For those in public affairs, the election of Jeremy Corbyn to the leadership of the Labour Party, has caused them to think deeply about how they engage with the party. But even just after a few weeks in post, it is clear that Corbyn has already changed politics more broadly.
The Corbyn effect is not limited solely to the Labour Party. Whilst other parties may choose to react more slowly to see what impact he has on the Labour Party, its structure and its way of doing politics, there is no doubt they are watching closely. The word ‘bold’ was used by shadow ministers at the Labour Party conference and one talked about the party’s decision to elect Corbyn as being ‘high risk’ as well. Neither are phrases that have been associated with Westminster politics for some time.
As a result, those involved in public affairs and political engagement would be making a fundamental mistake in not considering the wider ramifications of Corbyn’s election. It is not just a phenomenon for the Labour Party.
So what difference is Corbyn already making?
- The Conservative leadership election – rumours have it that the Prime Minister may make his intentions clear in Spring 2019. Nicky Morgan has already failed to rule out standing and others will fail to do so soon as well. The EU referendum will impact on the prospects of candidates but related to that will be the position adopted by Corbyn and Labour. The other influence that Corbyn will have is on the type of leader that the Conservatives want. If Corbyn gets some traction with the electorate then a less polished, more authentic type of leader may be attractive. If Corbyn isn’t doing so well and it looks likely that the Conservatives will win in 2020 then that could have a dramatic impact on the level of aggression shown by the candidates. Engagement with the party during this Parliament will be deeply affected by all these matters.
- The Conservative leadership election – Part 2 – Labour held its leadership election largely in public. Hustings were televised and the results laid bare. If the Conservatives wish to build on the approach of its London Mayoral contest and learn from Labour then the rules for the leadership election need to be watched very closely. The Conservatives cannot allow themselves to be seen as ‘closed’ compared to Labour’s ‘open’ approach.
- The role of party members – whilst the Conservative Party makes little attempt to say that it is a democratic party this is important for the others. There could be a competition to ‘out democracy’ each other but the Conservatives need to be careful that they are not looking semi-detached from wider society. They also relied on activists at the last election to help them win seats. If other parties build their membership bases then the Conservatives could be hobbled. For engagement purposes, democracy will change the way that discussions with parties take place.
- Local politics and devolution – Corbyn’s apparent commitment to devolution means that Labour leaders and Mayors at a local level become critically important. As well as influencing what happens locally they could have a large say nationally as well. Indeed, they could be more successful electorally than the party centrally, with the added legitimacy and profile that it brings.
- A kinder politics – the other parties have yet to fully work out their reaction to Corbyn’s approach. Instinctively, it does not seem in tune with the strong approach employed by the Conservatives at the General Election in May. There is no guaranteeing that any other party would want to employ a similar approach, and there is an obvious local / national distinction that some may highlight as well. If Corbyn’s appeals fail then what does he do? A knder politics will also have implications for engagement as well and the priorities set for each party.
It is wrong to think of just the Labour Party when it comes to Corbyn. Instead his election will impact on politics for many years, regardless of how long he actually stays in post.
Engagement just changed.