Political Fix Live: Labour’s year in review

Political Fix Live: Labour’s year in review

Author: Financial Times December 12, 2025 Duration: 38:01

It’s been another turbulent year in politics. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced down rebellions from within his own party, overseen scandals and sackings, and delivered a constant barrage of bad news from health and housing to small boats and the Budget. He’s fared a little better on the world stage – with successful state visits, securing a comparatively competitive trade deal with Trump, as well as a tentative rapprochement with Europe. But with every international success, Starmer’s standing domestically seems to diminish: he ends the year, on some measures, as the most unpopular PM ever. 


In this special live episode of Political Fix, host George Parker is joined by Anna Gross, Stephen Bush and Chris Giles to analyse how the Labour party got here – and where it goes next. 


Follow George on @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen on @stephenkb.bsky.social; and Chris on @chrisgiles.ft.com 


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Want more? Free links:    

 

Return to EU customs union would ‘unravel’ UK trade deals, Starmer warns 


Inside Politics: Neither Keir Starmer nor Kemi Badenoch wants to reverse Brexit


Nigel Farage rejects allegations of teenage racist abuse 


Wes Streeting calls for better ‘storytelling’ from Starmer’s ‘technocratic’ government


Chris Giles: Why UK borrowing costs are so high 


George and Anna’s FT scoop on Labour’s tax U-turn


Sign up to Stephen's morning newsletter Inside Politics here, and to Chris’ newsletter on Central Banks here. 


Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. Our broadcast engineers this week were Bianca Wakeman, Petros Gioumpasis and Andrew Georgiades. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. 


What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com  


Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com


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Every Friday, the team behind Political Fix gathers to make sense of the week's political turbulence. This isn't just a recap of headlines; it's a deep, often lively conversation that pulls back the curtain on how decisions are really made in Westminster and beyond. You'll hear from the Financial Times journalists who are actually there, in the corridors and committee rooms, paired with expert voices who provide crucial context. Together, they untangle complex policy debates, analyse the shifting alliances, and question the strategies defining Britain's future. The result is a clear-eyed, authoritative look at the forces shaping the nation, delivered with the FT's signature rigor and insight. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining access to a private briefing, one that prioritizes substance over noise. It’s for anyone who wants to move past the soundbites and understand the real stories and personalities driving the political agenda. New episodes arrive weekly, offering a consistent and essential perspective on a landscape that never stops moving.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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