Inspired by the UK’s most famous voter, Brenda from Bristol, four close watchers of politics agree - and freely disagree - about the twists and turns of the General Election 2024 - and beyond.
With Steve Richards, broadcaster and author, Tim Montgomerie, founder of Conservative Home and a serial political entrepreneur, Iain Martin, Times columnist and Miranda Green of the Financial Times. We hope you agree with us, rather than with Brenda, that it’s a useful addition to the debate.
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Credits:
Viral Tribe
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In the light of John Prescott’s death and the outpouring of tributes across the political spectrum we explore the role of the deputy in politics, from Clement Attlee to Willie Whitelaw to Michael Heseltine to Nick Clegg to Angela Rayner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fleetingly we become MPs and declare how we would vote in next week’s potentially historic debate, while reflecting on the unusual politics around the Bill. Plus, is the economy heading for another deep crisis? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Captured at a live recording in Glasgow the team delve deep. What are we to make of the new president’s appointments? And how wobbly is Keir Starmer’s administration? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After barely a week in the job, and her first PMQs squaring up to Starmer, does the party's new leader have the skills and judgment to rebuild after defeat? The team tussle over her strengths, weaknesses and strategic challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Seen as a fascist by some and a hero by many who voted for him Trump is so ubiquitous everyone thinks they know him. But do they? Where is he really on the political spectrum? What is his policy agenda likely to be and how should Keir Starmer respond? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On the verge of election day, we give our final assessments of the campaign and the potential outcome. Plus we assess great American presidents, pick our favourites and discuss Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Truman, JFK, LBJ, Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the scale of Rachel Reeves’ budget sinks in we discuss its historic significance and debate whether the leap to a bigger state is the right course to take or a fatal error Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In a pre budget weekend special we reflect on those that are seemingly flourishing in the new post-election landscape, thereby giving our choices the kiss of death. Who has made their mark? Some surprising nominations… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keir Starmer’s foreign policy is still taking shape and will be tested if Trump wins, especially after this week’s row with the Republicans. Should he seek to establish a more independent British foreign policy or has he no choice but to hug Trump close? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With election day in the US looming and early voting underway the momentum appears to be with Donald Trump. Why is his Democrat opponent struggling? And what does it mean for Europe if Trump returns to power? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
No budget is modern times has been more anticipated than the one Rachel Reeves will deliver on 30 October. But with cabinet ministers stirring and some contradictory messages will the Chancellor give her government clear purpose or trigger further problems? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Labour has its troubles but the Conservatives are in the middle of a difficult leadership contest. What does it mean for the Prime Minister? And will Starmer’s own reset and reorganisation of Number 10 work? Plus our team discuss why and how they got into politics and politics journalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With James Cleverly knocked out of the Tory leadership race - and incidentally how did that happen? - our team assess the prospects, strengths and weaknesses of the two remaining candidates. Does the Tory party comprehend how much trouble it is in with the electorate? And is Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick best placed to revive the party’s fortunes? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Starmer appears to have offered unqualified support for Israel in relation to Lebanon and Iran. Is the PM right to do so? How is he managing the tensions in the cabinet and beyond? Our team also discuss his approach to the EU and paying back some of the freebie money. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our team predict who will win the contest and reflect on why - in the aftermath of calamitous defeat - the Conservatives are failing to address the main challenges of our times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the Conservative annual gathering opens, we ponder which strategic direction and which of the candidates might meet the challenge of rebuilding from defeat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
During a peculiar Labour conference, the PM and chancellor tried to set the course for the government but they remain dogged by 'freebiegate' and internal discontent. The team discuss whether their speeches delivered the goods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves prepare to address their party conference, how can they steady the ship and why is it listing? Plus, jostling for position among the opposition parties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Prime Minister this week pledged to transform the UK’s health system. Is the talk of reform real or bogus? Will Starmer and his colleagues succeed in tackling the deep problems in the UK’s health system? Our team delve deep on this and scrutinise the promises of radical change made a few months ago. Plus, after the debate who is winning the US presidential race? For now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the nation digests the damning report into the Grenfell Tower disaster, the team discuss where the buck stops in the list of recent shocking scandals. Plus: the latest twists in the Tory leadership race. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Sir Keir Starmer has suggested in a keynote speech that "things will get worse" before they get better, but what does he mean by better and how does he plan to lead Britain towards a sunnier future? Plus Europe and the latest on the Tory leadership campaign. And Miranda's take on Labour Suffolk from the perspective of a beach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How seriously should we take the Tory leadership race? Is there a credible leader among the contenders. Plus, the team discuss Kamala Harris and the Democrat convention. And recommended summer reads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is it good that the major newspapers have less power? Is social media more powerful than old media? What is the future for local media and on the ground reporting? The team takes a bird's eye view of the media landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Whether the wave of violence abates quickly or not, the riots pose a challenge for Sir Keir Starmer, for the Tory leadership candidates, and a dilemma even for Nigel Farage. We delve deep into the possible consequences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rachel Reeves has played her opening cards…seeking to blame the last government for the tax rises to come..while awarding above inflation public sector pay rises and imposing spending cuts. Did she pull it off? We disagree agreeably..as we do about the lessons of riots in some English towns…plus the latest on the Tory leadership contest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It has been another week dominated by news from the US…but do we pay too much attention to every twist and turn while neglecting events in Europe and elsewhere? We then contradict our concerns about this by discussing at length whether the Biden withdrawal is an epic game changer…Plus was Starmer right to withdraw the whip from Labour rebels…and who is going to win the Tory leadership? Credits: Producer - David Kurzer Exec Producer - Jack Suddaby Video & Audio Edit - Beautiful Strangers Limi...
Keir Starmer has unveiled his first King’s Speech crammed with new bills..some of which signal radical change in the way the country is governed.. but quite a few of the thorniest policy areas are subject to reviews and we await the first budget…Is the pace too cautious?? -- Credits: Producer - David Kurzer Exec Producer - Jack Suddaby Video & Audio Edit - Theo D'Cruz / Beautiful Strangers Limited Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
In the first full week of the Labour government we discuss what has gone right for Keir Starmer…and what could go wrong…plus Joe Biden and why leaders often cling to power when they appear to be doomed. Credits: Producer - David Kurzer Exec Producer - Jack Suddaby Video & Audio Edit - Beautiful Strangers Limited Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
An extra length bonus episode discussion of the Labour landslide, Tory rout, and how Keir Starner could exploit the complex new dynamics in the Commons. Credits: Producer - David Kurzer Exec Producer - Jack Suddaby Video & Audio Edit - Beautiful Strangers Limited Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the contest enters its final hours, the team picks out the themes that emerged, and asks how Starmer - and the country - might react to a big win. PLUS don't miss Saturday's bonus special digesting the results in full. Credits: Producer - Jack Suddaby: @jack.suddaby Video & Audio Edit - Beautiful Strangers Limited Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
