The New Snobbery
Taking on modern elitism and empowering the working class
Published on 29. June 2021
Book
Hardback
272 pages
978-1-78590-657-2 (ISBN)
Description
An insidious snobbery has taken root in parts of progressive Britain. Working-class voters have flexed their political muscles and helped to change the direction of the country, but in doing so they have been met with disdain and even abuse from elites in politics, culture and business. They have been derided as uneducated, bigoted turkeys voting for Christmas, as Empire apologists patriotic to the point of delusion.
At election time, we hear a lot about 'levelling up the Red Wall'. But when the votes have been counted, what can actually be done to meet the very real concerns of the 'left behind' in the UK's post-industrial towns? In these once vibrant hubs of progress, working-class voters now face the prospect of being minimised or ridiculed in cultural life, economically marginalised and abandoned educationally.
In this rousing polemic, David Skelton explores the roots and reality of this new snobbery, calling for an end to the divisive culture war and the creation of a new politics of the common good, empowering workers, remaking the economy and placing communities centre stage. Above all, he argues that we now have a once-in-a-century opportunity to bring about permanent change.
At election time, we hear a lot about 'levelling up the Red Wall'. But when the votes have been counted, what can actually be done to meet the very real concerns of the 'left behind' in the UK's post-industrial towns? In these once vibrant hubs of progress, working-class voters now face the prospect of being minimised or ridiculed in cultural life, economically marginalised and abandoned educationally.
In this rousing polemic, David Skelton explores the roots and reality of this new snobbery, calling for an end to the divisive culture war and the creation of a new politics of the common good, empowering workers, remaking the economy and placing communities centre stage. Above all, he argues that we now have a once-in-a-century opportunity to bring about permanent change.
Reviews / Votes
"David Skelton is, once again, excellent. For those baffled by the new snobbery - the disdain directed towards working-class people for daring to think for themselves or for wanting a better future for their families and local communities - this brilliant book is essential reading." - Nick Timothy, former Downing Street chief of staff, Daily Telegraph columnist and author of Remaking One Nation: The Future of Conservatism "Insightful and informative, The New Snobbery is a must-read for anyone aiming to understand the politics of the 2020s." - Nadhim Zahawi MP "If you want to understand why Labour's Red Wall crumbled and why the Conservatives are not only winning but changing, read this thoughtful book by one of our most prescient and empathetic social and political writers. Highly recommended." - Jason Cowley, editor-in-chief, New Statesman "For many years David Skelton has been a political pioneer in his attempts to develop a distinct 'blue-collar' conservatism. In recent times, with talk of 'levelling up', his party has moved decisively in his direction. In this vital book Skelton urges them to complete the journey by embracing a new pro-worker settlement: one built around dignified and fulfilling work, which renews our vocations, empowers and rewards workers and strengthens their voices and communities. He makes a compelling case, not just in terms of political calculation but in the name of justice. I don't know if the Tories will listen to and embrace Skelton's ideas, but if they do, my party should really start to worry." - Jon Cruddas Labour MP and author of The Dignity of Labour "David Skelton writes with passion and perception about the fear and loathing that progressives feel for the working class." - Maurice Glasman, Labour life peer and director of the Common Good FoundationMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 144 mm
Width: 222 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
380 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78590-657-2 (9781785906572)
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Other editions
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Person
David Skelton helped set the template for the Tories' successful attempt to take 'Red Wall' seats in the north and the Midlands. For over a decade, he has made the case for a working class-focused Toryism, concentrated on good jobs, good wages and a shared love of country. His highly praised 2019 book Little Platoons argued that England's forgotten towns could redraw the political map - only a few months before they did just that.
David was head of research at Policy Exchange between 2011 and 2013 and later founded Renewal, with the aim of broadening the appeal of the Conservative Party and pushing the policy concerns of the 'left behind'. David has written regularly for a number of publications, including The Guardian, the New Statesman, the Daily Telegraph, The Times, Prospect, ConservativeHome and The Spectator, as well as appearing regularly on BBC Radio and TV, ITN and Sky News.
David was head of research at Policy Exchange between 2011 and 2013 and later founded Renewal, with the aim of broadening the appeal of the Conservative Party and pushing the policy concerns of the 'left behind'. David has written regularly for a number of publications, including The Guardian, the New Statesman, the Daily Telegraph, The Times, Prospect, ConservativeHome and The Spectator, as well as appearing regularly on BBC Radio and TV, ITN and Sky News.