The Prospect Podcast Does Labour have a ‘culture problem’? With Lucy Powell and Stella Creasy
Oct 1, 2025
Stella Creasy, MP for Walthamstow, speaks candidly about Labour's internal culture issues, advocating for more open dialogue to counter groupthink. Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central and deputy leadership candidate, discusses her campaign goals and the need for Labour to reclaim the political narrative from Reform, especially on immigration. Both guests emphasize the importance of addressing deep economic inequality and the necessity for cultural change to empower women's leadership within the party.
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Culture Trumps Comms Problems
- Stella Creasy argues Labour's main problem is cultural, not just communications or factionalism.
- She says the party has stopped listening, debating and valuing diverse voices, which drains energy and ideas.
Give Debate Space To Improve Policy
- Give internal critics space and test ideas through rigorous debate to improve policy.
- Value sincere disagreement to reach better solutions and keep activists engaged.
Don't Gloat; Make Office Count
- Creasy warns Labour must both avoid mistakes and make its time in office meaningful.
- She argues the party must show why it matters, not gloat at opponents' collapse.