Political Currency

Persephonica
  • 4.3 (48)
  • Politics
  • Weekly

Ed Balls and George Osborne take us behind closed doors into the rooms where decisions are made. Having battled it out across the despatch box, the former Chancellor and shadow chancellor now meet in the studio to discuss the decisions that affect the nation’s pockets. Our frenemies have the knowledge and experience to explain how good politics follows the economics - and expose how the powerful become powerless when faced with market forces and political currents they can’t control. Join us every Thursday. Send your messages or voice notes to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Find us on social media @polcurrency Political Currency is a Persephonica production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  1. 1d ago · Subscribers Only

    EMQs: Has social media ruined Parliament?

    Mishal Husain kicks off this week’s EMQs, asking Ed Balls and George Osborne about her interview with David Cameron. The ex-PM says he doesn’t want the Brexit debate re-opened because of the trade deals Britain has secured since, but does he really believe this? George gives his insights into what his old friend is thinking when he says this. Two listeners, including the head of The AA, respond to George’s criticism of driving tests and provide further insight. The price for tests hasn’t gone up since 2009, which is contributing to the issue. But, how do you raise the price in a cost of living crisis? The pair also share their pet hates when driving. Finally, Ed and George share all there is to know about coffee in Westminster. George reveals one Thatcher-era cabinet minister’s strange morning order, and the pair reveal what is really in the red Political Currency mugs… We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for being a valued member of our Kitchen Cabinet or a Gold subscriber. Remember Kitchen Cabinet members get exclusive access to live EMQs recordings, briefings from the team, and an exclusive Political Currency mug. Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Louis Norris, Sam Gruet, & Joel Court Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

    EMQs: Has social media ruined Parliament?

  2. 1d ago ·  Video

    What Russell Brand’s conviction means for politics

    The news has been dominated all week by the conviction of Russell Brand and allegations against David Walliams becoming public. As with any high profile case, politicians are expected to respond. Ed Balls and George Osborne delve into whether the government is equipped to legislate in light of these cases, or if it could become a mess. George asks Ed to reflect on Brand’s relationship with Labour, in light of his conviction, to which Ed reveals the reservations he had about Ed Miliband’s now infamous interview with Brand. Brand’s case, and Walliams’ allegations, have overshadowed the government’s main agenda for this week, but Andy Burnham may not mind. The prime minister is in Turkey today for COP 31 and in Dublin tomorrow to meet with EU leaders. With the Milburn report due next week, it sheds light on three uncomfortable areas for Burnham: climate, Europe, and welfare. With climate, can he manoeuvre rollbacks on climate pledges while still being committed to a ‘new era’ of British leadership in this area? Finally, the cabinet secretary, Antonia Romeo, this week delivered a speech outlining her vision of a reformed civil service reform. In attendance were the prime minister and his deputy, Louise Haigh, signalling government support for this agenda. But, we’ve heard much of this before. George recalls the similar pledges made under the Tories, while Ed cautions that the nature of these reforms could undermine the government and make matters worse. We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Louis Norris, Sam Gruet, & Joel Court Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 5d ago ·  Video

    EMQs: Regrets, leaks and data centres

    Ed Balls and George Osborne hear from former BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg, who asks them to reflect on their biggest regrets in politics. It turns out that both have the same issue that nags at them after all of these years. An expat in Germany wonders why debates around Freedom of Movement in the UK focuses so much on immigration rather than on emigration. Ed and George discuss whether it is viewed as a one way street, its implications for Brexit, and the similarities and differences vis-a-vis the German framing of this issue. They also discuss their experiences of unauthorised leaks, with both having accidentally informed a front page splash, and whether Michael Gove’s reputation as a serial leaker is well earned. And they conclude with a question from Katie Prescott, Technology Business Editor at The Times, who asks about selling the benefits of data centres to the public. We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Jarek Zaba Video Editor: Louis Norris & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    EMQs: Regrets, leaks and data centres

  4. Nov 5 ·  Video

    Could the midterms be bad news for Burnham?

    The midterms were an enormous rejection of Donald Trump’s Republicans – but what are the lessons to be learned, in the US and closer to home? Ed Balls and George Osborne unpack the implications of the ‘blue tsunami’, asking whether analysis that pins it entirely on the cost of living and Iran are too narrow. They also question whether they represent an opportunity or a threat for Andy Burnham. A week on from the budget, the Treasury can breathe a sigh of relief after a lack of major backlash, but when does the prime minister have to start making unpopular decisions? And is he opening a Pandora’s box with Europe? Over in the Caribbean, King Charles has expressed sorrow for the transatlantic slave trade but has stopped short of a full apology. Ed and George discuss the history of formal state apologies, and why Commonwealth nations may be demanding one now. We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Jarek Zaba Video Editor: Louis Norris & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Nov 2 ·  Video

    EMQs: Will Burnham return to free movement?

