The Two Matts PRE-BUDGET SPECIAL - with Tom Baldwin
Nov 25, 2025
Tom Baldwin, a contributing editor at The New World and former senior Labour Party journalist, delves into the complexities of Labour's strategy. He reveals insights from his recent interview with Chancellor Rachel Reeves, discussing her approach to a challenging electorate and the narrative struggles within the government. Baldwin emphasizes the importance of purposeful strategy for Starmer and Reeves, critiques their messaging, and argues that Starmer's calmness can effectively challenge populist narratives, particularly from Farage.
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Reeves: Battered But Purposeful
- Tom Baldwin says Rachel Reeves feels "battered but defiant" and genuinely feels the political pain.
- He argues the government's poor approval is hyperbolic given no decisive economic or foreign-policy catastrophe.
Too Many Matches, No Fire
- Baldwin: the government issues thousands of announcements but fails to join them into a coherent narrative.
- He praises Reeves' long-term social-democratic moves but says they lack a strong, consistent story.
U-Turns Born From Mixed Internal Views
- Baldwin explains the CBI speech reflected confidence not inevitability about tax choices, and the U-turn noise came from mixed internal views.
- He warns announcing a U-turn based on speculation creates chaos even when fiscal news is positive.