Oh God, What Now? Westminster Village Idiots? – Parliament in 2025 with John Crace of The Guardian
Dec 16, 2025
In this lively discussion, John Crace, a parliamentary commentator for The Guardian, dives into the chaotic landscape of Westminster in 2025. He explores Nigel Farage's surprising rise as a Prime Minister contender and his media strategies. Crace critiques Keir Starmer’s government competence and reflects on the fallout from Angela Rayner's political missteps. The conversation also examines the challenges within the political left, the influence of GB News, and the broader implications of campaign spending and internal party disputes.
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Leadership Leak Backfires
- Keir Starmer's team mishandled a leadership-leak intended to strengthen him and instead made him look weak.
- John Crace describes it as a moment of complete hopelessness that revealed Number 10's poor comms.
Communication Over Policy
- Nigel Farage communicates effectively and has pushed Reform into high poll positions.
- John Crace warns Farage now faces the harder test of offering credible governing policies.
Media Presence Beats Parliamentary Seats
- Farage avoids Commons theatre and instead sets the news agenda via regular press conferences.
- That worked while other parties were inactive, amplifying Reform despite few MPs.