Update: 20/06/2024


** Just two weeks to go - Here’s what you need to know.
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There’s an old adage that polls always tighten on the cusp of an election. But Rishi Sunak seems to be doing everything in his power to prevent it from happening.

Once again mired in scandal, this time members of the Prime Ministers inner circle are rumoured to have placed bets ([link removed]) on the election date – potentially a violation given their insider knowledge. Not only that, the Tories – according to @tomorrowsmps ([link removed]) on Twitter – are hedging their bets and conceding seats across the country, focusing resources just on the “winnable” ones.

Ironically the sitting Prime Minister, for the first time in British history, could lose his seat at this election. It would be a historic moment.

But maybe the adage about polls closing in does contain a kernel of truth. It’s just that Sunak’s Conservatives are no longer the real opposition. The political right’s centre of gravity in Britain has shifted, thanks to the populism and nativism of our recent governments, over to Farage and Tice’s camp. Reform is the one closing in.

Regardless of what happens, the scene is set for a truly mad election. We’ll be enjoying the righteous downfall of a government that subverted democracy at every turn – but also looking beyond July 4th to ensure democracy is safeguarded in future.

In other news…

* Labour’s local party chair in Islington North has been forced to resign after secretly campaigning for Jeremy Corbyn’s independent campaign following his expulsion from the party.
* According to The Times (take with a grain of salt), Nigel Farage is predicted to sweep Clacton with 42% of the vote – one of the biggest swings in electoral history.
* Boris Johnson has reportedly bailed on his plans to rejoin the Conservative ranks, probably after it became clear the party is barreling towards a historic defeat. He’s going on holiday (again) instead.

All the very best,

The Open Britain Team
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