Three lessons for marketers from the UK election and how grime rap almost defeated the status quo
The unexpected outcome of the UK general election has left many questioning exactly where things went wrong for the Conservative party, who were hotly tipped for a runaway success. The answer to those questions has a lot to do with the vast differences between the two parties’ campaigns, including a sprinkling of help from some UK rappers, explains Paul Costantoura.
The surprise outcome of the UK election offers some sobering lessons for marketers grappling with the value of their digital marketing thanks to the clear differences between the campaign strategies employed by the Tories and the Labour Party.
The advertising campaigns tell a fascinating story and suggest that the creative agencies on each side were apparently working to very different client briefs.
It also revealed why ‘old guard’ Tory campaigning, founded in traditional political attack advertising and conventional research was almost overwhelmed by the Labour strategy, supported by the Momentum grass-roots campaign network, underground grime artists and young soap stars.
almost defeated = lost the election
See the problem with that short imterpretation is that is misses the gigantic context and nuance that affects the outcome.
We are talking about someone who prior to the campaign, during the campaign, and post the campaign, has been subjected to continuous smearing, insults, and outright lies from almost every corner of the media. Someone who had never been given a fair shout or fair opportunity to talk by any media outlet.
With that in mind he started the campaign massively behind. To achieve what he did from that start was incredible. Almost all predictions were of a Tory landslide, and the result almost stopped the Tories altogether – forcing them into an immoral partnership to save their asses.
Let’s be clear too, there is still every chance he could become PM. The shaky and potentially dangerous coalition that has been botched together has a strong potential to force a re-election – in which Corbyn and Labour will now have the momentum.
So whilst ‘lost’ may be theoretically correct, it is technically wrong.
Campaign wise, he won, hands down. May called an election to ‘increase’ her majority. Now partnered with the Northern Irish equivalent of the Westboro Church and truly threatening the peace process as a result, May and the Tories are in dire straits.
‘Ooh Jeremy Corbyn, ooh Jeremy Corbyn’
Calling it ‘Grime Rap’ is almost as out of touch as the Tories….
‘grime rap’?
lol