The analysis of political equivocation by British political leaders

Equivocation, sometimes referred to as “the intentional use of precise language”, is the focus of this article. Data are reported concerning the extent to which politicians equivocate in televised interviews and Prime Minister’s Questions (so-called reply-rate). In addition, methodological techniques devised by Peter Bull and colleagues for the analysis of equivocation are discussed. These involve the identification of different types of questions, whereby it is possible to establish whether a politician has provided an answer. An equivocation typology is presented, whereby 43 techniques of not replying to a question are identified. Examples of equivocation by recent British political leaders are discussed: Conservative Prime Ministers: Margaret Thatcher, John Major, David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson; Labour Leaders of the Opposition: Neil Kinnock, Ed Miliband, Jeremy Corbyn; Liberal Democrats leaders: Paddy Ashdown, Nick Clegg, Tim Farron; UKIP leaders (United Kingdom Independence Party): Nigel Farage, Paul Nuttall.