Anoosh Chakelian and the New Statesman team bring you sharp reporting, clear analysis and thoughtful conversations to help you understand what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.
The New Statesman is Britain’s leading source of news and commentary on politics and culture with a progressive perspective. On The Politics Show, our journalists and expert guests cut through the noise of the headlines to explain the forces shaping our world. From the battles inside the Labour Party to the future of the Conservatives, from the rise of Reform UK to the debates that dominate Parliament, we provide the clarity you need to follow UK politics.
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This morning Andy Burnham delivered a speech criticising “Whitehall culture” and promising to rebalance resources between national and local governments. On course to enter Downing Street in as little as three weeks, the former Greater Manchester Mayor laid out his vision for a “Number 10 North”, promising “growth in every postcode”. But how will that work in practice? And how different is it from what’s been before? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 D...
Keir Starmer’s turn at the resignation lectern, Peter Murrell’s £400,000 shopping spree and Will Dunn’s attempt at a “Man v Horse” race. Will and Anoosh discuss the stories of the week. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/this-england/2026/06/one-small-step-for-man-much-further-for-a-horse LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing v...
From a by-election victory in Wigan, to the resignation of Keir Starmer, to an Avanti West Coast train bound for London, tracked by news helicopters - Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster has been a remarkable spectacle. Whilst Burnham’s coup has overcome multiple challenges to get to this point, in many ways, the hard part is about to begin. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a...
This morning, Keir Starmer stood outside No 10 Downing Street and announced his resignation as Prime Minister - the sixth to leave office since the EU referendum, which was ten years ago this week. He will remain in office until Labour selects a new leader. The Prime Minister’s likely successor Andy Burnham is sworn in as an MP today after his decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election last week. Burnham has already announced his intention to stand as a leadership contender. How did the Prim...
The importance of branding in British politics, banning social media for under 16s and the Reform councillor who made “the biggest mistake” of his life. Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/the-brand-is-back-in-british-politics LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ En...
Andy Burnham has won the historic Makerfield by-election, he's soon expected to speak to Starmer or trigger a leadership election. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ethan Croft in Wigan. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
The former Health Secretary reveals why he believes Keir Starmer is failing. When Wes Streeting resigned from cabinet in May, it put an end to months of speculation. The former Health Secretary does want Keir Starmer’s job. Since then, the Defence Secretary, John Healey, and the Armed Forces minister, Al Carns, have both resigned over the Defence Spending plan. Keir Starmer’s leadership is looking more and more precarious. Now Andy Burnham is running in the Makerfield by-election. If he becomes ...
Tomorrow - the fate of the Labour government, and Keir Starmer’s premiership, is in the balance as voters head to the polls in Makerfield for the most consequential by-election in a generation. If Andy Burnham wins, what are his next steps? How will the following days and weeks play out? Will Lloyd is joined by Ailbhe Rea to discuss. READ https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/06/makerfield-days-andy-burnham-kenyon-farage-by-election LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FRO...
On Thursday, Makerfield goes to the polls in the most consequential by-election in a generation. Can Andy Burnham finally gain the parliamentary seat he needs to enter the Labour leadership race? Will Robert Kenyon and Reform stop Burnham’s charge to Downing Street and further cement their status as Labour’s inevitable successors? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a ques...
The Makerfield by-election candidates battle it out to be the most “normal”, the travails of journalists from the US to the NS and more crossover between the worlds of AI and politics. Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. ...
After the resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, Wes Streeting joins the Politics Show to reflect on why Keir Starmer is losing support from his loyal ministers. Streeting resigned his own post as Health Secretary in May, and has said he would run in a future race to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister. Also in this episode, Tom McTague and Ethan Croft discuss the resignations and what they mean – for the UK's ability to defend itse...
From prisons to speed cameras and welfare to nuclear warning systems, the British government has outsourced a huge number of state operations to private companies – including the housing of asylum seekers. This week, riots erupted on the streets of Belfast following the stabbing of Stephen Ogilvy. The suspect is an ex asylum seeker. It’s the third summer in a row that the asylum accommodation system has been the focus of violent protests. Has Britain lost control? READ: How Britain lost control ...
Ahead of the by-election in Makerfield on June 18th, polling expert Scarlett Maguire spoke to voters in the constituency for the New Statesman. This episode is made up of clips from these Makerfield locals. Scarlett spoke to two groups, some who said they would be voting Reform, some who said they would be voting Labour. They shared their concerns about the current state of the UK and its politics, and their opinions on the two main parties and candidates battling it out in Makerfield. LISTEN AD...
Andy Burnham’s tucked-in t-shirt, a bonkers “festival of AI optimism” and which MP would make the best James Bond. Will Dunn is joined by editor Tom McTague to discuss the stories of the week. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
The spectre of the Makerfield by-election on June 18th is hanging over British politics. If Andy Burnham wins, he’s in prime position to challenge Keir Starmer’s leadership. However, a Burnham victory in Makerfield is far from certain. Reform and their candidate Robert Kenyon are mounting a serious challenge. Tom McTague is joined by polling expert Scarlett Maguire and our political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss. READ https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/in-makerfield-voters-...
