UK Strategist Aids US Democrats Without Labour Funding in 2024

In September 2024, Deborah Mattinson, a political strategist previously involved with the Labour Party in the UK, traveled to the United States at the request of the Progressive Policy Institute. Her visit aimed to share insights from Labour's recent success with Democratic strategists. Although no formal interaction with the Kamala Harris campaign occurred, she engaged with various Democratic organizations to understand voter sentiments through focus groups and polling. This trip coincided with heightened scrutiny regarding foreign influences in US elections, following a complaint about Labour's involvement. Amidst this, Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, maintained that his party does not fund such travel for volunteers, asserting adherence to electoral regulations that limit foreign contributions. The implications of these engagements raise concerns about the impact of a potential Trump victory on center-left parties globally, as expressed by Mattinson. Her collaboration with the Progressive Policy Institute emphasizes the growing ties and shared strategies among center-left political organizations worldwide, a move both aimed at knowledge exchange and reinforcing democratic processes during turbulent political climates.