Northern Spin

Chris Maguire & Frank McKenna

Chris Maguire and Frank McKenna are Northern-based political commentators and co-hosts of the Northern Spin podcast. Maguire is an award-winning journalist and Executive Editor of BusinessCloud, while McKenna is Chief Executive and Group Chairman of Downtown in Business. Launched in 2022, Northern Spin was created to give the North a stronger voice - cutting through Westminster noise with sharp analysis of politics, business and media from a distinctly Northern perspective. Now, as Andy Burnham becomes the first Northern-born Prime Minister since Harold Wilson in 1976, Northern Spin returns to separate fact from spin and bring listeners authoritative insight from the North.

  1. 1h ago

    Andy Burnham's first 100 days: All talk or real change?

    Northern Spin hosts Chris Maguire and Frank McKenna deliver their verdict on the Prime Minister's first 100 days in office – and ask whether the early optimism can translate into lasting change. In the latest episode of Northern Spin, BusinessCloud executive editor Chris Maguire and Downtown in Business chief executive Frank McKenna give Burnham his first political school report, marking him out of 10 on the economy, communication, international relations and his impact on the North. The pair also discuss the growing political fallout surrounding Manchester City's owners and the potential danger to Burnham. In this episode, Maguire and McKenna discuss: - Burnham's first 100 days: Has the PM turned Labour's fortunes around or is it a case of style over substance? - The economy: With inflation, borrowing and fuel prices rising, can Burnham make the tough decisions? - The TikTok PM: Burnham's combined social media following has soared by 220% in less than four months – but can he turn online popularity into votes? - Manchester City: Are the club's owners being unfairly criticised over their contribution to East Manchester – and has Burnham made a rare political mistake? - On manoeuvres: Why North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, Reform UK's - Darren Grimes and economist Andy Haldane are making political waves. Northern Spin is the political podcast that gives a voice to the North and is produced by Dan Brown of Renowned and sponsored by Sancus Lending UK.

    Andy Burnham's first 100 days: All talk or real change?
  2. Jun 3

    Northern Spin - Season 6 - Episode 2: Can the real Andy Burnham please stand up?

    Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has staked his political future on winning the Makerfield by-election - and, potentially, a tilt at becoming Prime Minister. But who is Burnham, and how did he get here? In this special episode of Northern Spin, co-hosts Chris Maguire and Frank McKenna profile the man dubbed the King of the North. They discuss: • How Boys from the Blackstuff changed the direction of his life • His lifelong love affair with music, Everton FC and politics • Why Hillsborough became a personal crusade • Walking away from Westminster after losing two Labour leadership contests • Becoming Greater Manchester Mayor and building the King of the North brand • Standing up to Boris Johnson’s government during Covid • His successes and failures as Mayor • Why it’s sh*t or bust for Burnham and Labour in Makerfield Northern Spin is a joint production from BusinessCloud and Downtown in Business. It is produced by Dan Brown of Renowned. Chapters: 00:55 – The Man Behind the Mayor: Who Is Andy Burnham? 02:42 – How He Became a Great Communicator (He Wasn't Always) 04:23 – Born in Liverpool: Burnham's Origin Story 06:07 – The Hillsborough Moment 07:42 – Why Liverpool Was So Angry - and What Burnham Did About It 10:37 – Turning His Back on Westminster: Why He Chose Manchester 12:20 – First Day as Mayor 12:47 – Giving Away 15% of His Salary 14:56 – Winning Over a Room of Skeptical Business Leaders 18:11 – Stuck on the M6 but Still Shows Up 21:33 – Great Communicator or Instinctive Politician? The Key Difference 25:47 – Getting it right 28:19 – Soft Power & What It Means on a National Stage 31:10 – Andy's character 32:57 – Why He Hates the Word "Celebrity" 33:30 – The Quote on His Office Wall That Explains Everything He Does 34:31 – Why He's Going Back to Westminster - and Why Now

    Northern Spin - Season 6 - Episode 2: Can the real Andy Burnham please stand up?

About

Chris Maguire and Frank McKenna are Northern-based political commentators and co-hosts of the Northern Spin podcast. Maguire is an award-winning journalist and Executive Editor of BusinessCloud, while McKenna is Chief Executive and Group Chairman of Downtown in Business. Launched in 2022, Northern Spin was created to give the North a stronger voice - cutting through Westminster noise with sharp analysis of politics, business and media from a distinctly Northern perspective. Now, as Andy Burnham becomes the first Northern-born Prime Minister since Harold Wilson in 1976, Northern Spin returns to separate fact from spin and bring listeners authoritative insight from the North.

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