Lee David Evans
@leedavidevansuk.bsky.social
Podcasting and writing about post-war British politics. Ramsden Fellow at Mile End Institute.
Pinned
🚨NEW PODCAST: Politicians Changing Names & Funding Political Parties
In our latest podcast, Richard discusses the staggering number of politicians who don't go by their given first name...
... and I raise the thorny issue of how we fund our political parties and what...
In our latest podcast, Richard discusses the staggering number of politicians who don't go by their given first name...
... and I raise the thorny issue of how we fund our political parties and what...
🚨 NEW PODCAST: How did war shape our politicians?
In a special episode to mark Remembrance Sunday, Richard and I discuss four titanic politicians of the 20th century who were shaped by their experience of war.
What was their contribution to the wars they fought... (1/2)
In a special episode to mark Remembrance Sunday, Richard and I discuss four titanic politicians of the 20th century who were shaped by their experience of war.
What was their contribution to the wars they fought... (1/2)
November 9, 2025 at 5:32 PM
🚨 NEW PODCAST: How did war shape our politicians?
In a special episode to mark Remembrance Sunday, Richard and I discuss four titanic politicians of the 20th century who were shaped by their experience of war.
What was their contribution to the wars they fought... (1/2)
In a special episode to mark Remembrance Sunday, Richard and I discuss four titanic politicians of the 20th century who were shaped by their experience of war.
What was their contribution to the wars they fought... (1/2)
🚨NEW PODCAST: Politicians Changing Names & Funding Political Parties
In our latest podcast, Richard discusses the staggering number of politicians who don't go by their given first name...
... and I raise the thorny issue of how we fund our political parties and what...
In our latest podcast, Richard discusses the staggering number of politicians who don't go by their given first name...
... and I raise the thorny issue of how we fund our political parties and what...
November 5, 2025 at 6:07 PM
🚨NEW PODCAST: Politicians Changing Names & Funding Political Parties
In our latest podcast, Richard discusses the staggering number of politicians who don't go by their given first name...
... and I raise the thorny issue of how we fund our political parties and what...
In our latest podcast, Richard discusses the staggering number of politicians who don't go by their given first name...
... and I raise the thorny issue of how we fund our political parties and what...
In the lead-up to the 2009 local and European elections, the MPs’ expenses scandal broke.
It was the biggest political scandal in a generation.
The outrage was so intense that the Conservatives scrapped their party political broadcast for a piece to camera from David Cameron.
It was the biggest political scandal in a generation.
The outrage was so intense that the Conservatives scrapped their party political broadcast for a piece to camera from David Cameron.
November 3, 2025 at 9:28 PM
In the lead-up to the 2009 local and European elections, the MPs’ expenses scandal broke.
It was the biggest political scandal in a generation.
The outrage was so intense that the Conservatives scrapped their party political broadcast for a piece to camera from David Cameron.
It was the biggest political scandal in a generation.
The outrage was so intense that the Conservatives scrapped their party political broadcast for a piece to camera from David Cameron.
🚨 NEW PODCAST: How did the MPs' expenses scandal unfold?
In our latest podcast, Richard and I discuss the biggest political scandal of a generation: the publication of MPs' expenses in 2009.
From duck houses to moat cleaning, phantom mortgages to packets of biscuits...
In our latest podcast, Richard and I discuss the biggest political scandal of a generation: the publication of MPs' expenses in 2009.
From duck houses to moat cleaning, phantom mortgages to packets of biscuits...
November 2, 2025 at 8:47 PM
🚨 NEW PODCAST: How did the MPs' expenses scandal unfold?
In our latest podcast, Richard and I discuss the biggest political scandal of a generation: the publication of MPs' expenses in 2009.
From duck houses to moat cleaning, phantom mortgages to packets of biscuits...
In our latest podcast, Richard and I discuss the biggest political scandal of a generation: the publication of MPs' expenses in 2009.
From duck houses to moat cleaning, phantom mortgages to packets of biscuits...
🚨 NEW PODCAST: The size of the Civil Service, Digital ID & Compulsory Voting
In our latest podcast, Richard reflects on the historic size of the Civil Service...
... I think back to Blair's attempt to introduce ID cards...
and we discuss - and disagree! - whether...
In our latest podcast, Richard reflects on the historic size of the Civil Service...
... I think back to Blair's attempt to introduce ID cards...
and we discuss - and disagree! - whether...
