For young people in the UK, ‘political stability’ is an oxymoron. Our generation has grown up alongside a series of so-called ‘once-in-a-generation’ crises, and many hear the phrase ‘British Government’ and immediately think of a controversial policy choice, frontline politician or a scandal which is dominating the news.

This series, however, takes the long view of British politics and aims to gain a clearer understanding of how and why it has changed in the 21st century by interviewing 4 people who have each worked in and around the heart of Government during this time.

In this episode, Tom speaks to ex-Shadow Chancellor and King's College London Professor Ed Balls about the nature of crisis, the Treasury, and the changing media landscape.

(00:00) - (03:05) | Introduction

(03:05) - (07:32) | Ed’s own university days and how he ended up at KCL.

(07:32) - (11:06) | KCL’s module partnered with HM Treasury.

(11:06) - (16:50) | Crises: the 21st century’s reinforcing turbulence.

(16:50) - (23:30) | No.10 and the Treasury: searching for the right dynamic.

(23:30) - (26:20) | How the media makes political lifespans shorter – ‘bad decisions get found out faster’.

(26:20) - (29:30) | Modern governments are too short term-ist. Why long term messaging and narrative is more important than ever in a faster-paced media environment.

(29:30) - (33:45) | Improving government communication: the media round as a case study.

(33:45) - (39:00) | Ed talks drumming in the Centrist Dad band.

(39:00) - (41:51) | Book and TV series recommendations.

(41:51) > | Outro.

Fion Cudmore - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionnuala-cudmore-293089269/

Tom Turner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomturner04/

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