James Kanagasooriam
@jameskanag.bsky.social
Pollster. Chief Research Officer of @focaldata.bsky.social and Honorary Professor @UofGlasgow.bsky.social
Reposted by James Kanagasooriam
Why we should pay more attention to political humour @jameskanag.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/8bf3...
www.thetimes.com/article/8bf3...
We’ve underestimated the power of humour in political revolutions
If Keir Starmer could make us laugh like Donald Trump or Nigel Farage, he’d be doing far better in the opinion polls
www.thetimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Why we should pay more attention to political humour @jameskanag.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/8bf3...
www.thetimes.com/article/8bf3...
I had enormous fun writing this piece over the half term break for @thetimes.com Why humour is the superpower of politics. Featuring polling from @focaldata.bsky.social and @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social
Why we should pay more attention to political humour @jameskanag.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/8bf3...
www.thetimes.com/article/8bf3...
We’ve underestimated the power of humour in political revolutions
If Keir Starmer could make us laugh like Donald Trump or Nigel Farage, he’d be doing far better in the opinion polls
www.thetimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:24 AM
I had enormous fun writing this piece over the half term break for @thetimes.com Why humour is the superpower of politics. Featuring polling from @focaldata.bsky.social and @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social
George Abaraonye takes hard to nail. It’s interesting for orthogonal reasons. 1/ private fleeting moments blowing up to global scrutiny - a la Coldplay 2/ Oxford’s admissions criteria 3/ political reasoning across left and right that is sociopathic 4/ free speech debate 5/ why is Oxford in the news
September 14, 2025 at 9:32 AM
George Abaraonye takes hard to nail. It’s interesting for orthogonal reasons. 1/ private fleeting moments blowing up to global scrutiny - a la Coldplay 2/ Oxford’s admissions criteria 3/ political reasoning across left and right that is sociopathic 4/ free speech debate 5/ why is Oxford in the news
Reposted by James Kanagasooriam
🚨 The UK Youth Poll 2025 is here! 🚨
Young people believe in democracy but fear for its future. They want better politics & financial stability.
📊 Read the #UKYouthPoll2025 now: www.ukyouthpoll.com
@focaldata.bsky.social @uofglasgow.bsky.social #Nationwide
Young people believe in democracy but fear for its future. They want better politics & financial stability.
📊 Read the #UKYouthPoll2025 now: www.ukyouthpoll.com
@focaldata.bsky.social @uofglasgow.bsky.social #Nationwide
March 31, 2025 at 8:31 AM
🚨 The UK Youth Poll 2025 is here! 🚨
Young people believe in democracy but fear for its future. They want better politics & financial stability.
📊 Read the #UKYouthPoll2025 now: www.ukyouthpoll.com
@focaldata.bsky.social @uofglasgow.bsky.social #Nationwide
Young people believe in democracy but fear for its future. They want better politics & financial stability.
📊 Read the #UKYouthPoll2025 now: www.ukyouthpoll.com
@focaldata.bsky.social @uofglasgow.bsky.social #Nationwide
Parenting becoming more effort filled is downstream of so many things - the necessity of dual incomes in some areas, housing, atomised living, geographically dislocated families, a public realm that doesn’t have lots of nice free stuff, a culture of individualism over community, declining faith.
My theory is that there is *one* way to raise birth rates, and it is to normalise hands off French-style parenting. France is the only country in the world where the amount of time parents spend on care has fallen rather than risen, and has the highest fertility rate in Europe
Finland has this and low birth rates! I’m not kidding, it is literally a global phenomenon.
September 2, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Parenting becoming more effort filled is downstream of so many things - the necessity of dual incomes in some areas, housing, atomised living, geographically dislocated families, a public realm that doesn’t have lots of nice free stuff, a culture of individualism over community, declining faith.
I’ve written today for @thetimes.com on how our shortening attention spans are damaging our politics. Another slightly doomery column
September 2, 2025 at 12:47 PM
I’ve written today for @thetimes.com on how our shortening attention spans are damaging our politics. Another slightly doomery column
Just read this and it’s a pretty astonishing paper download.ssrn.com/2024/10/20/4...
August 31, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Just read this and it’s a pretty astonishing paper download.ssrn.com/2024/10/20/4...
The sheer number of non voters towards the lower end of the income spectrum indicates the potential for much higher turnout in a multiparty system
The lovely people @britishelectionstudy.com released the random probaility data which means we can begin to unravel some unanswered questions about turnout in 2024.
A substack to follow but a starter of social class and vote/non-vote. Which party represents the working class? None of the above.
A substack to follow but a starter of social class and vote/non-vote. Which party represents the working class? None of the above.