October 29, 2025 at 5:51 PM
🚨 NEW PODCAST: The size of the Civil Service, Digital ID & Compulsory Voting
In our latest podcast, Richard reflects on the historic size of the Civil Service...
... I think back to Blair's attempt to introduce ID cards...
and we discuss - and disagree! - whether...
In our latest podcast, Richard reflects on the historic size of the Civil Service...
... I think back to Blair's attempt to introduce ID cards...
and we discuss - and disagree! - whether...
Reposted by Lee David Evans
I'll be talking about Edwardian Britain at the King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace on 13 November.
Do come along, if you can.
www.rct.uk/event/alwyn-...
Do come along, if you can.
www.rct.uk/event/alwyn-...
Alwyn Turner on Edwardian England
Join Alwyn Turner, author of Little Englanders, in conversation with Alice de Quidt, Assistant Curator of Prints and Drawings at Royal Collection Trust.
www.rct.uk
October 29, 2025 at 1:31 PM
I'll be talking about Edwardian Britain at the King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace on 13 November.
Do come along, if you can.
www.rct.uk/event/alwyn-...
Do come along, if you can.
www.rct.uk/event/alwyn-...
Should this map have included the United Kingdom?
The UK government, led by Clement Attlee, didn't think so - and Britain stayed OUT of the European Coal & Steel Community.
Why? Richard and I discuss in our latest Since Attlee & Churchill podcast... (see next tweet).
The UK government, led by Clement Attlee, didn't think so - and Britain stayed OUT of the European Coal & Steel Community.
Why? Richard and I discuss in our latest Since Attlee & Churchill podcast... (see next tweet).
October 27, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Should this map have included the United Kingdom?
The UK government, led by Clement Attlee, didn't think so - and Britain stayed OUT of the European Coal & Steel Community.
Why? Richard and I discuss in our latest Since Attlee & Churchill podcast... (see next tweet).
The UK government, led by Clement Attlee, didn't think so - and Britain stayed OUT of the European Coal & Steel Community.
Why? Richard and I discuss in our latest Since Attlee & Churchill podcast... (see next tweet).
🚨 NEW PODCAST: Why was Britain absent from the EU's beginning?
Richard and I discuss one of the most important forks in the road in Britain's post-war history:
When Attlee's Labour government refused to take part in discussions on the Schuman Plan (which would evolve into the EU).
1/2
Richard and I discuss one of the most important forks in the road in Britain's post-war history:
When Attlee's Labour government refused to take part in discussions on the Schuman Plan (which would evolve into the EU).
1/2
October 26, 2025 at 5:38 PM
🚨 NEW PODCAST: Why was Britain absent from the EU's beginning?
Richard and I discuss one of the most important forks in the road in Britain's post-war history:
When Attlee's Labour government refused to take part in discussions on the Schuman Plan (which would evolve into the EU).
1/2
Richard and I discuss one of the most important forks in the road in Britain's post-war history:
When Attlee's Labour government refused to take part in discussions on the Schuman Plan (which would evolve into the EU).
1/2
🚨 NEW PODCAST: 'Are the old Political Parties over?' & Thatcher's Legacy
Richard kicks off our mid-week Since Attlee & Churchill podcast by asking whether the old political parties in Britain are dying, changing, or simply finding they have new competitors.
And I...
Richard kicks off our mid-week Since Attlee & Churchill podcast by asking whether the old political parties in Britain are dying, changing, or simply finding they have new competitors.
And I...
October 22, 2025 at 4:28 PM
🚨 NEW PODCAST: 'Are the old Political Parties over?' & Thatcher's Legacy
Richard kicks off our mid-week Since Attlee & Churchill podcast by asking whether the old political parties in Britain are dying, changing, or simply finding they have new competitors.
And I...
Richard kicks off our mid-week Since Attlee & Churchill podcast by asking whether the old political parties in Britain are dying, changing, or simply finding they have new competitors.
And I...
‘What a good idea! I hadn’t thought of it.’
Margaret Thatcher was so pleased with this heckle from Dennis Skinner that she apparently wanted to make him a peer!
Margaret Thatcher was so pleased with this heckle from Dennis Skinner that she apparently wanted to make him a peer!
October 21, 2025 at 8:30 PM
‘What a good idea! I hadn’t thought of it.’
Margaret Thatcher was so pleased with this heckle from Dennis Skinner that she apparently wanted to make him a peer!
