Whitehall Sources

Shortbread Media
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Whitehall Sources Podcast
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Top advisers to our significant political leaders analyse the successes and failures of today's politics, sharing their experiences of working in Whitehall. Kirsty Buchanan worked with Theresa May as PM, and Liz Truss when she was Secretary of State. Journalist and broadcaster Calum Macdonald manages their in-tray of talking points, U-turns and crises. From parties in Westminster to the tactics of SpAds, this is your exclusive insight into how politics is done and how politicians work. We welcome insiders and analysts to join the conversation each week. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    The PM in the Oval Office... with Lord Darroch

    Lord Darroch, Kim Darroch, joins to discuss Sir Keir Starmer's visit to the United States. The UK's former ambassador to the US says it's significant as it is his first visit to the White House. The purpose of the visit is to discuss various international issues, including Ukraine and Gaza. There is speculation about a potential meeting between Starmer and Kamala Harris, which could create diplomatic tensions. The relationship between the UK and the US has been impacted by Brexit, but defence, security, and intelligence links remain strong. The relationship could become more strained if Donald Trump wins the presidential election. Kamala Harris has shown some differences in her approach to Israel and Ukraine compared to Biden, but overall, there is unlikely to be a significant deviation in US policy. Plus, Kirsty and Calum discuss the winter fuel payment cuts and the impact on pensioners. We explore the controversy surrounding the decision and the political implications for Keir Starmer and the Labour Party. We touch on party discipline, the handling of the policy announcement, and the upcoming budget. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min

  2. AUG 29

    The Phoney War? No Pain No Gain

    In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald discusses the current political landscape with Kirsty Buchanan and Theo Bertram. They touch on topics such as Keir Starmer's speech, the challenges facing the Labour government, and the upcoming budget. They also discuss the recent trip to Germany and the future of UK-EU relations. The main themes of the conversation include setting the baseline for the government's agenda, focusing on economic growth, and the importance of planning reform. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min

  3. AUG 15

    Labour's Growth Minefield

    In this conversation, Calum and Kirsty discuss various challenges and potential obstacles that the Labour government may face in achieving their growth agenda. They touch on topics such as the employment rights bill, train drivers' pay, and a recent Supreme Court ruling on environmental impact assessments. Kirsty highlights the importance of working with businesses and considering unintended consequences in policy decisions. She also emphasizes the need for the government to deliver on their growth ambitions to maintain trust and prevent the rise of populism. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

  4. AUG 7

    The Riots: Who Do We Point To?

    Calum and Kirsty are joined by John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair to discuss who is to blame for the riots across the country, who should have done more to prevent them to get this far and who could lead us from them. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  5. JUL 31

    Life in the Lords, Rachel Reeves' Strategy and Tory Leadership... with Ayesha Hazarika

    Baroness Hazarika - Ayesha Hazarika, former Labour adviser - joins Calum and Kirsty Buchanan, former Special Adviser to Theresa May, to discuss the politics and policy of the moment. We consider why far-right thugs were able to stage a mini riot in the aftermath of the stabbing attack in Southport in which three young girls died. We also reflect on Chancellor Rachel Reeves's announcement ending universal Winter Fuel Payments and preparing the country for tax rises. Plus, why the Tory leadership contest is going on too long. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  6. JUL 18

    The King's Speech

    In this conversation, Calum and Kirsty discuss various topics including the King's speech, the challenges of delivering on government promises, and the European political community meeting at Blenheim Palace. They highlight the importance of the first 100 days of a government in setting the tone and managing expectations. They also discuss the potential challenges and complexities of bilateral agreements on immigration and the need for a closer working relationship with the European Union. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

  7. JUL 3

    Election Eve

    The conversation discusses the upcoming general election and the expectations for the results. It highlights the lack of excitement and momentum in the campaign, as well as the messaging and strategies of the different parties. The conversation also touches on the challenges and complexities of implementing policies and delivering on promises. It concludes with predictions for the SNP and the potential outcomes for the Conservatives and Reform UK. Overall, the conversation emphasises the need for parties to appeal to the centre ground and address the concerns and values of the British people. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

  8. JUN 20

    Polling, Kids' Takes and Energy... with Adam Bell

    Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss various topics related to the upcoming election. They talk about the length of the campaign, the impact of polling, and the challenges faced by the Conservative Party. Kirsty also shares her experience at her son's school and discusses the views of children on politics. Adam Bell, former Energy SpAd and now Director of Policy at Stonehaven joins. We explore energy policy in the UK and the different approaches of the political parties. The main themes include the division between parties on how to tackle climate change, the feasibility of decarbonising the grid by 2030, the challenges of infrastructure development, the role of community benefits, the potential for judicial reviews, the need for a skilled workforce, the political consensus on net zero, the purpose of a state-owned energy company, and the fiscal rules and investment needed for the energy transition. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
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  • The Holyrood Sources podcast analyses Scottish politics through the experiences of those who have lived and breathed it as Special Advisers to the Scottish Government, SNP and opposition parties. Join hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (Chief of Staff to the First Minister, 2007-2014) and Andy Maciver (Former Head of Communications for the Scottish Conservatives) as they take you inside Scottish politics. Their insight is second to none - they've been there, lived it, and maintain remarkable connections to Scotland's politicians and the world of Scottish politics. Join our mailing list and check out our latest live events: click holyroodsources.com Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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About

Top advisers to our significant political leaders analyse the successes and failures of today's politics, sharing their experiences of working in Whitehall. Kirsty Buchanan worked with Theresa May as PM, and Liz Truss when she was Secretary of State. Journalist and broadcaster Calum Macdonald manages their in-tray of talking points, U-turns and crises. From parties in Westminster to the tactics of SpAds, this is your exclusive insight into how politics is done and how politicians work. We welcome insiders and analysts to join the conversation each week. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Channel
    Shortbread Media
  • Creator
    Calum Macdonald
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Calum Macdonald
  • Show Website
    Whitehall Sources
  • Provider
    Shortbread Media

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