‘The centre cannot hold’: John Curtice on the collapse of two-party politics

Loading player...
No one likes being unpopular, so you could forgive both of the UK’s main political parties for wanting to look away when another damning poll dropped this week. Support for both parties has never been so low at the same time, the Green party is seeing record support and Reform UK continues to top the popularity contest. Does recent polling really suggest the end of the two-party hegemony? King of the pollsters John Curtice helps Politics Weekly UK read the runes. And, in the run-up to the budget next month, Keir Starmer has given the strongest indication yet that tax rises may be on the way, while immigration dominates headlines and the escaped sex offender whose case sparked protests at the Bell hotel in Epping is sent back to Ethiopia – with £500 in his back pocket. Pippa Crerar is joined by the Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff to discuss the government’s game of immigration whack-a-mole and the consequences Labour could face if it breaks its manifesto pledge not to raise key taxes.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
30 Oct 2025 English United Kingdom News

Other recent episodes

Cop31: will Andy Burnham choose climate or cost of living?

This week the British prime minister will join world leaders in Turkey for the Cop31 summit. But he may raise some eyebrows as it looks like domestically he is prioritising the cost of living over tackling the climate crisis. The government is set to reduce electric vehicle targets from 80%…
9 Nov 20 min

What can Andy Burnham learn from the ‘blue wave’ in the US?

As Donald Trump licks his wounds from a bruising set of midterm election results, the UK will look nervously to what he might do on the international stage in order to cement his legacy. Plus, Pippa and Kiran discuss what lessons Labour can take from the Democrats, and ask if…
5 Nov 33 min

Why is Labour risking a row over migration?

As home secretary Shabana Mahmood announces her controversial migration plans, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the political context that has led to this announcement and why the timing for Andy Burnham – who is out of the country – is very convenient for him. Help support our independent journalism…
2 Nov 22 min