THE KENT POLITICS PODCAST
Episode 33: Michael Howard – Reflections on a Political Journey
In this special episode of The Kent Politics Podcast, Simon Finlay interviews for leader of the Conservative Party Michael Howard, Lord Howard of Lympne.
Key Discussion Points:
1. Political Career Overview
- Elected as MP for Folkestone and Hythe in 1983.
- Served in the cabinets of Margaret Thatcher and John Major, notably as Home Secretary.
- Led the Conservative Party into the 2005 General Election.
2. Conservative Party’s Future
- Despite recent electoral defeats, believes in the resilience and recovery potential of the Conservative Party.
- Emphasises that historical precedents show political parties can rebound from significant losses.
3. Election Analysis
- Discusses factors contributing to recent election outcomes including voter shifts towards Reform UK.
- Highlights impact of internal party issues like Boris Johnson’s tenure and Liz Truss’s policies on voter confidence.
4. Leadership Insights
- Reflects on his time as Leader of Opposition post-Ian Duncan Smith’s no-confidence vote loss.
- Stresses importance of establishing competence within opposition to gain public trust for future elections.
5. Modern Political Landscape
- Acknowledges increased volatility in politics due to changing news consumption habits and social media influence.
6. Immigration Challenges
- Talks about handling immigration during his tenure as Home Secretary through agreements with France.
- Critiques current strategies while emphasising need for effective deterrence mechanisms against illegal crossings.
7. Life Post-Parliamentary Career
- Splits time between homes in Kent and London; remains active with business interests, football fandom, and contributions at House of Lords.
Notable Quotes:
“The Conservative Party is the oldest and most successful political party in the world.”
“Oppositions don’t win elections; governments lose them.”
“Margaret Thatcher by a country mile,” — On who he considers being the most impressive Prime Minister since his entry into politics.
Additional Resources:
For more information about Michael Howard’s career or topics discussed: Michael Howard Biography
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