Westminster Insider Spin, half-truth or deceit? How political lies really work
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Dec 12, 2025 Chris Morris, Chief Executive of Full Fact, dives into the murky waters of political truth and deception. He discusses how distinguishing lies from half-truths presents a challenge, especially as politicians often cloak facts in compelling narratives. The conversation highlights the notable case of Rachel Reeves and the budget controversy, scrutinizing whether her statements were spin or outright lies. Morris also reflects on Boris Johnson's storytelling tactics and how politicians' narratives tend to breed public skepticism, complicating the search for truth.
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Surfball: A Manufactured Political Story
- Peter Mandelson famously invented "surfball" to sell the Millennium Dome and later admitted it was a fiction.
- The story illustrates how a playful fabrication became part of a political narrative that the media amplified.
Intent Separates Spin From Lies
- The line between narrative and outright lying depends on intention and the surrounding context of communication.
- Political spin becomes a lie when you can reasonably ascribe deliberate intent to mislead the public.
Grain-Of-Truth Weaponisation
- Both New Labour and Brexit campaigns blurred facts into persuasive narratives that amplified half-truths.
- Small grains of truth were weaponised into broad claims that shaped public perception and voting behavior.
