Eight years' hard Labour

A new six part series from Tortoise which tells the inside story of a double revolution in the Labour Party which defined Britain’s present and will likely go on to shape its future. The series charts the takeover of Labour by the far-left under Jeremy Corbyn, the civil war that ensued and the election of a new leader, Keir Starmer, who set out to erase all trace of his predecessor. Eight years’ hard Labour is hosted by David Aaronovitch with additional reporting by Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan.

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Episodes

Episode 6: Do you really want to go out on a knight like this?

Jeremy Corbyn’s time as Labour leader is up. The party faces an uphill battle to mount a credible challenge to the Conservative majority at the next election. So who will the party turn to in its hour of need? And what will that person do with all the supporters of Jeremy Corbyn left in the party? To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a...

Dec 14, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Episode 5: The Revolution Defeated

Parliament can’t find a way through the Brexit labyrinth. Jeremy Corbyn’s position is as muddy as ever. Keir Starmer, now Shadow Brexit Secretary, openly defies his leader’s position. But the rise of Boris Johnson and a snap election forces Corbyn on to the back foot. To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member and get access to all ...

Dec 12, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Episode 4: Jeremy and the Jews

An old Facebook comment from Jeremy Corbyn resurfaces. The Labour leader is forced to to explain why he publicly supported a graffiti artist accused of painting an antisemitic mural in East London. Allegations of antisemitism against Corbyn’s Labour Party grow. Some Jewish Labour MPs are exposed to abuse and death threats. Jeremy Corbyn’s response to the Skripal poisonings in Salisbury lead some to question his suitability to be PM. You can find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app...

Dec 07, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Episode 3: Oh Jeremy Corbyn

Jeremy Corbyn faces an unexpected general election, called by Theresa May. Against the odds Labour does better than expected, although it’s still not the biggest party in Westminster. But Jeremy Corbyn’s star is undimmed. He is greeted with a rapturous reception on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. You can find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Be...

Dec 04, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Episode 2: The chicken coup

Murmurings of discontent grow among some Labour MPs. The blame the Brexit referendum result on Jeremy Corbyn’s half hearted campaigning efforts. They launch a dramatic attempt to get rid of him. Sir Keir Starmer has to decide who he’s going to back. You can find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's ...

Nov 28, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Episode 1: Jez we can

In 2015 Labour is back in opposition after another election defeat. The party needs a new leader. It chooses Jeremy Corbyn, a long serving left-wing MP who’s never run anything. He is the party’s most radical and unlikely leader in its history. The newly elected former Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Keir Starmer, takes a job under Corbyn as a shadow minister. You can find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to...

Nov 28, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Introducing: Eight years' hard Labour

Introducing…Eight years’ hard Labour, hosted by David Aaronovitch. A new six part series from Tortoise which tells the inside story of a double revolution in the Labour Party which defined Britain’s present and will likely go on to shape its future. The series charts the takeover of Labour by the far-left under Jeremy Corbyn, the civil war that ensued and the election of a new leader, Keir Starmer, who set out to erase all trace of his predecessor. Additional reporting by Cat Neilan. You can fin...

Nov 14, 2023•4 min

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