While Westminster looks inward, the world is moving fast. Keir Starmer's government needs to focus on the urgent changes affecting all of our lives. Tom McTague joins Anoosh Chakelian to discuss his latest essay for the New Statesman, and answer listeners questions. This week, listeners ask: "Why have British politicians been so useless for the past 20 years?" and "is it finally time for voting reform?" LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a questi...
This week there’s only one subject to discuss – and that’s Tony Blair – who has written a blistering 5,000 word essay criticising everyone from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham, Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting. Tom McTague is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss this “right wing” intervention. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of ou...
Nigel Farage’s £5 million “reward” from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, the NHS “I feel lucky” syndrome and the Reform councillor who wants us to crack down on extra terrestrial activity. Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Host...
The spotlight of British politics is shining on Andy Burnham - and his “long coup” is underway. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer himself has to find a way to resume some semblance of government as usual. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Ho...
Andy Burnham is running in a by-election in Makerfield, which is likely to be held on 18 June, to return to Parliament as an MP. If he wins, he will be the frontrunner in a contest to replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Burnham’s personal brand of politics is often referred to as “Manchesterism”. So, what is it? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by The New Statesman’s editor-in-chief Tom McTague, who profiled Andy Burnham back in September. LISTEN: https://www.newstatesman.com/podcasts/politics-pod...
Keir Starmer’s never ending cycle of political chaos, Reform’s suspended local councillors and Anoosh’s heckle of Boris Johnson. Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week. Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/comment/2026/05/will-progressives-ever-forgive-labour https://www.newstatesman.com/business/economics/2026/05/the-bond-markets-will-not-save-keir-starmer LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them ever...
Wes Streeting resigned as Health Secretary on Thursday morning, but Ailbhe Rea says Keir Starmer is determined to fight on. After days of speculation – and a 16-minute meeting at Number 10 – Wes Streeting has finally resigned from cabinet. On the same day, Angela Rayner has announced she has been "cleared" of wrongdoing related to unpaid property tax, which would leave her free to run in a leadership contest if one is triggered. However, sources inside Number 10 have told Ailbhe Rea that Wes Str...
Over 80 MPs are calling for Keir Starmer’s resignation, reaching the threshold required for a contender to mount a leadership challenge, with ministers - including Jess Philips - resigning from government too. After a high stakes meeting this morning, several cabinet members voiced their support for the Prime Minister, as he defiantly vowed to “get on with governing”. Will the Prime Minister survive the week? READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/05/tracked-the-labour-mps-...
Keir Starmer has pledged to “prove the doubters wrong” as he tries to head off a leadership challenge after the disastrous local election results last week. Fighting for his political life, the PM announced plans for stronger ties with the EU, powers to nationalise British steel and a scheme to help young people find work. But will it be enough? Many of his own party don’t seem to think so, with his former Deputy PM Angela Rayner calling for Andy Burnham to come back to Parliament. Backbench MP ...
This episode delves into the disappointing local election results for the Labour Party, highlighting significant losses to insurgent parties like Reform UK and the Green Party. Experts discuss Keir Starmer's increasing unpopularity and perceived inauthenticity, sparking intense internal debate about a potential leadership challenge from figures like Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting. The discussion also explores the shift to multi-party politics and the need for Labour to redefine its strategy and appeal to voters.
The UK is gearing up for local and devolved elections on Thursday. As Keir Starmer looks increasingly isolated as Prime Minister, much is being made of a potentially disastrous few days for the Labour Party. If results go as badly for Labour as some are predicting, this could be the end for the PM. Meanwhile, the insurgent Reform and Green parties are looking to continue their surging momentum. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we a...
Crowds of young people chant his name but the Green leader is "nervous", says Ailbhe Rea. -- A year ago, Zack Polanksi was relatively unknown. Now, he's leading an "eco-populist" movement that has revitalised the Green Party and looks likely to propel a left-wing surge in the May local elections. Ailbhe Rea profiled the Green leader for the New Statesman, meeting him shortly after he'd been addressing young activists. She found a "sweet, slightly nervous" man who admits he still has much to lear...
Parliament boozers, Morgan McSweeney vs Emily Thornberry, and King Charles' stand-up routine. Will and Anoosh discuss another big week. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
"It makes me furious," says New Statesman editor Tom McTague. An attack in Golders Green, London, yet again exposes the rise of antisemitism in Britain. Anoosh Chakelian has been reporting from the borough, where local Jews fear for their safety, volunteer security guards patrol the streets and Jewish children have to pass through heavy security cordons to get to school. She tells editor Tom McTague about what she found. Meanwhile, the rise of anti-Jewish hate is putting more pressure on a gover...
The inevitability of the Peter Mandelson scandal, Jacob Rees-Mogg’s live show, and the rising cost of condoms… Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/04/whos-afraid-of-olly-robbins https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2026/04/jacob-rees-mogg-relishes-the-limelight LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our ...
