500 episodes

Instant political analysis from the Spectator's top team of writers, including Fraser Nelson, Isabel Hardman, Katy Balls, James Heale and many others.

Coffee House Shots The Spectator

    • News
    • 4.4 • 1.9K Ratings

Instant political analysis from the Spectator's top team of writers, including Fraser Nelson, Isabel Hardman, Katy Balls, James Heale and many others.

    Can Ben Houchen save Rishi Sunak?

    Can Ben Houchen save Rishi Sunak?

    Tomorrow, voters go to the polls for the last set of local elections in this parliament, alongside 11 mayoral elections in England, 37 police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales plus the London Assembly elections. Could Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, help turn Rishi Sunak's fortunes around?

    You can read James Heale's assessment of the key battlegrounds here. 

    Also on the podcast, a look at rumours that Labour are in talks to water down their employment policies. 

    Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and John McTernan, former adviser to Tony Blair. 

    • 12 min
    Will the Tories' mental health focus backfire?

    Will the Tories' mental health focus backfire?

    As figures now show there are 2.8 million people claiming out-of-work benefits, Rishi Sunak gave a speech looking at welfare reform. But with more and more people off work for mental health related issues, could the Tories’ focus backfire if the public think they’re trivialising mental health? Also on the podcast, a look ahead to the mayoral elections. 

    James Heale discusses with Isabel Hardman and Luke Tryl, UK Director at More in Common.  

    Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

    • 17 min
    Humza Yousaf quits – what next?

    Humza Yousaf quits – what next?

    Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has just announced his intention to resign. Lucy Dunn speaks to Katy Balls and Spectator contributor Iain Macwhirter about how the past few weeks have led to this point and what to expect from an SNP leadership contest.

    • 15 min
    Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 28/04/2024

    Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 28/04/2024

    Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.

    The prime minister is in a frustrated mood as he bats away questions about the general election. Dan Poulter has defected to Labour, and Wes Streeting says more disaffected Tories are welcome. Humza Yousaf is walking a tightrope as he faces two votes of no-confidence. And Streeting defends Labour's decision to keep the pensions triple lock.

    Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill. 

    • 15 min
    Can Starmer do patriotism?

    Can Starmer do patriotism?

    It was St George's Day this week, and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he has 'no time' for those who 'flinch' at the St George's flag. But how authentic is his patriotism?

    Katy Balls speaks to Tom Baldwin, former Labour Party adviser and author of new book England: Seven Myths That Changed a Country – and How to Set Them Straight.

    Produced by Megan McElroy. 

    • 12 min
    Can Humza Yousaf hang on?

    Can Humza Yousaf hang on?

    Humza Yousaf faces the biggest crisis of his leadership to date – with his fate in the hands of former SNP leadership rival Ash Regan. Will Humza step down before he is pushed? Or is there a narrow gap through which the First Minister can fight on?

    Lucy Dunn speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls. 

    • 11 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
1.9K Ratings

1.9K Ratings

Skippy 63 ,

Coffee House Shots

Always succinct, well-informed, accessible with exactly the right experts for the subject. Fun too!

KandyBull ,

Stopped listening due to sexist editorial policy

I can’t continue to listen given the fact that they play publish such awful sexists.

MartyFarty ,

A great listen

Really topical podcast with excellent team with Katy, Spencer, Kate, Cindi and James. Not my natural listen and I often disagree with them vehemently but their journalism is top notch and designed to provoke through and dialogue and debate (Which it sure does in our house). You need to listen to step outside of your echo chamber - Great work

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