Political Currency Is Shabana Mahmood the heir to Blair?
13 snips
Nov 20, 2025 Labour faces a chaotic U-turn on income tax, replacing a planned rise with numerous smaller taxes, sparking market uncertainty. Shabana Mahmood's ambitious asylum reforms are creating waves among Labour supporters and prompting questions about her political future. Meanwhile, George and Ed debate Steve Hilton's surprising run for California governor and his Trump-esque tactics, including an unconventional promise to control the weather. It's a rollercoaster of political maneuvers, rhetoric, and the impact of narratives in shaping public perception.
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Mandelson Outside A West London House
- George Osborne recounts Peter Mandelson staying late and being photographed relieving himself outside his house.
- He uses the tale as a humorous segue into auctioning a signed champagne Jeroboam for Sarcoma UK.
Narrative Matters As Much As Numbers
- The budget narrative collapsed after a public U-turn on income tax, leaving markets and public confidence damaged.
- George Osborne and Ed Balls say coherent story-telling matters as much as the policy itself for economic credibility.
Many Small Taxes Are Harder To Sell
- A 'smorgasbord' of small taxes is harder to sell because each measure is scrutinised and may not deliver expected revenue.
- The pair warn fragmented tax measures risk market distrust and business investment pauses.
