Political Currency EMQs: What’s the hardest question you’ve had to answer?
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Dec 15, 2025 George Osborne and Ed Balls share hilarious memories of facing tough questions from schoolchildren, including tricky math queries. They delve into the peculiar case of Pierre Poilievre, exploring why some leaders linger after defeats. The duo also debates Labour's hesitance to rejoin the Customs Union and assesses the US/India trade deals' viability. Listeners hear a compelling defense of Labour's first year, while George surprises with a Harold Wilson impression, turning political discourse into entertaining banter.
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Father Christmas Faux Pas
- George Osborne performed as Father Christmas at the Commons and his daughter cried, asking why her dad had to be Father Christmas.
- He used the story to illustrate the embarrassment of public-facing roles and family reactions.
Policy Wins Need A Narrative
- Keir Starmer's government delivers many concrete reforms but lacks a compelling, unifying narrative.
- Without a clear story voters answer 'wrong direction' polls regardless of policy wins.
Growth Numbers Don't Equal Public Confidence
- Economic growth figures alone don't settle public sentiment; real income growth matters more to voters.
- Modest GDP growth with above-target inflation can still feel like stagflation to the public.