Atalanta hosted a media dinner with Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor for the Financial Times and host of The Political Fix podcast, alongside senior figures from the health, skills, agriculture, development, and technology sectors for a lively discussion on the trajectory of UK politics in the wake of Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister.
In the latest of a series of exclusive dinners with journalists, reporters, and editors from across the UK media landscape, Atalanta welcomed Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor and host of The Political Fix podcast, for a stimulating discussion on the state of British politics following a momentous few weeks of political speculation and announcements.
The dinner was hosted by Atalanta’s senior leadership, including Elizabeth Ames, Eva Barboni, Claire Fyfe, and Austyn Close. Joining them was a high-level group of communications, external relations, and public affairs leaders eager to hear Lucy’s insights from the corridors of Westminster and Whitehall, the Makerfield by-election campaign trail, and what ‘Burnhamism’ could potentially mean for the UK.
From the fragmented political party landscape to how the media may embrace and scrutinise Andy Burnham—Britain’s Prime Minister-in-waiting—the conversation around the table centred on the political upheaval since Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister on 22 June.
A number of topics defined the evening’s discussion:
- Political fracturing: The radical shake-up of the political party landscape in recent years and the demise of the traditional two-party system in the UK feels here to stay. Guests discussed the role of each major political party in today’s operating environment and how this is likely to affect policymaking, political engagement, and the next General Election.
- Starmer’s legacy: Lucy shared her insights on how Starmer’s inner team have responded to the political manoeuvrings of recent months, and his track record as Prime Minister despite only holding office for two years.
- Runners and riders for Cabinet: Speculation swirled around the table about who may secure top jobs in a Burnham Cabinet should he become Prime Minister following the Labour leadership contest.
- ‘Burnhamism’ and reviving faith in public service: Following Burnham’s first speech after he announced that he was running for the UK’s highest political office, discussion revolved around how his approaches to devolution, growth, youth unemployment, skills improvement, housing, and infrastructure may take shape.
The conversation delved into the factors driving the political issues of the day, including Starmer’s long-awaited defence investment plan and the surge in support for Reform UK and the Green Party. One message was clear from Lucy: nothing is guaranteed or predictable in British politics or the UK Government.
At Atalanta, we believe that convening organisations from across policy, media, business, and civil society is the only way to understand the world around us and create new working relationships. In times of political crisis, communications and engagement strategies need to be nimble—capable of effectively responding to uncertainty in an increasingly complex and interconnected political and media environment.
We thank Lucy Fisher for taking the time to share her insights and analysis with our guests.
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