Political Fix

4.4 (123)
Politics
Updated Weekly

The Financial Times takes you into the corridors of power to unwrap, analyse and debate British politics with a regular lineup of FT correspondents and informed commentators. New episodes available every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5h ago

Andy Burnham’s cabinet: who’s in, who’s out?

It’s all change at the top of Andy Burnham’s new Labour government and there have been some surprise appointments. The biggest of them was the elevation of the former defence minister John Healey to chancellor of the exchequer, but we also saw Ed Miliband given the foreign office brief and Wes Streeting move to defence. Meanwhile, many of Starmer’s former allies have been given the boot. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, the FT’s chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and north of England correspondent Jen Williams to discuss the new cabinet and dissect some of the policy moves announced so far, as well as those that are likely to come. Follow: Lucy: @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Miranda:@greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Jen: @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social and Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social Want more? Andy Burnham latest: Move to remove VAT on electricity bills sparks funding row as Cabinet meets Andy Burnham becomes UK prime minister promising ‘unity and positivity’ Six things we learnt from Andy Burnham’s choices for his top team The five fiscal challenges facing John Healey Continuity and change in Andy Burnham’s new cabinet Burnham’s industrial revival will join up local needs and strengths Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4d ago

The Burnham era begins: Mahmood set for chancellor?

Andy Burnham has been crowned Labour leader and will become PM on Monday. His first speech to the party faithful on Friday offered new clues about his plans for government, as speculation reaches fever pitch over his cabinet picks amid the FT’s scoop that the current home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is set to become Britain’s next chancellor. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues George Parker and Jim Pickard to parse his words and look ahead to his first days in power. They also assess Sir Keir Starmer's final week, including his valedictory Prime Minister's Questions, where tributes flowed in from across the aisle. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Want more? Jonathan Reynolds set to oversee beefed-up business department Andy Burnham wants Britain to build council houses. Is there a catch? The union power struggle that could reshape Labour’s future funding The former Britpop stalwart at the heart of Burnham’s machine Andy Burnham plans blitz of policy announcements on entering Number 10 Shabana Mahmood set to be named UK chancellor by Andy Burnham Inside the year-long plan to make Burnham Labour leader Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 10

Farage in a fix; Burnham unbeatable

Is Nigel Farage regretting his move to trigger a by-election now that his main rival is the novelty candidate Count Binface? What do Reform’s supporters think, and has he blown his chances of broadening support for the party? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, columnist Stephen Bush and political reporter Rachel Rees to discuss the Reform leader’s gamble. Plus Andy Burnham wins overwhelming support to become the next Labour leader, while outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been talking up his legacy at the Nato summit in Turkey. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social, Rachel @rachel-rees.bsky.social and Anna, @AnnaSophieGross Want more? Labour MPs queue up to back Andy Burnham as next leader Labour MPs push for permanent ban on crypto political donations Police launch probe into donations to Robert Jenrick’s Tory leadership campaign ‘Nigel can fix it’ — what Clacton voters think of Farage’s gambit A timeline of Nigel Farage’s £5mn gift and his return to politics Nigel Farage ridiculed in parliament as ‘farce’ by-election gets go-ahead US carries out second day of strikes against Iran Britain’s power problem You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Flo Phillips is the FT head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 7

Nigel Farage tries to ‘take back control’

Has Nigel Farage played his trump card by announcing that he will resign as MP for Clacton and fight a by-election there, or will the move backfire? After mounting pressure over donations from wealthy backers, he insisted he has “done nothing wrong” and that he would fight “the establishment” to retake the seat for Reform UK. But it might not be the contest he anticipated. In this breaking news episode, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green is joined by chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and UK political editor George Parker to examine what the move means for Reform, the scrutiny of Farage’s finances and the future of his political career. Want more? As it happened: Nigel Farage quits as MP to force Clacton by-election Parliamentary watchdog urged to investigate Nigel Farage over benefits from fraudster Nigel Farage to make statement on his ‘future in public life’ Farage struggles to be ringmaster of his own circus Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Presented by Miranda Green. Produced by Persis Love. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s global head of audio is Flo Phillips. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.com Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 3

Power to the North: Burnham’s big idea

Andy Burnham’s big idea for government is to shift power out of Westminster. In his first major speech setting out his plans for government, he outlined his vision this week for a No 10 North and to devolve a range of powers to mayors and councils. But how would his blueprint for devolution work – and is it actually popular with voters? Burnham believes it would answer the public’s call for greater control of public services, but sceptics worry about inefficiency, accountability and scrutiny. The likely incoming prime minister must also grapple with tough spending decisions, after Sir Keir Starmer finally set out his defence investment plan, leaving a £5bn black hole for Burnham to fill. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage has been noticeably quieter than usual. Is this a deliberate strategic pause as he works out a shift in political priorities, or simply the calm before another high-profile campaign? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, deputy political editor Jim Pickard and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Robert @robertshrimsley and Anna, @AnnaSophieGross Want more? Five things we learnt from Andy Burnham’s speech Burnham’s Middle England challenge on devolution Britain’s case for meaningful devolution is overwhelming Britain’s defence investment predicament The strategic dilemmas behind Britain’s defence spending mess Nigel Farage’s pay from gold dealer doubles to £22,500 an hour Farage attempts to justify large donation from Christopher Harborne Andy Burnham and the politics of nostalgia Morgan McSweeney: ‘I felt guilty about what I’d done to Keir’ You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 25

