Coffee House Shots

What’s behind the reduced majority in Old Bexley and Sidcup?

10 min listen

The by-election last night was a result for the Tories. However, their majority for this seat fell dramatically. Labour tried to badge it as good news for them, claiming that they are ‘back in business’. But the poor voter turnout was more likely the reason for the fall in Tory votes rather than a swing in Labour’s direction.

With this win, will the Conservatives move on from the difficult month they’ve had? Perhaps not with more scandals appearing. Tory peer, Michelle Mone has just been accused of racism after some leaked WhatsApp messages show she told a man of Indian heritage that he was a ‘waste of a man’s white skin’.

Also on the podcast, the report on the 2020 Euros has concluded that there was ‘collective failure’ in the planning of the match which saw 2000 people break into the stadium illegally.

‘I think this touches again on how well-led the Metropolitan police is’
– James Forsyth

Can Cressida Dick cling onto her job this time?

Isabel Hardman is joined by Katy Balls and James Forsyth.

Subscribe to The Spectator’s Evening Blend email, from Isabel Hardman and Katy Balls, for analysis of the day’s political news and a summary of the best pieces from our website. Go to www.spectator.co.uk/blend to sign up.

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