Prof Sara Hobolt: Tribal politics: How Brexit divided Britain
29 October 2026, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: Room 3.5, The Chancellors' Building Bath, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
Think tank: Institute for Policy Research
This event hosted by UK think tank the Institute of Policy Research explores how a political moment can spark lasting divides.
About the event
The Brexit referendum was a pivotal moment in British politics. Not only did it lead to the UK’s departure from the EU, but it also created a new and lasting political divide. The identities of Leavers and Remainers rapidly became central to how people saw themselves, others and the world around them, and they continue to underpin British politics.
Professor Sara Hobolt (LSE) explores why these identities have proved so resilient and examines the far-reaching consequences of tribal politics for political attitudes and choices. As many democracies around the world confront deepening political divides, she offers timely insights into how a single political moment can spark lasting tribalism and why those tribes so often survive long after that moment has passed.
This event is open to all.
About the speaker
Professor Sara Hobolt is Sutherland Chair in European Institutions and Professor in the Department of Government at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her research focuses on European politics, electoral behaviour and public opinion. She is the Chair of the European Election Studies (EES), an EU-wide project studying voters, parties, candidates and the media in European Parliamentary elections. Her most recent book is Tribal Politics: How Brexit Divided Britain (Oxford University Press, with James Tilley). She is a Fellow of the British Academy.
This event is hosted by the University of Bath Institute for Policy Research (IPR).
