-vaughan-gething-announces-new-welsh-government-cabinetAnd join our Crowdfunder, if you feel you can: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-trouble-with-politics-podcast/contact#start

With elections for councillors and a mayor in 10 places in England on Thursday 2 May 2024, it's time for a nosey around the topic. We are used to devolution in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so let's briefly review what the system of powers devolved to a mayor looks & feels like in the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Bristol and the borough of Lewisham. This edition looks at the crises in some of our local councils & the fallout, with an insight from the prospective candidates vying to knock the current West Midlands mayor off the top spot, and of course plenty of voices from voters! Contributions from West Midlands Mayor, Andy StreetGreen  party candidate for West Midlands Mayor, Siobhan Harper-NunesLabour candidate for West Midlands Mayor, Richard ParkerTina Harrison OBEDr Thom Oliver, Senior politics lecturer at the University of West of England, Bristol Matty Edwards, Bristol CableVoters https://www.gov.uk/register-to-votehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8v36l6d54do

The Trouble With Politics is a podcast offering new views & voices, discussing the state of British politics, exploring alternative ways of engaging with & doing politics. Hosted by journalist & broadcaster, Marverine Cole, we'll speak to voters, the elected, heck even those who are willing to stand for election, those who feel left unrepresented by politicians, and those seeking new ways to reinvigorate the UK's political system.Keep up with all the TTWP episodes by signing up to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/mrKX7 And following social media. RIght now the account that is active is X (formerly known as Twitter)X:https://twitter.com/troublepolitics 

Introducing "The Trouble with Politics" – a  dynamic podcast, hosted by journalist & broadcaster Marverine Cole, spotlighting the voices of marginalised voters and non-voters within the UK political sphere. Join us as we navigate the intricate landscape of British politics, shedding light on the perspectives often overlooked by mainstream discourse.  We delve deep, examining the challenges facing our nation through the lens of those on the margins. With insightful analysis, candid discussions, and expert insights, "The Trouble with Politics" offers a platform for understanding and amplifying diverse viewpoints. Tune in and be part of the conversation shaping the future of UK politics.Edition 01 coming soon.Follow us:instagram.com/troublewithpoliticstwitter.com/troublepolitics