Politics Unpacked PMQs: She's Completely Losing The Plot
Dec 3, 2025
Political heavyweight Gabriel Pogrund, Sunday Times Whitehall editor, and Guto Harri, former Downing Street communications chief, discuss Kemi Badenoch's standout performance at PMQs. They analyze the implications of her budget-focused strategy and the tensions surrounding the OBR's resignation. Delving into cabinet infighting, the duo assesses how Badenoch's tactics may challenge Whitehall unity. The conversation also touches on Keir Starmer's credibility and policy reversals, making for a lively exploration of current political dynamics.
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Preparing Boris: The Leonora Rehearsals
- Guto Harri recounts rehearsals preparing Boris Johnson for PMQs and a feisty opponent called Leonora.
- He remembers ending sessions relieved she wasn't leader of the opposition because she was so effective.
Kemi's Momentum At PMQs
- Kemi Badenoch has sharpened her PMQs and built a sustained narrative attacking Labour's budget presentation.
- Events around the OBR and budget leaks made it easier for her to put Keir Starmer on the defensive.
OBR Resignation As A Symbol
- The OBR chairman's resignation symbolised deeper tensions between the Treasury and the OBR.
- Gabriel Pogrund says the resignation reflected a wider breakdown in relationships, not solely the leak.