Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, is targeting the parliamentary seats of prominent Conservative cabinet ministers, including Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Housing Secretary Michael Gove, in the forthcoming UK general election. Davey’s strategy exploits the Conservative Party’s perceived shift to the right under Boris Johnson, aiming to attract moderate voters disillusioned with the government’s stance on migration and social matters. Focused predominantly on Conservative strongholds in the south and south-west of England, Davey aims to increase his party’s representation from 15 to 30 MPs. His campaign emphasizes increased healthcare spending and environmental initiatives, funded through fiscal reforms. Despite previous controversies, such as his involvement in the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, Davey is cautious yet optimistic, with plans to reconnect with Brexit issues. His personal experiences as a carer significantly influence his commitment to policy reforms.

Meanwhile, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer is prioritizing the arts, promising a revival of old Labour values that advocate for universal access to high culture. Speaking at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Starmer emphasized the need to revise the school curriculum to enhance arts subjects and support creative industry freelancers. This approach marks a departure from previous Labour administrations, particularly under Tony Blair, who seldom addressed cultural matters. Starmer’s vision for the arts aligns with traditional Labour principles, advocating access to culture for everyone. However, this focus on the arts faces challenges, including financial constraints and the waning presence of arts education in schools, necessitating practical solutions beyond supportive rhetoric.