Political Fix Political Fix Live: Labour’s year in review
Dec 12, 2025
Anna Gross, an FT politics correspondent, Stephen Bush, a political columnist, and Chris Giles, an FT economics commentator, discuss the turbulent year for Labour under Keir Starmer. They analyze market reactions to the budget and the fallout from tax rises, emphasizing the public's growing discontent. The trio also dives into potential leadership challenges, the impact of fiscal credibility on the markets, and the dynamics of Conservative strategies. Additionally, they explore international relations and the implications of Scottish nationalism.
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Reeves Is Different In Private
- Chris Giles recalls Rachel Reeves appearing far more lively in private than in public.
- He and Sam Fleming noted her different private persona in an FT magazine piece.
Leadership Contest Could Emerge
- A leadership challenge to Keir Starmer is possible but not guaranteed; multiple plausible contenders exist.
- Anna Gross lists Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting and Ed Miliband as potential options.
Markets Back Stability In Labour Leadership
- Markets currently trust Starmer-Reeves for fiscal prudence; a contested leadership could spook investors.
- Chris Giles warns that replacing them risks a return to market volatility seen in 2022.