Live special: Ten years after Brexit

Ten years ago, the UK voted in a referendum to leave the EU. Since that Brexit vote, the country has been through six prime ministers, the political landscape has splintered, relations with the EU have cooled, and the economy has spluttered. A decade on, host Lucy Fisher and panellists political editor George Parker, markets columnist Katie Martin, political columnist Stephen Bush and economics correspondent Delphine Strauss consider the impact of Brexit and whether a major shift in the UK’s relationship with the bloc is on the horizon. This is a recording of an FT Live subscribers’ webinar, recorded on Thursday June 25 Want more? Lessons from Brexit for the world economy Rejoining EU is ‘mirage’ but UK must get closer to bloc, says minister In charts: How Brexit still divides British voters Britain’s hunt for a post-Brexit economic model Andy Burnham plans devolution blitz ahead of key City of London speech ‘Big spending vibes, small spending commitments’: Andy Burnham’s tricky fiscal dance How Brexit ghosts will stop the UK from quickly rejoining the EU Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social Katie Martin and Delphine Strauss You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The global head of audio is Flo Phillips. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 23

Can anyone challenge Andy Burnham for PM?

Can any other Labour MP amass sufficient support to challenge Andy Burnham for the top job, or is his ascent to No 10 now all but assured? Just 24 hours after Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as prime minister, host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley and Chris Smyth to discuss the merits of a leadership contest over a coronation, who will win big roles in a Burnham cabinet and his early policy priorities. Plus the group considers the political ripples that a Burnham government will have on the other parties. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Chris: @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.social; Miranda:@greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social and Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social Want more? Labour MPs consider backing challenger to Andy Burnham Waiting for Andy: what will a Burnham premiership mean? The 10 headaches Starmer is handing to Burnham The revolving door of Downing Street Why does Britain keep changing prime ministers? Labour’s Burnham sceptics don’t have the numbers to stop him Join the Political Fix panel on Thursday June 25 for an FT Live event, ‘Ten years after Brexit: Can the UK deliver change?’ Register to take part at ft.com/anniversary and send us your questions. You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The global head of audio is Flo Phillips. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 22

Exit Starmer, enter Burnham

With Andy Burnham sworn in as an MP and on track to become the UK’s seventh prime minister in 10 years after Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation today, host Lucy Fisher is joined by political editor George Parker and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to assess Starmer’s time in office and discuss how Burnham will have to hit the ground running to avoid the fate of his predecessors. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jim @PickardJE or jim.pickard@ft.com; and George @GeorgeWParker or george.parker@ft.com Want more? How Keir Starmer was undone by caution and no clear plan Keir Starmer’s premiership in charts Keir Starmer steps down as UK prime minister Waiting for Andy: what will a Burnham premiership mean? Why does Britain keep changing prime ministers? What Andy Burnham’s Westminster past reveals about him Join the Political Fix panel on Thursday June 25 for an FT Live event, ‘Ten years after Brexit: Can the UK deliver change?’ Register to take part at ft.com/anniversary and send us your questions. Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The global head of audio is Flo Phillips. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See All (604)

Lucy Fisher

Host
Anna Gross

Guest
Stephen Bush

Guest
Rachel Rees

Guest
George Parker

Guest
Jennifer Williams

Guest
Miranda Green

Guest
Chris Smyth

Guest
Robert Shrimsley

Guest
Jen Williams

Guest

4.4

out of 5

123 Ratings

More diversity please!

05/16/2021

Stauffhb

Love the insight provided, would love more diverse guests (not just better gender balance, but more commentors from different cultural backgrounds). The host and weekly commentators are almost always middle class white people, and normally at least 75% male. Surely the FT has a deeper and more diverse bench of talent to pull from?
Decent

Jun 26

Theguyinchi73

Just don’t invite Katie Martin. She’s like fingernails on a chalkboard. Should be sacked.
Best of political analysis

07/01/2023

nick van praag

Lucy does a great job of pulling together the weekly wisdom of the FT’s UK politics team. She brings great energy to the anchor’s role.
Interesting

06/24/2023

capecodtad

Great information about British politics. Helps an American understand what is going on in Britain.

The Financial Times takes you into the corridors of power to unwrap, analyse and debate British politics with a regular lineup of FT correspondents and informed commentators. New episodes available every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.