What options do senior politicians have after their political careers? Should they fade into obscurity, make large sums of money on the speaking circuit or through questionable lobbying activities, or start a friendly podcast? Two prominent figures, former cabinet minister Rory Stewart and Labour’s former director of communications Alastair Campbell, have chosen the latter option with their successful show, “The Rest Is Politics.”
While the format of their podcast, characterized by casual banter, may not appeal to everyone, most former Prime Ministers would likely struggle to transition from their statesman roles to a more informal platform. However, there is one exception: Boris Johnson, who has always blurred the line between statesmanship and banter. Nevertheless, for anyone who once held the highest office in the country, pontificating for digital downloads might be seen as a step down, regardless of their performance in office.
Moving down the political rankings, podcasts with their emphasis on personality, independent perspectives, and potential lucrative contracts have become an attractive option. Former Chancellor George Osborne and his former shadow Ed Balls have recently announced the launch of an economics podcast. Balls spent four years shadowing Osborne while he was in office. They have been honing their double-act on “The Andrew Neil Show” and joining the ranks of other successful political pairings such as Michael Portillo and Diane Abbott. Osborne jokingly referred to their relationship as “frenemies,” former bitter rivals who have now become close friends.
The House of Commons’ yah-boo antics have shown the need to temper the bitterness and animosity in politics. The performative tribalism of Corbyn supporters, who claimed to never associate with Tories, seemed childish. After all, Corbyn’s idol Tony Benn considered Enoch Powell his friend.
While consensus politics can sometimes be seen as complacent, the US presents a stark contrast with deep sectarian divisions tearing society apart. This makes one nostalgic for a time characterized by bipartisanship, as American writer George Packer described it: a time when a politician’s party affiliation did not dictate public opinion of them or their views.
However, there are limits to turning all political differences into mere entertainment. Reducing all ideological and moral stances to faux tensions between “frenemies” trivializes important issues. The banter-filled podcasts between Stewart and Campbell, who was never actually a politician, may have their place, but it is doubtful if they provide a meaningful platform to scrutinize political records.
Osborne, in particular, oversaw a program of austerity that caused lasting damage to society. A 2020 study by University College London Institute of Health Equity revealed a significant slowing down and decline in life expectancy since 2010, along with an increase in child poverty, food bank usage, and homelessness.
Rather than facing consequences for his actions, Osborne seamlessly transitioned from public life to lucrative positions in the private sector. He became the editor of the London Evening Standard and a senior advisor at BlackRock, while also partnering with his brother’s investment firm. This raises concerns about the suitability of podcasts as a medium for a meaningful examination of his record. Instead, podcasts often resemble the light-hearted and shallow broadcasting style of morning DJs, which lack any real forum for fearless scrutiny.
Furthermore, Osborne’s podcast partner, Balls, is now more associated with popular entertainment than politics. With appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Best Home Cook (which he won), and his role as a presenter on Good Morning Britain, it is unlikely that he can regain credibility in the political sphere.
Of course, there are always two sides to every argument, and those who support Osborne will argue that he inherited a massive debt and inherited a crisis. However, it is important to acknowledge that he supported the light-touch regulation of financial markets that contributed to the crisis. The consequences were shouldered by the poor, while the financiers continued to prosper and the rich became even wealthier.
We have become so accustomed to this reality that it has become the norm and has fueled cynicism, giving rise to populism and conspiracy theories. After 13 years of Tory rule, the country feels lost and demoralized, in desperate need of a comprehensive reevaluation of how society is organized, wealth is generated, and its benefits are distributed. Therefore, there is no more pressing topic than economics to explore.
Hopefully, Osborne and Balls will surprise us by having a genuine and substantial exchange of ideas. However, an artificial and superficial conversation between friends is not what is needed.
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