A new poll places Reform one point behind Labour, and with the Tories in third place. The Greens and Independent MPs stir to the left of Labour, while the Lib Dems command 72 seats in the Commons. Is this fragmentation here to stay and with what consequences for Labour and the Tories? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two this week from the team, we look at Elon Musk’s recent intervention in Britain on the grooming scandal. What is the impact on media and government and what does it mean for the fortunes of Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage? And as this all plays out, will the fragmentation of our system continue? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of a two part special we start 2025 by discussing from different perspectives the state of Britain. Can the country be fixed? We discuss the economy and the fate of Rachel Reeves, public services and Musk’s wild tweets that have set the agenda dangerously. At the start of a pivotal year is Britain close to being beyond repair? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To start the new year we host our first question time for listeners, from u-turns to Scotland to the ideal political lunch. Brilliant questions from listeners and answers from very different perspectives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look ahead to what will be another epic year with help of Ed Davey and Nigel Farage. Trump will be back in the White House and there will be big tests for Keir Starmer and his opponents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team take differing views on the epic politics of 2024, with the help of Jess Phillips and Mel Stride. Plus festive wine tips from Iain and leading critic Will Lyons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has spent much time meeting EU leaders …but will better relations lead to a better Brexit deal? Should Starmer be more ambitious and rejoin the customs union and the single market? What would happen if he tried? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In her budget Rachel Reeves argued that investment leads to growth… but this week she demanded big savings from each department..is she a big public spender or a miserly chancellor? Does she know who she is as a chancellor seeking economic growth? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer attempted to reset the government this week after a bumpy start to his spell in power. But do these exercises - a relaunch speech with a list of goals - make any difference? Our team discuss the history of the reset and look back at what happened when parties went further and changed leader. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Montgomerie explains why he has defected from the Conservative party to Reform. Will the Farage surge continue and sweep him into power or will it fade away? Our team discuss the Reform leader and how the other parties will respond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more than a decade politics has been defined by the rise of the outsider, in the US with Trump and his supporters and in the UK with Brexit and much more. Our team ask whether this trend has peaked. Or is there more to come? What is behind voter alienation? Is it all about migration or is there more going on? What’s the role of technology? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour and Reform have attacked the previous government for introducing an “open borders” immigration policy. Net migration in the year up to the summer of 2023 was more than 900k. What is the likely political impact? And who is right? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the light of John Prescott’s death and the outpouring of tributes across the political spectrum we explore the role of the deputy in politics, from Clement Attlee to Willie Whitelaw to Michael Heseltine to Nick Clegg to Angela Rayner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fleetingly we become MPs and declare how we would vote in next week’s potentially historic debate, while reflecting on the unusual politics around the Bill. Plus, is the economy heading for another deep crisis? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Captured at a live recording in Glasgow the team delve deep. What are we to make of the new president’s appointments? And how wobbly is Keir Starmer’s administration? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After barely a week in the job, and her first PMQs squaring up to Starmer, does the party's new leader have the skills and judgment to rebuild after defeat? The team tussle over her strengths, weaknesses and strategic challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seen as a fascist by some and a hero by many who voted for him Trump is so ubiquitous everyone thinks they know him. But do they? Where is he really on the political spectrum? What is his policy agenda likely to be and how should Keir Starmer respond? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the verge of election day, we give our final assessments of the campaign and the potential outcome. Plus we assess great American presidents, pick our favourites and discuss Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Truman, JFK, LBJ, Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the scale of Rachel Reeves’ budget sinks in we discuss its historic significance and debate whether the leap to a bigger state is the right course to take or a fatal error Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a pre budget weekend special we reflect on those that are seemingly flourishing in the new post-election landscape, thereby giving our choices the kiss of death. Who has made their mark? Some surprising nominations… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.