Draft:Ming vase strategy

A Ming vase strategy refers to a political strategy emphasising cautious political messaging, aimed not at attracting potential voters, but at not scaring voters away.[1][2]

History

edit

The term was first used by British politician Roy Jenkins, talking about UK Labour Party leader Tony Blair ahead of the 1997 United Kingdom general election.[3][4]

The strategy was used by the Labour Party under Keir Starmer's leadership during the 2024 United Kingdom general election, in which Labour won a significant majority.[5]

Kamala Harris has consulted Starmer about the Ming vase strategy for her campaign in the 2024 United States presidential election.[6]

Reception

edit

William Keegan of The Guardian criticised Starmer's use of the strategy during the 2024 UK elections, saying that it was "depressingly cautious" and that "many natural Labour voters are asking themselves: what is the point?"[7] Jonny Ball of the New Statesman wrote that the strategy had been "frustrating" during the election, but that it "has worked for now."[8]

References

edit
  1. ^ Williamson, Adrian (26 June 2023). "'Thirteen Wasted Years': A Strategy for Starmer?". The Political Quarterly. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  2. ^ Taylor, Brian (17 February 2024). "Brian Taylor: Starmer, Scottish Labour – and the Ming Vase strategy". The Herald Scotlan. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  3. ^ Adonis, Andrew (11 November 2017). "Tony Blair and Europe: shattering the Ming vase". Prospect Magazine. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  4. ^ Wordsworth, Dot (22 June 2024). "Who came up with the analogy of carrying a Ming vase?". The Spectator. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  5. ^ Pich, Christopher (19 August 2024). "Keir Starmer's 'productivity theatre' and the need for a recognisable Labour brand". The Conversation. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  6. ^ O'Hana, Pablo (21 August 2024). "Kamala Harris inspired by Keir Starmer's 'Ming vase' strategy". iNews. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  7. ^ Keegan, William (23 June 2024). "This timid 'Ming vase' strategy won't turn Labour into a dynasty". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  8. ^ https://www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/sustainability/climate/2024/07/what-does-labours-win-mean-for-the-green-transition