The rise of populist politics?

The Clacton by-election takes place on 13th August with 33 candidates – none from the main political parties – challenging Reform’s Nigel Farage to become the MP.

Mr Farage said that he triggered the election to set up a contest between "the people" and "the establishment", appealing to the voters to vindicate his conduct over the heads of the Parliamentary authorities.

Increasingly we see this populist approach in our politics, where validation is sought from the public against a supposedly corrupt and sinister political elite. It unashamedly aims to engage people’s guts and hearts over their minds and morality. But beneath the theatre I believe there is real jeopardy.