Denis Rayer

Please tell us about your research project.
My PhD research focuses on the evolutions of the British Labour Party during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership (2015-2020). By analysing « Momentum », the political movement created in 2015 to support Corbyn, I am trying to determine whether this period of radical experiment within the Labour Party can teach us anything about how dated forms of political involvement and participation through institutional means are being renewed. The idea of the party drawing inspiration from social movements tactics and organisation, as well as a reactivation of long decaying party-trade unions links, are two of my main hypotheses. Oxford is a great place to conduct this research, as the city has a very active Labour Party community, and getting access to relevant scientific literature is significantly simpler than in France.

Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?
I’m staying in Oxford for 3 months thanks to a partnership between the Maison Française d’Oxford and my school, EHESS.

First impressions of Oxford/the University?
From what I have seen of Oxford so far, it looks to me as a very interesting and singular city, full of nature and beautiful architecture. I am really looking forward to spending more time in such a unique and stimulating environment.