Tuesday, February 18

Day: December 11, 2019

Parties hide away senior off-message politicians
Featured, United Kingdom

Parties hide away senior off-message politicians

    The presidential nature of a campaign dominated by the leaders of the two largest parties has been illuminated by research that also reveals how Labour and the Conservatives have hidden away senior figures deemed to be embarrassing or off message. Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn appeared in 31.7% and 26.9% of media coverage analysed by researchers, while the third most prominent figure to feature was the shadow chancellor, John McDonnell. The research suggests a huge focus across the media on a small number of leading figures, with the top 10 on the list accounting for 93% of total coverage. By contrast, the campaign’s “invisible” men and women – who were relegated to taking selfies on the election trail or rallying constituency parties – include cabinet ministers ...
Eve-of-election polls still unable to predict what voters will deliver
Featured, United Kingdom

Eve-of-election polls still unable to predict what voters will deliver

    Britain’s political leaders set out their stalls to i readers as millions of voters deliver their verdict on their parties’ rival policy platforms following a tense and fractious election battle. The party leaders criss-crossed the UK on the final day of campaigning in an attempt to win over some of the estimated six million people wavering over how to vote. The outcome of the election could have a profound impact on the nation’s future direction as Boris Johnson has vowed to “get Brexit done” next month if he remains in Downing Street. An SNP advance would also reinvigorate calls for a second Scottish independence referendum. The final burst of campaign activity followed a shock poll suggesting that Britain could be heading for another hung parliament because Labo...