The Election Agent

What really goes on behind the scenes of an election campaign, and who is running the show? How did a tractor load of manure stop Labour activists disrupting a Conservative rally, what role has superglue played in election campaigns in Glasgow, and how did a pink Cadillac affect an election in Norwich? Shaun Ley tells the stories from the true frontline troops of British politics: the Election Agents. He hears what happened when the first day of Mrs Thatcher’s 1983 campaign was a disaster and speaks to the man who first got Michael Portillo elected. He hears from agents who have seen it all, and he explores how local campaigning and centralised party structures have changed the profession - and British politics - forever. And he has had privileged access to an election count to hear for the first time what goes on between the agents and the returning officer on the big night. For the first time he can reveal what alienated and angry voters wrote on their voting slips when they wanted to send the parties a message during the recent expenses furore.

The Election Agent - Episode 1

What really goes on behind the scenes of an election campaign? What messages do dissatisfied voters write on their ballot papers?

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The Election Agent - Episode 2

Shaun Ley finds out from election agents how elections are really won and lost. What roles have cow manure, superglue and pink cadillacs played in election campaigns?

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The Election Agent - Episode 3

Shaun Ley finds out what goes on behind the scenes of an election campaign. Election agents have long been central figures in the political drama, but their profession is dying out.

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