In a revealing Ask Me Anything session, former Downing Street insiders Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson, hosts of The Independent's politics podcast In The Room, answered readers' questions on how Westminster truly operates. The discussion covered Keir Starmer's leadership, Labour's communication challenges, the rise of Reform and the Greens, and the internal culture of No 10.
Inside No 10 and Westminster Culture
When asked about the most surprising aspect of working in Downing Street, Helen MacNamara noted its scruffy appearance: "The State Rooms don't really bear much close examination and away from those, behind the scenes, it's like a three-star hotel that has slightly gone to seed." Cleo Watson highlighted the rich history, mentioning a Moon rock gifted by the USA and a note from the 2010 Chilean miners.
Regarding what they miss, Cleo said she misses the Army band practising for Trooping the Colour but does not miss the job overall, especially when the atmosphere is "fearful and dejected" during political crises. Helen added that she doesn't miss much but values the privilege of working on big national issues.
On Westminster's drinking culture, Cleo acknowledged it can be problematic but noted that sensible hours could help. She explained: "Some people have sensible rules for themselves about not drinking 'on the job' – I did this and people genuinely didn't care."
Power, Media and Political Survival
Helen explained that a prime minister's survival often comes down to character and goodwill: "Mrs May lasted a lot longer than she might have because people didn't dislike her that much." She added that politics is more random and luck-driven than many think.
When asked if civil servants behave differently when a PM weakens, Helen confirmed: "Yes they do... If you think the PM is weak, you are less likely to bust a gut to get it done." She suggested some watching and waiting may be happening now.
On social media's influence, Helen noted: "I think we can see from the reactions to the Zack Polanski tweets last week how much of the debate is in those short synapse responses." She added that even if politicians avoid social media, their teams relay reactions, making it hard to ignore.
Regarding fake news, Helen expressed concern: "It's worrying how much parliamentary answers are clipped for social media to create an inaccurate impression." She called for more power to the House of Commons Library to correct the record.
Labour, Starmer and the Changing Political Landscape
Cleo warned that if local election results are bad for Labour, the internal party machine will face trouble: "Councillors are so important... Their level of rage will be a red warning sign going off in No 10."
On Labour's communication struggles, Helen argued: "Quite often 'comms' is an excuse used when the ideas or policies are bad." She urged simpler messages and stories about achievements like social housing.
Cleo criticised Labour's lack of a proper implementation plan: "You can have ideas... but you also need a Day 1, Day 10 etc plan to implement."
On rejoining the EU, Helen said: "From where we are now, I wouldn't be that surprised if they did... Four years ago I would have said impossible – now I think possible."
The Opposition and Wider Political Picture
Cleo acknowledged the Greens could become as big a problem for Labour as Reform: "The strategy so far has obviously focused on heading off Reform, but the Greens are coming."
On the prospects of Kemi Badenoch or Nigel Farage becoming PM, Cleo was sceptical: "Unless something weird happens, I don't see a return to government for the Conservatives for quite some time." She noted that Farage is thinking seriously about governing but his team regularly clashes.
These questions and answers were part of an Ask Me Anything hosted by Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson on Wednesday 6 May. Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.
