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Aaron Bastani: There are many insane things about...
Aaron Bastani
25, June #StarmerCrisis

Aaron Bastani: There are many insane things about...

There are many insane things about Starmer's local govt reforms. But perhaps the best is a *mayor* for the whole of Suffolk and Norfolk (9,200 sq kilometres). That's the size of Cyprus, and about 6 times bigger than GREATER LONDON. A 'mayor'. 🤣
Aaron Bastani: There are many insane things about...
https://x.com/AaronBastani/status/2070183339957334517?s=20
#StarmerCrisis
Aaron Bastani: Zack Polanski is far from the favourite...
Aaron Bastani
04, September #BrokenSystem

Aaron Bastani: Zack Polanski is far from the favourite...

Zack Polanski is far from the favourite in Holborn and St Pancras. And Camden Labour is still very much an effective political machine. His best hope to cause an upset is: 1) Focus relentlessly on this Summer’s drought and heat. Say you will be a leading voice as we hit new record highs next year with El Niño. Say you will pressure Burnham to nationalise Thames Water. Even solid Labour voters are open to this argument, particularly when it’s a Labour-Green 1-2 anyway. Talk about how climate breakdown is particularly an issue in cities (heat island effect). 2) Focus on foreign policy, from Washington to Gaza. Again, Labour voters are open to the idea of the Greens putting pressure on the government with issues they care about. Even when they like Burnham. This can be presented as a corrective of national importance (which is true). Stake out the position historically made by the now decimated Labour left. This isn’t ’anti-Americanism’, it’s about Britain being a sovereign, self-governing country. Which the political establishment doesn’t really believe in. Why are US bases IN BRITAIN using dollars? (Answer: because we don’t get a say). 3) Tell voters they will have an advocate with a much larger national megaphone, given Polanski also leads a national party, than with Labour. “I will not only sort your casework, I can also make it national news” is a great sell. 4) Relentlessly say you want to push Burnham left, and put climate change at the heart of the national political agenda. After all, Starmer only went because the Greens already prevailed in one by-election this year. Imagine what another could do? This doesn’t need to mean attacking Burnham personally: yes, his record is mixed to bad (Iraq!) but his personal approval ratings speak for themselves right now. Rather, Polanski as an MP means keeping Burnham honest. People aren’t in the mood for rancour as Labour makes progress in taking on Reform. Do all that and I think they’re competitive. Like I say, though, Camden Labour has a ton of data and a powerful machine.
#BrokenSystem
Aaron Bastani: Economism is such an issue...
Aaron Bastani
17, August #BrokenSystem

Aaron Bastani: Economism is such an issue...

Economism is such an issue with the British left historically - & part of the reason for its political failures. Housing is a huge issue, certainly, but so are things like anti-social behaviour & high streets (less so, of course). And climate! Denying things like that might feel comforting, but it doesn’t make it less true. Mao, speaking about the mass line, is very good on this. From the people to the people.
#BrokenSystem
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