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.

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    • News
    • 4.4 • 134 Ratings

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

    Labour's pledge to 'take back control'

    Labour's pledge to 'take back control'

    Labour kicked off their local elections campaign today with a joint op-ed from Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner in the Times promising to empower localities and put an end to the regional divide. This is all encompassed in their Take Back Control Act … where have we heard that before?

    Rather than a seamless launch, the Labour leader has been met with difficult questions over Angela Rayner's tax affairs and the suggestion that the shadow education secretary could scrap the £4 billion expansion of free childcare. 

    Oscar Edmondson speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Heale. 

    Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

    • 9 min
    Could Jonathan Gullis be another Lee Anderson?

    Could Jonathan Gullis be another Lee Anderson?

    After the resignations of two ministers last night, No. 10 carried out a mini reshuffle, which included some controversial decisions. In particular, the appointment of the outspoken Red Wall MP Jonathan Gullis had some questioning whether Rishi Sunak was making another Lee Anderson-style mistake. James Heale talks to Katy Balls and former editor of Conservative Home, Paul Goodman.

    Produced by Cindy Yu and Patrick Gibbons.

    • 11 min
    What happened at Sunak’s Liaison Committee meeting?

    What happened at Sunak’s Liaison Committee meeting?

    Rishi Sunak appeared in front of the House of Commons Liaison Committee today. What happened?

    Katy Balls speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman.

    • 12 min
    Scott Benton triggers another by-election

    Scott Benton triggers another by-election

    Former Conservative MP Scott Benton has resigned, triggering a by-election in Blackpool South. The outgoing MP had the Tory whip removed after suggesting to undercover reporters that he would be willing to break lobbying rules for money. Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Katy Balls about the likelihood of another Tory election defeat in Blackpool South, plus whether the Conservatives are pivoting on their China stance following an alleged cybersecurity threat. 

    • 10 min
    Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 24/03/2024

    Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 24/03/2024

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

    Chancellor Jeremy Hunt does the rounds this week, saying the Russian government is creating a smokescreen of propaganda out of the Moscow terrorist attack. Hunt also guarantees the continuation of the pension 'triple lock', but not compensation for the WASPI women. Labour Party Chair Anneliese Dodds is asked about Labour's approach to zero hour contracts, and the former communications secretary to Prince William says last week's social media storm was the worst he's seen.

    Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill. 

    • 10 min
    What is Labour’s economic plan?

    What is Labour’s economic plan?

    In her Mais lecture in the City of London this week, Rachel Reeves set out her plan for Britain’s economy: securonomics. What does securonomics mean? Can it deliver wealth? Will it work in a high-immigration economy?

    Freddy Gray speaks to Kate Andrews and the author and journalist Paul Mason.

    • 29 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
134 Ratings

134 Ratings

Visigoth1066 ,

Volume modulation?

Like the show but where is the producer? Volumes range all over the place. Sounds like some are close to their mikes and others are miles away. Irritating.

Domic57 ,

Short and sweet.

And surprisingly even-handed to both political wings. Good job!

definitely not Goldfarb ,

More Kate Andrews!

Love the podcast already (even as an American who only tunes in religiously during election/leadership contests) but please invite Kate on more frequently!

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