Martin Kettle is a Guardian associate editor and columnist
July 2024
Starmer wants us to believe we can trust politicians again. That’s huge – but he has to mean it
Martin Kettle
The Tories are in denial about the crisis in politics. Labour seems to get it, says Guardian columnist Martin Kettle
June 2024
Tories blame Sunak for this implosion, but they are fooling themselves. The rot goes back decades
Martin Kettle
The Tories are fixating on Reform. They should be focused on a far bigger threat
Martin Kettle
With this half-hearted, delusional manifesto, Rishi Sunak has all but given up
Martin Kettle
Don’t underestimate Starmer’s push for workers’ rights – it could be his defining legacy
Martin Kettle
May 2024
No gimmicks, no clutter: Zürich Opera’s is a Ring cycle to cherish
A humiliating election speech, with little to offer. Sunak’s USP was competence – what of that now?
Martin Kettle
Antonio Pappano Gala review – farewell concert celebrates the best thing that has happened to the Royal Opera
Our democracy desperately needs a reset – and, behind the scenes, that’s the plan
Martin Kettle
If Keir Starmer isn’t careful, Gaza could do for him what the Iraq war did for Blair
Martin Kettle
The SNP failed as an activist party. If it becomes a competent governing force, it may have a chance
Martin Kettle
April 2024
Götterdämmerung review – Jurowski’s six-year completion of Wagner’s Ring cycle was well worth the wait
Frank Field saw benefit in the Lib Dems. In this election year, Labour would be wise to do the same
Martin Kettle
Lucia di Lammermoor review – a vocally breathtaking, disturbing to witness descent into madness
Starmer can’t dodge the Europe question for ever. In office, the economy will answer it for him
Martin Kettle
Let’s stop talking about ‘great’ Britain – and rebrand ourselves as a different sort of country
Martin Kettle
Sunak’s Conservatives face years of oblivion. Changing leader will solve nothing
Martin Kettle
March 2024
A defeated Rishi Sunak should go, but my advice is: not too quickly
Martin Kettle
What our politics and government need is a restoration of continuity and stability – not a premature resignation, says Guardian columnist Martin Kettle
Madama Butterfly review – Grigorian inhabits the part to a degree one does not often experience
Asmik Grigorian is the standout attraction in this revival of Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s 2003 uncluttered production
This is the Tory party now: so devoid of values and leadership it can’t respond to blatantly racist remarks
Martin Kettle
Sunak should have immediately returned Frank Hester’s £10m. The PM’s speech about hate suddenly seems a long time ago, says Guardian columnist Martin Kettle