Chris Clarke
Writing, policy, research
I have written several long read analyses of contemporary politics. Two of these are below. These and others can also be found on my Substack, including 'Understanding Micawber's Law' (Winter 2026), 'Estuary English' (Spring 2023), and 'Against Their Interests' (May 2021).
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'Putting Down the Vase' (Autumn 2025) was analysis of Labour's first year in office. It focused on authenticity, trust, and mainstream politics. It argued that risk-aversion at the centre must be overcome in four key areas: comms, strategy, general policy and migration policy.
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The paper was presented to Westminster decision-makers, and was covered extensively on The Rest Is Politics podcast.
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'Thinking in Straight Lines' (Spring 2022) was an analysis of the growing educational divide in UK politics. In drew heavily on the work of linguist George Lakoff, and his analysis of direct and systemic causal reasoning. It applied this to UK politics and the culture war divides.
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It was published by Progressive Britain, and can also be read as an e-book/ blog. I wrote about it for the Independent here.
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