August 29, 2025 at 5:51 PM
The sheer number of non voters towards the lower end of the income spectrum indicates the potential for much higher turnout in a multiparty system
Reposted by James Kanagasooriam
The lovely people @britishelectionstudy.com released the random probaility data which means we can begin to unravel some unanswered questions about turnout in 2024.
A substack to follow but a starter of social class and vote/non-vote. Which party represents the working class? None of the above.
A substack to follow but a starter of social class and vote/non-vote. Which party represents the working class? None of the above.
August 29, 2025 at 4:45 PM
The lovely people @britishelectionstudy.com released the random probaility data which means we can begin to unravel some unanswered questions about turnout in 2024.
A substack to follow but a starter of social class and vote/non-vote. Which party represents the working class? None of the above.
A substack to follow but a starter of social class and vote/non-vote. Which party represents the working class? None of the above.
My latest substack is a labour of love (link below) on the issue of agency, and how bringing it back at the personal and institutional level might be critical to improving our politics again. Featuring detailed polling and analysis from us here at @focaldata.bsky.social
August 10, 2025 at 8:43 PM
My latest substack is a labour of love (link below) on the issue of agency, and how bringing it back at the personal and institutional level might be critical to improving our politics again. Featuring detailed polling and analysis from us here at @focaldata.bsky.social
Reposted by James Kanagasooriam
Fascinating as per from @jameskanag.bsky.social - loads of great data and analysis but this particular graphic shows shares of those lucky people who are optimistic and have a strong sense both of their own agency/efficacy and trust in others. politicalwhiteboard.substack.com/p/agency-cou...
August 10, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Fascinating as per from @jameskanag.bsky.social - loads of great data and analysis but this particular graphic shows shares of those lucky people who are optimistic and have a strong sense both of their own agency/efficacy and trust in others. politicalwhiteboard.substack.com/p/agency-cou...
My latest substack on agency and the role it plays in our politics, inspired by chats with @jburnmurdoch.ft.com and @luketryl.bsky.social and @cate.bsky.social substack.com/@jameskanag/...
James Kanagasooriam (@jameskanag)
My latest substack on agency and politics. I think the time for thinking about agency has come featuring thoughts from @Cate Hall
substack.com
August 8, 2025 at 4:00 PM
My latest substack on agency and the role it plays in our politics, inspired by chats with @jburnmurdoch.ft.com and @luketryl.bsky.social and @cate.bsky.social substack.com/@jameskanag/...
Reposted by James Kanagasooriam
Politics faces its own AI reckoning https://on.ft.com/3UjioFy | opinion
Politics faces its own AI reckoning
A new class of imperilled white-collar workers could radically reshape British democracy
on.ft.com
July 17, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Politics faces its own AI reckoning https://on.ft.com/3UjioFy | opinion
I’ve written up my thoughts on AI and the impending white collar hiring doom to come for the @thetimes.com. Reader I am not optimistic
www.thetimes.com/article/a064...
www.thetimes.com/article/a064...
March of AI could prompt a white-collar revolt
The middle classes will lose job security in automated Britain, so what happens politically if everyone feels left behind?
www.thetimes.com
July 9, 2025 at 7:49 PM
I’ve written up my thoughts on AI and the impending white collar hiring doom to come for the @thetimes.com. Reader I am not optimistic
www.thetimes.com/article/a064...
www.thetimes.com/article/a064...
Reposted by James Kanagasooriam
This is really thoughtful stuff, as per, from @jameskanag.bsky.social. I suspect that elites will be better at protecting their jobs, and that ultimately the number of hand/heart jobs has a (Baumol cost-related) upper limit. But so much to think through here.
The "collar flip"....what if class politics shifted in the UK?
Why the rise of AI, might change our politics in the UK (and US!)
politicalwhiteboard.substack.com
June 26, 2025 at 3:12 PM
This is really thoughtful stuff, as per, from @jameskanag.bsky.social. I suspect that elites will be better at protecting their jobs, and that ultimately the number of hand/heart jobs has a (Baumol cost-related) upper limit. But so much to think through here.
Reposted by James Kanagasooriam
A fascinating blog by James Kanagasooriam on the potential political sociology of AI. Much, much to consider. Many, many questions.
politicalwhiteboard.substack.com/p/the-collar...
politicalwhiteboard.substack.com/p/the-collar...
The "collar flip"....what if class politics shifted in the UK?
Why the rise of AI, might change our politics in the UK (and US!)
politicalwhiteboard.substack.com
June 26, 2025 at 12:45 PM
A fascinating blog by James Kanagasooriam on the potential political sociology of AI. Much, much to consider. Many, many questions.
politicalwhiteboard.substack.com/p/the-collar...
politicalwhiteboard.substack.com/p/the-collar...
Some afternoon thoughts on UK politics and AI exposure and how it’s so different by geography politicalwhiteboard.substack.com/p/the-collar...
The "collar flip"....what if class politics shifted in the UK?
