Politics Weekly UK Why is the Labour party in such a mess?
24 snips
Nov 12, 2025 
Jane Martinson, former head of media at The Guardian, shares insights on the BBC's ongoing crisis and its implications for public service broadcasting. She discusses the fallout from executive departures and legal challenges, warning of a worst-case scenario for impartial media. Jane emphasizes the need for political independence and clarity in defending the BBC. The conversation also touches on the future of funding models, calling for reforms to keep the BBC relevant and trusted by younger audiences.
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Post-Election Political Breakdown
- Labour's post-election political operation has fallen apart despite winning a big victory.
- Internal rumours and MPs' anxieties about Starmer's vision and communication created fertile ground for manoeuvres.
Backfire Boosts Streeting
- The Downing Street attempt to shore up Starmer backfired by spotlighting Wes Streeting's strengths.
- Streeting's media skill turned the narrative against the strategists who briefed against him.
Chief Of Staff As Lightning Rod
- Morgan McSweeney has become a lightning rod for MPs' discontent with Downing Street's political operation.
- Delegating day-to-day politics to a chief of staff left Starmer exposed to criticism and missteps.