The New Snobbery: Taking on modern elitism and empowering the working class

Description

The Brexit referendum marked the first time in generations that the working class flexed its political muscle and helped to change the direction of the country - against the almost universal advice of the ruling political, business and cultural classes. Three years later, the same voters proved to be pivotal in the result of the 2019 general election, with the so-called 'Red Wall' crumbling. But just as they seem to be important again, a new and insidious snobbery has taken root in society, which is aimed squarely at working-class voters. In part, this is a reaction to the power of these new voters and in part it is the result of cultural and economic changes over recent decades. This rousing polemic explores the roots and the reality of this new snobbery. It considers how the working class has been excluded and how this has been emphasised during the COVID-19 pandemic. It describes how the working class has been abandoned by its traditional champions who spoke about empowering it whilst building a middle-class movement that left working people politically estranged; and it sets out the cultural and educational disenfranchisement of the traditional working class, which creates polarisation and entrenches the new snobbery.

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 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 Foundation