Whitehall Sources Shortbread Media
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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. Frankie Leach advised Jeremy Corbyn when he was Labour Leader. 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.
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The Month of Own Goals
In this episode, Calum and Kirsty discuss the recent defection of Natalie Elphicke from the Conservative Party to Labour, the appointment of John Swinney as the new First Minister of Scotland, and the issue of antisemitism on university campuses. They highlight the controversy surrounding Elphicke's defection and the potential impact on both parties. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Swinney as he takes on the role of First Minister. Finally, they delve into the issue of antisemitism on university campuses and the need for universities to take a zero tolerance approach to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish students. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources.
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The Local Elections wash up
We discuss the local elections in the UK and their implications for the Conservative Party and Rishi Sunak. We consider the impact of immigration on the elections, the performance of Sadiq Khan in the mayoral election in London, the role of personality in local elections, and the support for Rishi Sunak among Conservative councillors. We highlight the key wins and losses for both parties, including Labour's success in the North East and the Conservatives' loss in Harlow. The conversation also explores the impact of Keir Starmer's stance on Gaza on Labour's performance and the potential challenges for the party in areas with a significant Muslim population. It concludes with a discussion on the future prospects for Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, and the importance of focusing on the needs of the country rather than party politics. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources.
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Local Elections and the £3000 trip to Rwanda
It's the eve of local elections across England and Wales, and Calum and Kirsty give the rundown on what to expect, and what they really mean. Plus as Humza Yousaf announces his resignation as First Minister, and John Swinney or Kate Forbes tipped to replace him, what comes next in Scotland? And the government announces the first departure of a failed asylum seeker to Rwanda - but they did it voluntarily, and were paid £3000 to do so. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources.
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Westminster Gossip, The Bute House Agreement and Rail
Kirsty's got fresh gossip from all of her swanky Westminster events about the timing of an election; Calum explains why Humza Yousaf might not be First Minister of Scotland for much longer; and will Labour be the Government to finally improve rail services? Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources.
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Another Tory Scandal, Drunk dogs, ping pong and Liz Truss's book
We're joined by James Price.
The conversation covers various topics including the investigation into Conservative MP Mark Menzies, standards in public life, and the ongoing debate over the Rwanda deportation bill. The hosts and guests discuss the lack of action by the Conservative Party in response to the allegations against Menzies and the need for better crisis management. They also explore the challenges of maintaining standards in public life and the difficulties in rehabilitating politicians who have made mistakes. The conversation concludes with a brief discussion on the ping pong between the government and the House of Lords over the Rwanda deportation bill. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the potential outcome of the ping pong between the House of Commons and the House of Lords regarding the controversial Nationality and Borders Bill. They also talk about Liz Truss's new book and whether she is being unfairly mocked for her reflections as a former prime minister. The hosts then shift the discussion to Kemi Badenoch and her recent interventions on various issues, highlighting her ideological consistency and leadership potential.
Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources.
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UK Weapons Supplies to Israel and Four Years of Keir Starmer
Kirsty and Calum discuss the messaging around sending weapons to Israel after several aid workers - including three British people - were killed by the Israel Defence Forces. Plus, as Sir Keir Starmer rides high in the polls, what else should we remember on his fourth anniversary of becoming Labour leader? Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources.
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Customer Reviews
Fabulous
Really great listen. Wouldn’t miss an episode. Gets better each week.
A lot of awkward silences
It’s okay but a lot of really awkward long silences where they are on zoom - they could edit the long silences out.
What the hell was that
The normal insight thrown away for unchallenged diogma from the Adam Smith Institute. So damn poor this episode