Why the rise of AI, might change our politics in the UK (and US!)
politicalwhiteboard.substack.com
June 26, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Some afternoon thoughts on UK politics and AI exposure and how it’s so different by geography politicalwhiteboard.substack.com/p/the-collar...
Our take on the Canadian election from @focaldata.bsky.social + @politico.com. Liberals ahead by 3 pts which is likely to translate into a small majority. Trump has had a material effect. One pause for thought. “Wisdom of the crowds” has a 4 point Conservative lead. www.politico.com/news/2025/04...
April 26, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Our take on the Canadian election from @focaldata.bsky.social + @politico.com. Liberals ahead by 3 pts which is likely to translate into a small majority. Trump has had a material effect. One pause for thought. “Wisdom of the crowds” has a 4 point Conservative lead. www.politico.com/news/2025/04...
Reposted by James Kanagasooriam
2 pieces youshould read side by side today - first fantastic piece from @jameskanag.bsky.social on importance of volunteering/associational life. 2nd a BBC report on the cancellation of 150 year old Shrewsbury Flower Show & Margaret's quote about what it means to her
www.thetimes.com/article/d86f...
www.thetimes.com/article/d86f...
April 22, 2025 at 12:21 PM
2 pieces youshould read side by side today - first fantastic piece from @jameskanag.bsky.social on importance of volunteering/associational life. 2nd a BBC report on the cancellation of 150 year old Shrewsbury Flower Show & Margaret's quote about what it means to her
www.thetimes.com/article/d86f...
www.thetimes.com/article/d86f...
In an age of defence and geopolitical uncertainty it’s domestic issues like lack of “social capital” that are likely to fall by the wayside. Me in today’s @thetimes.com Making friends is what keeps us happy
www.thetimes.com/article/d86f...
www.thetimes.com/article/d86f...
Making friends is what keeps us happy
Meeting people through volunteering or a hobby builds ‘social capital’ and we need more of it
www.thetimes.com
April 21, 2025 at 9:16 AM
In an age of defence and geopolitical uncertainty it’s domestic issues like lack of “social capital” that are likely to fall by the wayside. Me in today’s @thetimes.com Making friends is what keeps us happy
www.thetimes.com/article/d86f...
www.thetimes.com/article/d86f...
Popped into the local church - curious over anecdata about crowd sizes this Easter and was pretty astonished by the hundreds packing it out with no seats available. Interested in the official data when it’s out
April 20, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Popped into the local church - curious over anecdata about crowd sizes this Easter and was pretty astonished by the hundreds packing it out with no seats available. Interested in the official data when it’s out
Enjoyed writing this new year piece for The Times on celebrities and politics
Great piece by @jameskanag.bsky.social on the appeal of celebrity politics. What’s so interesting about celebrities engagement with politics now is that it’s less out of touch luvvies of the past but as James says an ability to evoke a more resonant sense of Britain www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
When politicians fail, the celebrities step in
Figures such as Martin Lewis and Jeremy Clarkson increasingly have more recognition, longevity and clout than MPs
www.thetimes.com
January 1, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Enjoyed writing this new year piece for The Times on celebrities and politics
Enjoyed doing this with @pimlicat.bsky.social about macro trends in public opinion. Link to my substack here which references some of my thinking open.substack.com/pub/politica...
December 30, 2024 at 8:26 AM
Enjoyed doing this with @pimlicat.bsky.social about macro trends in public opinion. Link to my substack here which references some of my thinking open.substack.com/pub/politica...
Reposted by James Kanagasooriam
this is wonderful from HTSI - the loveliest places of worship - I had absolutely no idea there is a church full of Chagall stained glass in Kent and am now campaigning for a day out www.ft.com/content/9ad2...
The world’s most wonderful places of worship
FT editors and contributors nominate 32 awe-inspiring holy buildings, from the Temple of Light in Texas to Thailand’s Khuha Kharuehat Pavilion
www.ft.com
December 29, 2024 at 8:51 PM
this is wonderful from HTSI - the loveliest places of worship - I had absolutely no idea there is a church full of Chagall stained glass in Kent and am now campaigning for a day out www.ft.com/content/9ad2...
Reposted by James Kanagasooriam
James Kanagasooriam - @jameskanag.bsky.social - one of the smartest politics analysts out there - now has a substack, which is well worth a read. Check it out here: politicalwhiteboard.substack.com/p/is-there-a...
Is there another way to think about the political cycle?
Politics always goes from left to right, and back again. But what else?
politicalwhiteboard.substack.com
December 2, 2024 at 9:15 AM
James Kanagasooriam - @jameskanag.bsky.social - one of the smartest politics analysts out there - now has a substack, which is well worth a read. Check it out here: politicalwhiteboard.substack.com/p/is-there-a...