From Political Graveyard to Landslide: Canada’s Election Offers Lessons for Britain.
Toronto: Mark Carney’s stunning victory in Canada’s federal election has been hailed as a political resurrection of Lazarus-like proportions. Just months prior, the Liberal party was on its deathbed, trailing the Conservatives by a staggering 20 points in polls, and facing a seemingly inevitable defeat after a decade in power under the deeply unpopular Justin Trudeau.
Carney’s arrival as Liberal leader proved to be the catalyst for this dramatic turnaround. His fresh, untainted image, free from the baggage of the Trudeau years, resonated with a weary electorate. But the “Carney Effect” was only half the story. The other crucial element? Donald Trump.
A Tale for Starmer? Lessons from Across the Atlantic.
The question now is: can this Canadian miracle offer any guidance to struggling leaders like Britain’s Keir Starmer? Just months after securing a substantial majority, Labour now finds itself trailing in the polls, having recently lost a safe seat to Reform in a by-election.
The contrast between Carney’s approach to Trump and Starmer’s is stark. While Carney and the Liberals vociferously opposed Trump’s rhetoric and policies, Starmer and Labour have adopted a cautious, even deferential stance, seemingly prioritizing a post-Brexit trade deal with the US. This strategy, which has included refraining from criticizing Trump’s threats to Canada and even extending invitations for a state visit, appears to have yielded little benefit. Trump’s administration has seemingly relegated a UK trade deal to a low priority, despite the “special relationship.”
Playing the Patriot Card: A Potential Path for Labour?
Given this apparent lack of interest from across the pond, Starmer and Labour may have little to lose by adopting a more assertive and patriotic stance. As in Canada, a stronger emphasis on national identity and a clear distance from Trump could resonate with moderate voters in the UK. Polls increasingly indicate a growing disillusionment among the British public with the US and the “special relationship.”
Furthermore, directly contrasting Labour’s position with the Reform Party’s close ties to Trump – a connection Nigel Farage has long cultivated – could effectively erode Reform’s recent momentum. The Liberal campaign’s successful portrayal of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre as a “mini-Trump” offers a compelling example of this tactic’s potential.
Canada’s Unique Context: A Word of Caution.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that Canada’s political landscape possesses unique characteristics that may not directly translate to other nations. A strong undercurrent of anti-Americanism has historically been a potent political force in Canada, particularly on the left. Landmark elections in 1911 and 1988 were largely fought on the issue of free trade with the United States, with significant public anxieties about American dominance playing a crucial role. Even the Progressive Conservative party’s eventual victory in 1988 couldn’t entirely dispel deep-seated Canadian concerns about their powerful southern neighbor.
A Spark of Inspiration?
While the specific dynamics of the Canadian election may not be replicable elsewhere, Carney’s victory offers a powerful reminder of the potential for a dramatic political resurgence. His success hinged on identifying and capitalizing on a potent national sentiment, even if it was inadvertently ignited by an external force. For Keir Starmer, the lesson might lie in finding a similarly resonant message, one that taps into British identity and perhaps offers a clearer, more assertive stance on the international stage, even if it means deviating from a strategy of appeasement. Whether Carney’s miracle can inspire a similar revival for Labour remains to be seen, but the improbable triumph north of the border certainly provides food for thought.
