Political Currency Can Starmer hold on as PM?
Oct 30, 2025
Keir Starmer faces a turbulent week with a Caerphilly by-election collapse and internal party strife. As leadership speculation mounts, the hosts discuss the implications for Labour's future. They analyze the pivotal upcoming budget and Rachel Reeves' commitment to a tax lock amid fiscal challenges. Shifting gears, they dive into Trump's Asia tour and his trade strategies, questioning whether his approach is chaotic or effective. They even touch on the global reactions to his tariffs and the potential legal battles in the US.
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Starmer's Credibility Gap Needs A Clear Mission
- Keir Starmer faces a credibility gap as short-term crises overshadow a clear long-term mission.
- The next budget must define a durable growth-and-public-service plan to restore confidence.
Crises Amplify Perception Of Instability
- Recent crises (Caerphilly loss, deputy leadership friction, prison release) amplified perceptions of instability.
- Internal dissent risks becoming contagious without visible policy delivery.
Mistaken Prisoner Release And Political Fallout
- The Kabatu case saw an Ethiopian asylum seeker mistakenly released and later forcibly deported with a £500 payment.
- Ed Balls highlighted how such operational errors become political crises for governments.