Margaret Thatcher was so pleased with this heckle from Dennis Skinner that she apparently wanted to make him a peer!
🚨 NEW PODCAST: Did Margaret Thatcher have to resign as Prime Minister?
In this week's podcast, Richard and I discuss the dramatic downfall of Margaret Thatcher in November 1990.
Why did she resign? Could she have fought on? And...
1/2
In this week's podcast, Richard and I discuss the dramatic downfall of Margaret Thatcher in November 1990.
Why did she resign? Could she have fought on? And...
1/2
October 19, 2025 at 4:28 PM
🚨 NEW PODCAST: Did Margaret Thatcher have to resign as Prime Minister?
In this week's podcast, Richard and I discuss the dramatic downfall of Margaret Thatcher in November 1990.
Why did she resign? Could she have fought on? And...
1/2
In this week's podcast, Richard and I discuss the dramatic downfall of Margaret Thatcher in November 1990.
Why did she resign? Could she have fought on? And...
1/2
🚨 NEW PODCAST: Political Awareness, Party Memberships & Public Loos
In our new podcast, I challenge the shibboleth of some political commentators that hardly anyone pays attention to politics…
… we discuss party memberships, following news that the Lib Dem membership has halved…
1/2
In our new podcast, I challenge the shibboleth of some political commentators that hardly anyone pays attention to politics…
… we discuss party memberships, following news that the Lib Dem membership has halved…
1/2
October 15, 2025 at 4:40 PM
🚨 NEW PODCAST: Political Awareness, Party Memberships & Public Loos
In our new podcast, I challenge the shibboleth of some political commentators that hardly anyone pays attention to politics…
… we discuss party memberships, following news that the Lib Dem membership has halved…
1/2
In our new podcast, I challenge the shibboleth of some political commentators that hardly anyone pays attention to politics…
… we discuss party memberships, following news that the Lib Dem membership has halved…
1/2
🚨 NEW PODCAST: Was Barbara Castle Labour's Iron Lady?
115 years ago this week, one of Labour's most iconic politicians was born: Barbara Castle.
For over three decades, she was among the best-known MPs in the country and one of the most forceful advocates for socialism.
1/2
115 years ago this week, one of Labour's most iconic politicians was born: Barbara Castle.
For over three decades, she was among the best-known MPs in the country and one of the most forceful advocates for socialism.
1/2
October 12, 2025 at 5:24 PM
🚨 NEW PODCAST: Was Barbara Castle Labour's Iron Lady?
115 years ago this week, one of Labour's most iconic politicians was born: Barbara Castle.
For over three decades, she was among the best-known MPs in the country and one of the most forceful advocates for socialism.
1/2
115 years ago this week, one of Labour's most iconic politicians was born: Barbara Castle.
For over three decades, she was among the best-known MPs in the country and one of the most forceful advocates for socialism.
1/2
Reposted by Lee David Evans
Standing room only for @ldfreedman.bsky.social's superb "Hennessy Lecture" at the @mileendinstitute.bsky.social this evening, on "As long as it takes: What does it mean to commit to Ukraine's security?"
Really good questions from the audience, too. Thanks to everyone who came.
Really good questions from the audience, too. Thanks to everyone who came.
October 8, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Standing room only for @ldfreedman.bsky.social's superb "Hennessy Lecture" at the @mileendinstitute.bsky.social this evening, on "As long as it takes: What does it mean to commit to Ukraine's security?"
Really good questions from the audience, too. Thanks to everyone who came.
Really good questions from the audience, too. Thanks to everyone who came.
🚨 NEW PODCAST: Tory Conference, ECHR & Churchill's Boozy Prescription
Richard and I are experimenting with mid-week instalments of ‘Matters of Interest’.
In this episode, I reflect on Thatcher’s starring role at Conservative Party Conference…
Richard and I are experimenting with mid-week instalments of ‘Matters of Interest’.
In this episode, I reflect on Thatcher’s starring role at Conservative Party Conference…
October 8, 2025 at 4:23 PM
🚨 NEW PODCAST: Tory Conference, ECHR & Churchill's Boozy Prescription
Richard and I are experimenting with mid-week instalments of ‘Matters of Interest’.
In this episode, I reflect on Thatcher’s starring role at Conservative Party Conference…
Richard and I are experimenting with mid-week instalments of ‘Matters of Interest’.
