Electoral Dysfunction Did Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves mislead us?
Dec 5, 2025
In this discussion, Matthew Doyle, former director of communications at Number 10, dives into Labour's initial months of governance and the intricate art of political messaging. The conversation explores allegations of misleading the public regarding budget forecasts, prompting a debate about trust and transparency between the government and the media. Doyle highlights the need for clearer narratives and on-the-record briefings, while addressing the challenges of maintaining message coherence amid competing priorities. Expect insights into how political leaders can regain narrative control!
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Photo Ops Haunt Politicians
- David Lammy was photographed appearing defeated, but presenters suggested it was a candid, out‑of‑context moment from a photoshoot.
- Harriet and Ruth recounted similar photo‑op pitfalls and how images can haunt politicians.
Black Hole Narrative Was Partial
- The OBR productivity downgrade reduced forecasted resources but was offset by higher tax receipts, so a headline 'black hole' wasn't straightforward.
- Journalists felt misled because the government emphasised the downgrade while omitting the offsetting receipts in public briefings.
Choices, Not Just Forecasts, Drove Taxes
- Labour choices (welfare reversals, headroom targets) materially drove tax decisions beyond the productivity story.
- Framing decisions as solely driven by external forecasts treated the public as if they wouldn't understand political trade‑offs.