As the UK wakes to Reform’s win in Runcorn. I’d like to share some reflections on what we can learn from Carney’s victory in Canada and how it can offer us hope.
At a time when it feels like British politics is locked in a race to the right, Carney has shown there is another path. One that doesn’t rely on fear, division, or mimicry of the far right, but on decency, clarity, and moral courage. It’s a path that works, and it wins.
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Britain may not be in Trump’s direct crosshairs, but make no mistake: Trumpism is already here. Its fingerprints are all over our public discourse—from attacks on the vulnerable, to the dismantling of political trust, to the toxic culture wars that dominate headlines. Yet instead of pushing back, our political class seems intent on following it.
Both major parties have flirted with right-wing policies in the hope of clawing back votes. Labour’s recent tough talk on immigration, and the Tories' endless scapegoating of refugees and cutting of foreign aid, are two sides of the same coin: a politics that’s lost its moral compass. It’s short-term, reactive, and deeply out of step with the values most people in this country still believe in—fairness, decency, and honesty.
That’s why Carney’s message matters. He didn’t just beat a rival; he beat the tide. In just three months, he took what looked like an unwinnable race and turned it into a values-driven victory. He did it by standing against Trumpism—without compromise, without mimicry, and without fear.
His brand of nationalism wasn’t narrow or hostile. It was open and inclusive. In his words, it welcomed “everyone who calls Canada home.” Imagine a British government offering that same embrace, instead of fixating on the ‘other’. Imagine leadership that called on us to unite, not divide; to lead with compassion and courage, not fear and resentment.
This is where Starmer’s Opportunity Lies
Starmer’s call for a “coalition of the willing” cannot stop at defence pacts or foreign alliances. It must become a bold domestic agenda rooted in Labour’s core values. Voters don’t want Labour to out-Tory the Tories. They want leadership that stands for something—something better. Starmer has a real chance not just to win an election, but to reshape the political conversation in this country. But only if he has the courage to lead, not follow.
We are already watching the fabric of our democracy fray. Political trust is crumbling. Disinformation runs rampant online. And yet we see no serious action—because no one wants to upset the tech billionaires and political allies behind the mess. But the cost of inaction is staggering: not just in democratic terms, but for our children’s wellbeing and the cohesion of our society.
Carney’s example shows that you don’t have to play the far right’s game to win. In fact, you’re more likely to lose if you do. The public recognises when leaders are pandering rather than principled.
If Labour wants to secure not just a first term, but a lasting second, it needs to go back to its moral roots. Red meat to the far right won’t work. What will work is a politics of integrity—anchored in values like humility, ambition, and unity. The very values that Carney put at the centre of his campaign.
As we contemplate Reform’s rise in the UK, let’s take hope and inspiration from Carney’s victory in Canada.. A reminder that strong moral leadership still resonates —and that, given the choice, people still vote for it.
Best,
Jennifer Nadel
CEO, Compassion in Politics
P.S. If you believe that Britain deserves better than fear-driven politics… join us.
This is a moment to choose courage over compromise. To stand up for decency, for truth, and for a politics that speaks to who we really are. If you’re tired of watching our parties chase the right and abandon their principles, then don’t just watch from the sidelines.
Become a member today—and be part of the movement that puts values back at the heart of British politics. Together, we can build something better.
Image by Gage Skidmore