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December 8, 2025 12 mins

This morning Kemi Badenoch has staged a presser setting out the terms for a new (alternative) national grooming gangs inquiry – a move that has reopened wounds for many survivors and intensified criticism of Labour’s handling of the existing process. What will this mean for the government, for survivors, and for the political fight ahead?

Meanwhile in Scotland, the defection of former Scotland Office minister Lord Offord to Reform UK has sent shockwaves through the Scottish Conservatives – and raised fresh questions about the balance of power ahead of the Holyrood elections. Could Reform genuinely challenge Labour for second place? And how worried should Scottish Labour be as scandals continue to mount?

Plus, Labour Together – the McSweeney-linked think tank which basically put Keir in power – has turned on the PM and is reportedly canvassing members on who they’d prefer as an alternative to Keir Starmer. Is he now in more danger than Kemi?

James Heale is joined by Lucy Dunn and Tim Shipman to discuss a tumultuous week in Westminster and beyond.

Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElory.

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