After a rocky start in office for Labour, the next 12 months will prove pivotal for the UK government. Sir Keir Starmer must grapple with dismal popularity ratings, tough public finances, anaemic growth forecasts and a string of challenging policy decisions. Opposition parties also face key tests. Can Tory leader Kemi Badenoch silence critics’ warnings about her low visibility and output, and can Reform UK’s Nigel Farage prove his party’s momentum is real and not mere mirage? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Robert Shrimsley, Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard to gaze into their crystal balls and consider the year ahead. They discuss the coming local elections, the spectre of Westminster by-elections, the impact of Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office and more.

Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Jim @PickardJE, Stephen @stephenkb and Robert @robertshrimsley

Want more? Free links:

NHS, education, housebuilding… Labour’s progress so far and its plans for 2025

Farage and why Kemi Badenoch does not have time to ‘watch this space’

UK heading for tax rises despite return to growth, economists say

Keir Starmer promises year of ‘rebuilding’ for UK in 2025

Trump wants 5% Nato defence spending target, Europe told

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Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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When God Conceals - Episode 184