Narrative is absolutely vital to an election campaign. Who are the people who want to represent you and what do they stand for? Do we know the answer to those questions when it comes to Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer? Alex Prior thinks not, and he explains why here.

Part of the problem is that Sunak in particular has failed to control his own narrative, leaving the public with very little sense of who he is. Similar is true of Starmer, regardless of how often he reminds us that his dad was a toolmaker. What is exceptional, Prior notes, is how these two men, who are so notorious for being a bit dull, have managed to generate such narrative chaos at such an early stage of the campaign.

If you thought that the new season of Bridgerton was raunchy, a historian is here to tell you that it’s nowhere near raunchy enough — in terms of being historically accurate, that is. She reveals that regency rumpy was even more racy than you can ever imagine. Brace yourselves for her exposé.

And in an article that has Conversation editors waving their hands in the air shouting “Yes! Exactly!” an ethicist discusses why it’s actually quite important that you stop using the word “gaslighting” wrong.

Over the next six weeks, The Conversation will be bringing you evidence-based analysis of the election campaigns, the parties’ pledges and, crucially, the reality about the claims candidates make and the issues underlying them. If you can support us in this vital work to share knowledge and keep voters well informed, please consider making a donation to The Conversation.

 Donate 

Contact us here to have your event listed.

For sponsorship opportunities, email us here