The spiked podcast The lies of Rachel Reeves
Dec 5, 2025
Esther Krakue, a political and cultural commentator known for her sharp critiques, joins the discussion on Rachel Reeves' questionable budget claims and the implications for Labour's credibility. They dive into how inflation and productivity rates misrepresent financial health. Krakue criticizes David Lammy's authoritarian proposal to limit jury trials, highlighting the risks to democratic checks. The conversation also touches on celebrity activism and its disconnection from real issues, questioning if the focus is misguided amidst more pressing threats.
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Budget Black Hole Was Politically Framed
- The OBR found Rachel Reeves overstated a budget black hole and may have had a £4.2bn surplus.
- Tom Slater says Reeves misled MPs and the public to justify political tax rises.
Inflation Fueled The Surprise Surplus
- Inflation, not productivity, drove higher tax receipts that reduced the deficit.
- Fraser Myers highlights the OBR's productivity downgrade as the origin of the supposed black hole.
Child Benefit U‑Turn Was Political
- Lifting the two-child benefit cap was framed as saving Keir Starmer politically.
- Tom Slater argues it shores up Labour's base rather than winning broad support.