OppositionCast

The Centre for Opposition Studies
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Politics
  • Updated Biweekly

Discussion of political opposition with leading academics, politicians and commentators, presented by Dr Nigel Fletcher of the Centre for Opposition Studies.

  1. May 21

    85 - Passing the vibe check

    The local elections were only two weeks ago, but the time since has seen a dramatic aftermath, with pressure on the Prime Minister to set out a timetable for his departure, resignations from government, and the expectation of a looming Labour leadership election. Nigel and Sarah discuss the turmoil in politics, the prospects for Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting and other possible candidates, and ask whether the modern test for a Prime Minister is passing the "vibe check". Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

    37 min

  2. May 11

    84 - Patchwork politics across the UK

    It's the morning after the weekend before - with the final results of elections across the UK now declared and the analysis and fallout now beginning. The outcome has turned the UK's political map into something of a patchwork of different colours as the reshaping of the British party system continues. In Scotland the SNP remain in control, but with Reform UK and Labour vying to be the official opposition. In Wales, a century of Labour dominance has come to an end, with Plaid Cymru winning the most seats and falling just short of a majority in the Senedd. And across England Reform UK and the Greens have seen notable victories, but there were also some satisfying results for the Conservatives and Lib Dems. Before we embark on what could be a dramatic week for politics at Westminster, Nigel and Sarah take the opportunity to discuss the significance of what we've just seen happen across the country. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

    34 min

  3. May 1

    83 - His Majesty's opposition... to Trump?

    The King's speech to both houses of the United States congress this week has been hailed on both sides of the Atlantic as a triumph, and it was also a masterclass in gentle opposition, pointedly rebuking Donald Trump at several points, to enthusiastic applause in the chamber. Nigel and Sarah discuss its significance, and also look ahead to next week's elections, and the importance in politics of being able to count. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

    46 min

  4. Apr 24

    82 - What is a killer question?

    In one of Keir Starmer's most difficult weeks as Prime Minister (since the last one), he has faced a barrage of questioning over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain's Ambassador to the US, after revelations about the peer's security vetting process. In the wake of the renewed row, Nigel and Sarah discuss how opposition MPs have sought to find a "killer question", and what that actually means. We also take a look at the polls for the upcoming set of elections across the UK, with less than two weeks to go until voters deliver their verdict. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

    43 min

  5. Apr 10

    81 - Reform vs the Greens: our new local politics?

    As the English local elections enter the last month of campaigning, with nominations closed and candidates chosen, is the big story now a fight between Reform UK and the Greens for control of Town Halls? Nigel and Sarah review the campaign launches of both parties and consider whether local or national politics will determine the results, as well as asking: how well vetted are these new candidates? We also take a look at the latest opinion polls and consider which leaders are seen as the 'least worst' options by voters. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

    1h 2m

  6. Mar 27

    80 - Pre-election preview

    With an important set of elections coming up across the UK in May, Nigel and Sarah have reactivated the OppositionCast election war-room to preview the battles ahead. In London, the Conservatives and Labour will be looking to hang onto or recapture Councils they have traditionally run, but are facing an unprecedented challenge from Reform UK and the Green Party. Meanwhile the SNP will be looking to consolidate its grip on the Scottish Parliament, and Labour will be trying to hang onto control of the Welsh Senedd. The weeks ahead could see further dramatic reshaping of the opposition landscape in the UK, and OppositionCast will be charting the campaign and its aftermath, and hearing from experts and politicians along the way. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the The Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

    26 min

  7. 12/19/2025

    79 - Bumper Christmas edition!

    It's CHRISTMAS! (well, nearly...). As we approach the end of 2025, Nigel and Sarah present a bumper edition of the podcast, looking back at a dramatic year in the politics of opposition in the UK. Who were the winners and losers, and what might next year have in store? Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

    1h 17m

  8. 12/04/2025

    78 - It's Your Party... and You're Not Invited

    It's the moment we've all been waiting for - the longest party conference season in recent memory finally comes to an end with the "Your Party" conference in Liverpool last weekend. And it was a dramatic one - Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's rocky relationship took another turn as Sultana boycotted the opening day of the conference over what she called a "witchhunt" against her supporters. Nigel and Sarah discuss whether the new party can recover from this chaotic launch, and in other news, also catch up on talk of a future electoral pact between the Conservatives and Reform UK. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

    38 min
See All (84)

About

Discussion of political opposition with leading academics, politicians and commentators, presented by Dr Nigel Fletcher of the Centre for Opposition Studies.

Information

  • Creator
    The Centre for Opposition Studies
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright The Centre for Opposition Studies
  • Show Website
    OppositionCast

You Might Also Like