In this episode, I reflect on Thatcher’s starring role at Conservative Party Conference…
🚨 NEW PODCAST: Conservative Party Conference 2005
In the second part of our miniseries on consequential party conferences, Richard and I discuss the Conservatives' 2005 gathering in Blackpool - when discussion of the next leader was top of everyone’s mind.
1/2
In the second part of our miniseries on consequential party conferences, Richard and I discuss the Conservatives' 2005 gathering in Blackpool - when discussion of the next leader was top of everyone’s mind.
1/2
October 6, 2025 at 8:08 AM
🚨 NEW PODCAST: Conservative Party Conference 2005
In the second part of our miniseries on consequential party conferences, Richard and I discuss the Conservatives' 2005 gathering in Blackpool - when discussion of the next leader was top of everyone’s mind.
1/2
In the second part of our miniseries on consequential party conferences, Richard and I discuss the Conservatives' 2005 gathering in Blackpool - when discussion of the next leader was top of everyone’s mind.
1/2
🚨 BONUS PODCAST: Conservative Lives Cut Short
Richard and I recently completed a three-part miniseries on the Since Attlee & Churchill podcast on ‘Labour Lives Cut Short’.
All three episodes are free to listen to on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
1/2
Richard and I recently completed a three-part miniseries on the Since Attlee & Churchill podcast on ‘Labour Lives Cut Short’.
All three episodes are free to listen to on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
1/2
September 30, 2025 at 7:31 PM
🚨 BONUS PODCAST: Conservative Lives Cut Short
Richard and I recently completed a three-part miniseries on the Since Attlee & Churchill podcast on ‘Labour Lives Cut Short’.
All three episodes are free to listen to on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
1/2
Richard and I recently completed a three-part miniseries on the Since Attlee & Churchill podcast on ‘Labour Lives Cut Short’.
All three episodes are free to listen to on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
1/2
Echoes of John Major in 1993 describing Britain as:
‘…the country of long shadows on county [cricket] grounds, warm beer, invincible green suburbs, dog lovers, and - as George Orwell said - old maids bicycling to Holy Communion through the morning mist.’
‘…the country of long shadows on county [cricket] grounds, warm beer, invincible green suburbs, dog lovers, and - as George Orwell said - old maids bicycling to Holy Communion through the morning mist.’
September 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Echoes of John Major in 1993 describing Britain as:
‘…the country of long shadows on county [cricket] grounds, warm beer, invincible green suburbs, dog lovers, and - as George Orwell said - old maids bicycling to Holy Communion through the morning mist.’
‘…the country of long shadows on county [cricket] grounds, warm beer, invincible green suburbs, dog lovers, and - as George Orwell said - old maids bicycling to Holy Communion through the morning mist.’
Picture Post's preview of the 1952 Labour conference held in Morecambe.
It features many of the post-war Labour greats: Attlee, Bevan, Foot, Castle, Braddock, Wilson...
The drama of this conference is the subject of the latest Since Attlee & Churchill podcast.
Available now.
It features many of the post-war Labour greats: Attlee, Bevan, Foot, Castle, Braddock, Wilson...
The drama of this conference is the subject of the latest Since Attlee & Churchill podcast.
Available now.
September 29, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Picture Post's preview of the 1952 Labour conference held in Morecambe.
It features many of the post-war Labour greats: Attlee, Bevan, Foot, Castle, Braddock, Wilson...
The drama of this conference is the subject of the latest Since Attlee & Churchill podcast.
Available now.
It features many of the post-war Labour greats: Attlee, Bevan, Foot, Castle, Braddock, Wilson...
The drama of this conference is the subject of the latest Since Attlee & Churchill podcast.
Available now.
🚨 NEW PODCAST: The Crucible of Conference (Labour, 1952)
With party conference season under way, Richard and I discuss Labour's dramatic 1952 party conference in Morecambe.
Amidst pelting rain, Britain's socialists gathered in opposition for the first time in over a decade. The party was…
With party conference season under way, Richard and I discuss Labour's dramatic 1952 party conference in Morecambe.
Amidst pelting rain, Britain's socialists gathered in opposition for the first time in over a decade. The party was…
September 28, 2025 at 7:04 PM
🚨 NEW PODCAST: The Crucible of Conference (Labour, 1952)
With party conference season under way, Richard and I discuss Labour's dramatic 1952 party conference in Morecambe.
Amidst pelting rain, Britain's socialists gathered in opposition for the first time in over a decade. The party was…
With party conference season under way, Richard and I discuss Labour's dramatic 1952 party conference in Morecambe.
