Coffee House Shots The Spectator

The drama in Westminster never seems to end. Last night the Times reported that the Labour party would not allow veteran MP Diane Abbott to represent the party at the upcoming general election. Abbott has reportedly been given the Labour whip back as a middle way, causing something of a backlash. Seeking to clarify the situation, Keir Starmer has today insisted that, 'no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbot' and that 'she is a member of the parliamentary Labour party.' What's going on? Will she be standing? 

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Days into the election campaign and parties are scrambling to get their message out on social media. With both Labour and the Conservatives joining TikTok, who has a stronger message? Katy Balls speaks to Sean Topham, co-founder of Topham Guerin who ran the Conservative's 2019 social media campaign.

The Conservatives have unveiled a new pensions policy: the 'Triple Lock Plus'. What does it mean and what's the thinking behind it? Will it help shore up the Tories' core vote?  

Katy Balls and Focaldata's James Kanagasooriam join Natasha Feroze to discuss. 

Produced by Natasha Feroze and Patrick Gibbons.

Keir Starmer set out his first major speech to kick of Labour's general election campaign. The Labour leader prioritised national security, a strong economy and the borders. But with a 'policy light' campaign – has he done enough? Kate Andrews speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson.

The first big new policy announcement of the election campaign is in from the Tories, and it’s likely to be a talker. Where Keir Starmer appears to be opting for a ‘ming vase’ strategy – trying not to rock the boat ahead of polling day – the Tories are leaning towards the opposite. At 20 points behind in the polls, aides believe they need headline-grabbing, bold policies in order to get the public’s attention. The first of which is the return of mandatory national service. What's the thinking behind this one? 

Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

We have spoken a lot on the podcast this week about how a July election could be disastrous for the Conservatives, but what about the SNP? With arrests, investigations, resignations and a recent leadership change, it looks as though a snap election couldn't come at a worse time for the Scottish nationalists.

Katy Balls speaks to Lucy Dunn and Fergus Mutch, former head of communications for the SNP.