This Week in Politics
President Jimmy Carter
Former President Jimmy Carter died on 29 December 2024, having lived an entire century. He served as president from 1977 to 1981 and used his post-presidency to work on humanitarian causes and peace, winning him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Former presidents, including President Joe Biden, have stated their respect and appreciation for Carter.
"We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles," Jimmy Carter once stated.
House Speaker Mike Johnson Remains
The GOP has managed to reelect Speaker of the House Mike Johnson by the slimmest of margins. Mr Johnson secured reelection with an exact majority, with 218 representatives, all Republicans, supporting the speaker. All the Democrats voted against Mr Johnson.
Speaker Johnson hung by a thread as several GOP representatives remained unconvinced of his leadership. Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie had priorly stated his unwavering intention to vote against Mr Johnson. Yet, with the endorsement of President-elect Donald J. Trump the speaker coalesced support. President-elect Trump called those still unconvinced, managing to convince enough representatives. In a test of his sway in the House of Representatives, MrTrump has showcased his strength among the Republicans.
House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries of the Democratic Party underpinned his party's desire for bipartisanship yet also said the Democrats would "push back against far-right extremism whenever necessary." Moreover, when mentioning Trump's election, Republicans applauded to which Mr Jeffries responded, "Thank you for that very generous applause." He continued, "It's okay. There are no election deniers on our side of the aisle."
"It is the great honor of my life to serve this body with all of you," Speaker Mike Johnson said picking up the gavel.
Troubles for Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Some 20 councillors in Broxtowe Borough Council have left the Labour Party, instead pursuing a local party dubbed the Broxtowe Independents. The group, including Council leader Milan Radulovic, a party member for over 4 decades, stated that Sir Starmer's Labour Party had "abandoned traditional Labour values," specifically citing the scrapping of winter fuel allowance to certain pensioners.
"I believe the concentration of power in the hands of fewer people and the abolition of local democracy through the current proposals of super councils is nothing short of a dictatorship, where local elected members, local people, local residents will have no say over the type and level of service provided in their area," Milan Radulovic said in reference to Labour's plans for local government.
While 20 councillors leaving is not utterly devastating for a national party with a strong standing it does showcase how the Labour coalition is not solid. Unpopular decisions by the Labour Government are having tangible implications for grassroots support, this may only be a single council, yet it reflects a swift national trend of realignment following the general election mere months ago. However, with time on their side, the Labour Party's standing remains relatively strong, although this showcases the need to deliver and strengthen support.