    Sunday Times political editor Ben Riley-Smith asks Ed Balls and George Osborne a question on this week’s EMQs, off the back of his Andy Burnham profile interview. Can the prime minister win the argument on free movement, either at a referendum or General Election? The pair are sceptical, conceding it could be done but pose massive risks to the Labour coalition. Then, the hymns chat inspires a flurry of questions. One, from Ed’s former Treasury colleague, on why obscure hymns are chosen. Another leads into a question about charity trustees. The final, on what it takes to be a qualified chancellor. Finally, CEO of Crisis, Matt Downie, asks how Andy Burnham can fulfill his pledge to eradicate rough sleeping. Ed and George explain the complexities of it, compared to the New Labour era, and Ed gets a call from a former PM during the discussion… We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Oliver Geraghty, Louis Norris & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    EMQs: Will Burnham return to free movement?

  6. Oct 29

    Will Burnham risk it all on an early election?

    The Budget is over, and John Healey may want you to forget about it already. That’s what Ed Balls and George Osborne debate on this week’s episode, where they interrogate whether this Budget was biding time until an election or a sign that the Burnham government is even more hemmed in than previously thought. Will they go early and risk losing their majority? Or are they going to whittle through with a manifesto and global environment that makes big changes near impossible? While the Budget should have been this week’s big story, Andy Burnham himself stole the spotlight by further indicating he wanted back in the EU. Is he flying kites and testing the ground for the next election? Or, is this vibes based comms strategy authentic Burnham? If so, will it backfire in a crisis? George argues it leaves him open to parody, while Ed believes Burnham cannot only communicate through social media. Finally, they turn to the king of vibes: Donald Trump. The midterms are days away, and it’s set to be a bruising result for the Republicans if polls are to be believed. With Trump spending the last week of campaigning feuding with Obama, are the last two years of his Presidency set to be a deadlock? George argues this could benefit Republicans in 2028, while Ed suggests the next Democrat candidate may emerge next week. We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Oliver Geraghty, Louis Norris & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Oct 28

    HOT TAKE: Was Healey’s Budget inconsequential?

    Ed and George went live this afternoon to give their Hot Take on John Healey’s Budget. They concluded the new chancellor was comfortable in his style, but the substance was not there. George declares it an inconsequential Budget, and wonders if Healey’s plan is to do nothing. Ed speculates if this looks like a pre-election Budget. We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Oliver Geraghty Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    HOT TAKE: Was Healey’s Budget inconsequential?

  8. Oct 26 ·  Video

    EMQs: Are the Tories against welfare cuts?

    After the great response to Ed Balls’ scepticism on Burnham trying to rejoin the EU, former Labour MP Gloria De Piero got in touch. She asks Ed and George Osborne just how they would make the case for rejoining, to their former constituents. With Gloria’s seat now held by Lee Anderson, it’s clear that the case in some leave voting areas will be a hard one to make… Then, Times writer and former Spectator editor Fraser Nelson asks if the political costs of welfare cuts outweigh their benefits. George explains how it was the right, not the left, who prevented him making greater cuts while in office. Ed cautions that for the Milburn reforms to work, a careful line will have to be taken by the government. Roads minister Justin Madders then attempts to correct George on the situation surrounding driving tests and takes a trip down memory lane. He was the Labour candidate against George in 2005 and asks if any candidates the pair beat in elections went on to great or surprising things. Ed recalls he beat one Andy Burnham in the 2010 Labour leadership race… Finally, off the back of their angelic renditions of hymns last week, a listener submits a favourite hymn of their own, and shares a story of a young George Osborne encountering a future Labour cabinet minister… We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Louis Norris & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    EMQs: Are the Tories against welfare cuts?
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Hosts & Guests

4.3
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

Ed Balls and George Osborne take us behind closed doors into the rooms where decisions are made. Having battled it out across the despatch box, the former Chancellor and shadow chancellor now meet in the studio to discuss the decisions that affect the nation’s pockets. Our frenemies have the knowledge and experience to explain how good politics follows the economics - and expose how the powerful become powerless when faced with market forces and political currents they can’t control. Join us every Thursday. Send your messages or voice notes to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Find us on social media @polcurrency Political Currency is a Persephonica production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Persephonica
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    356
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Persephonica
  • Show Website
    Political Currency
  • Provider
    PERSEPHONICA LTD

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