Episodes

  • The Mandelson Files - are we going to learn too much?

    The Mandelson Files - are we going to learn too much?
    Feb 25 2026
    What will be the political consequences when the full Mandelson documents are published? Modern politicians are robotic enough, but if all their private exchanges risk becoming public will they dare to be human? Can we combine transparency with the need for ministers to have space to be human? Or do we have the right to full disclosure when power appears to have been abused? Plus, will the Education Secretary’s SEND reforms work? And the team assess the prospects ahead of this week’s crucial by-election.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    59 mins
  • Is the Royal Family under threat?

    Is the Royal Family under threat?
    Feb 20 2026

    The arrest of Andrew, formerly Prince Andrew, has been described as the worst crisis for the Royal Family in a century.

    Is that hyperbole or will the scandal do serious damage to the standing of the institution? Our team discuss the implications and the media’s role. Plus, the fallout from the Munich Security Conference.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    36 mins
  • Will Farage’s top team boost or reduce his chances of reaching Number 10?

    Will Farage’s top team boost or reduce his chances of reaching Number 10?
    Feb 18 2026
    Nigel Farage has given Robert Jenrick responsibility for Reform economic policy, while making Richard Tice his formal deputy. Suella Braverman has the education portfolio. Will such appointments boost Reform’s credibility as an alternative government? Or is there big trouble to come as Nigel Farage becomes a leader of a team rather than a one man show?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    50 mins
  • Is chaos permanent at the top of UK politics?

    Is chaos permanent at the top of UK politics?
    Feb 14 2026
    At the end of a week featuring a failed gambit to oust the PM, plus the expulsion of the country's most senior civil servant, Miranda and Tim debate the lost promise of a "dullness dividend". Stability seems elusive, especially given the threat to shake up government even further if Reform prevails. Is that necessary?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    43 mins
  • Can Keir Starmer change?

    Can Keir Starmer change?
    Feb 11 2026
    There have been countless resets and changes of personnel in Number 10 but so far little has changed in terms of Keir Starmer’s style of leadership. With the departure of Morgan McSweeney what should Starmer do to show he has learnt the lessons of his stormy premiership, or is it too late?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    53 mins
  • Can Keir Starmer survive?

    Can Keir Starmer survive?
    Feb 6 2026
    With Westminster in a febrile state because of the Epstein-Mandelson scandal, pressure is growing on the Prime Minister. Is Britain really going to change leaders yet again? This would be the seventh PM in ten years. What is wrong with our system that this keeps happening? Plus, who is winning in local government between Reform and the Lib Dems?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    38 mins
  • What does the Mandelson downfall mean?

    What does the Mandelson downfall mean?
    Feb 4 2026
    For such a powerful politician, a key lieutenant to three Labour prime ministers, to be so dramatically disgraced is a seismic moment. As Downing St reels from the latest revelations, our team debates whether the end of Peter Mandelson's unique career marks the close of an entire generation's chapter - and what kind of Labour politics might now follow.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Will Reform destroy the Tories?

    Will Reform destroy the Tories?
    Jan 28 2026
    As another senior defector moves from the Conservative party to Reform, our team asks if the battle on the right is going to lead to Reform replacing the Conservatives? Plus… if Labour loses the forthcoming by-election what happens to Keir Starmer? And where does the Burnham saga leave the party?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    49 mins