The Edition: Claws out for Keir, Mamdani’s poisoned apple & are most wedding toasts awful?

Jul 3, 2025

Tim Shipman, a Spectator writer, shares insights on Keir Starmer's turbulent first year as Labour leader, discussing his notable policy shifts and the public’s lukewarm response. Kate Andrews, deputy US editor, delves into Zohran Mamdani's rise to becoming the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, exploring the implications of his socialist platform. The conversation takes a lighter turn with a humorous debate on the often-dreadful nature of wedding toasts, questioning societal expectations and the fine line between charm and chaos.

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INSIGHT

Labour Party's Activist Problem

Keir Starmer's party struggles because MPs behave like activists rather than serious government members.
This internal conflict hinders effective governance and public confidence in Labour.

INSIGHT

Starmer Owns The Success And Failure

Responsibility for Labour's failures rests directly on Starmer, not just his advisers.
Deflecting criticism to advisers only prolongs the party's problems.

INSIGHT

Labour's Mixed First-Year Results

Labour's government has achieved some successes but lacks transformational impact.
Handling of Trump was surprisingly effective and deserves credit.

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This week: one year of Labour – the verdict

In the magazine this week Tim Shipman declares his verdict on Keir Starmer’s Labour government as we approach the first anniversary of their election victory.

One year on, some of Labour’s most notable policies have been completely changed – from the u-turn over winter fuel allowance to the embarrassing climb-down over welfare this week. Starmer has appeared more confident on the world stage but, for domestic audiences, this is small consolation when the public has perceived little change on the problems that have faced Britain for years. Can Starmer turn it around?

Tim joined the podcast alongside the Spectator’s editor Michael Gove. What would they say Starmer’s greatest mistake, and biggest success, have been over the past year? (1:46)

Next: would Zohran Mamdani ruin New York?

In the magazine this week, the Spectator’s deputy US editor Kate Andrews writes about Zohran Mamdani – the self-declared ‘democratic socialist’ who defied expectations to become the Democratic Party’s presumptive candidate for the New York City mayoral election this November.

From a little-known state assemblyman to the mayoral heir presumptive – how did Mamdani do it? And what effect could his policies have? Kate joined the podcast alongside the Spectator’s US editor Freddy Gray. (24:03)

And finally: ‘admit it – most wedding toasts are awful’

Are wedding toasts as awful as Madeline Grant says they are in the magazine this week?

Maddie writes about the trend for multiple speeches at weddings, beyond the traditional three, blaming creeping Americanisms and the feminist revolution, amongst other things. These, compounded with widespread poor oratory skills, means the playbill looks ‘fuller and fuller’ and guests are denied a moment to ‘at least dull the horror with alcohol’. Should we push back against the trend?

Maddie joined the podcast alongside professional speechwriter Damian Reilly. (35:37)

Hosted by William Moore and Gus Carter.

Produced by Patrick Gibbons.