Amidst pelting rain, Britain's socialists gathered in opposition for the first time in over a decade. The party was…
From Margaret Thatcher's last PMQs as PM.
An SDP MP - Rosie Barnes - asks about an old Liberal/SDP talking point: electoral reform.
The outgoing Thatcher, who came top in the first round of the Tory leadership election but had to resign anyway, offers a pretty witty reply...
An SDP MP - Rosie Barnes - asks about an old Liberal/SDP talking point: electoral reform.
The outgoing Thatcher, who came top in the first round of the Tory leadership election but had to resign anyway, offers a pretty witty reply...
September 25, 2025 at 5:40 PM
From Margaret Thatcher's last PMQs as PM.
An SDP MP - Rosie Barnes - asks about an old Liberal/SDP talking point: electoral reform.
The outgoing Thatcher, who came top in the first round of the Tory leadership election but had to resign anyway, offers a pretty witty reply...
An SDP MP - Rosie Barnes - asks about an old Liberal/SDP talking point: electoral reform.
The outgoing Thatcher, who came top in the first round of the Tory leadership election but had to resign anyway, offers a pretty witty reply...
Usual caveats about hypothetical polling to one side: I think this is disappointing for Burnham.
He gets fawning media coverage, and isn’t obviously tarnished by Labour’s actions in Westminster, but he hardly polls better than Starmer.
He gets fawning media coverage, and isn’t obviously tarnished by Labour’s actions in Westminster, but he hardly polls better than Starmer.
Excl: Labour would take a two-point lead over Reform with Andy Burnham as leader, new More In Common polling shows. www.newstatesman.com/politics/lab...
September 25, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Usual caveats about hypothetical polling to one side: I think this is disappointing for Burnham.
He gets fawning media coverage, and isn’t obviously tarnished by Labour’s actions in Westminster, but he hardly polls better than Starmer.
He gets fawning media coverage, and isn’t obviously tarnished by Labour’s actions in Westminster, but he hardly polls better than Starmer.
The front pages after John Major's shock resignation as Conservative leader in June 1995.
Almost as shocking as the news is their price: 27p for The Mirror, 30p for The Independent & The Telegraph, and 45p for The Guardian!
Almost as shocking as the news is their price: 27p for The Mirror, 30p for The Independent & The Telegraph, and 45p for The Guardian!
September 24, 2025 at 6:16 PM
The front pages after John Major's shock resignation as Conservative leader in June 1995.
Almost as shocking as the news is their price: 27p for The Mirror, 30p for The Independent & The Telegraph, and 45p for The Guardian!
Almost as shocking as the news is their price: 27p for The Mirror, 30p for The Independent & The Telegraph, and 45p for The Guardian!
ESTABLISHMENT XI 218-3 dec.
CHALLENGER XI 89 all out
A special commemorative postcard, which proudly boasts being designed ‘by computer’ on the reverse, marking the 1995 Conservative leadership campaign.
CHALLENGER XI 89 all out
A special commemorative postcard, which proudly boasts being designed ‘by computer’ on the reverse, marking the 1995 Conservative leadership campaign.
September 23, 2025 at 8:24 PM
ESTABLISHMENT XI 218-3 dec.
CHALLENGER XI 89 all out
A special commemorative postcard, which proudly boasts being designed ‘by computer’ on the reverse, marking the 1995 Conservative leadership campaign.
CHALLENGER XI 89 all out
A special commemorative postcard, which proudly boasts being designed ‘by computer’ on the reverse, marking the 1995 Conservative leadership campaign.
How can a prime minister under pressure strengthen their position?
John Major’s approach in 1995 was to resign, and then fight again for, his party’s leadership.
Here’s the highlights of his resignation statement, when he told his critics to ‘put up or shut up.’ 👇🏻
John Major’s approach in 1995 was to resign, and then fight again for, his party’s leadership.
Here’s the highlights of his resignation statement, when he told his critics to ‘put up or shut up.’ 👇🏻
September 22, 2025 at 4:51 PM
How can a prime minister under pressure strengthen their position?
John Major’s approach in 1995 was to resign, and then fight again for, his party’s leadership.
Here’s the highlights of his resignation statement, when he told his critics to ‘put up or shut up.’ 👇🏻
John Major’s approach in 1995 was to resign, and then fight again for, his party’s leadership.
Here’s the highlights of his resignation statement, when he told his critics to ‘put up or shut up.’ 👇🏻