A 'painful' Budget awaits this autumn and things will get 'worse before they get better', Sir Keir Starmer warned this week. But is Labour taking a risk projecting such a gloomy outlook? Political Fix host Lucy Fisher is joined by regulars Stephen Bush and Robert Shrimsley, as well as FT economics editor Sam Fleming, to consider how the new government might fund the fiscal black hole it claims the Tories left behind – and find a message of hope. Plus, the group analyses who’s ahead and who’s falling back in the Tory leadership race. Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb, Robert @robertshrimsley, Sam @Sam1Fleming Want more?   Wealthy households and businesses brace for tax rises after Starmer speech Starmer warned he cannot sidestep Brussels in bid to reset UK-EU relations Eurozone inflation falls to 2.2% in August JD Vance urges billionaire Peter Thiel to help bankroll Trump campaign Pubs hit out at UK plans to ban smoking in outdoor areas Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Tamara Kormornick with Leah Quinn. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound engineering by Jean-Mark Eck with original music by Breen Turner. Broadcast engineering by Andrew Georgiades and Rod Fitzgerald. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Democrats from across the US gathered in Chicago for their presidential convention this week, promising to move past the Donald Trump-era of American politics. But if their newly-minted nominee, vice-president Kamala Harris, wins November’s election, she’ll have her work cut out to keep her party together. The FT’s deputy Washington bureau chief, Lauren Fedor, and US political news editor, Derek Brower, join the FT's US politics podcast, Swamp Notes, to explain what the future of the party might look like. Mentioned in this podcast: Five key points from Kamala Harris’s acceptance speech Kamala Harris vows to ‘strengthen, not abdicate’ US global leadership Kamala Harris’s underwhelming economic agenda Listen to Swamp Notes every Saturday on the feed of the FT News Briefing Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.  CREDIT: PBS NewsHour Register now for the FT Weekend Festival, and claim £24 off your pass using promo code FTPodcast at: ft.com/festival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The billionaire owner of X, Elon Musk, has launched attacks on the UK government following the riots. So, how should Keir Starmer’s government deal with the self-declared “free speech absolutist” and his social media platform? The FT’s political editor George Parker is joined by Political Fix regulars Miranda Green and Stephen Bush, as well as political correspondent Anna Gross. Plus, the team considers how Rachel Reeves will be able to promote growth in the UK while balancing the books. And, as Keir Starmer cancels his holidays - should politicians always take their vacations? Follow George on X: @GeorgeWParker, Stephen @stephenkb, Miranda @greenmiranda, Anna @AnnaSophieGross Want more?   Brussels slaps down Thierry Breton over ‘harmful content’ letter to Elon Musk False information cases in wake of riots test UK’s online safety law AstraZeneca vaccine project in doubt as UK Treasury seeks to cut state aid  UK government plans fresh investment in supercomputing despite axing aid  How taking a holiday went global Sign up for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award:  https://ft.com/insidepoliticsoffer Presented by George Parker. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity and original music by Breen Turner. Studio engineer: Petros Gioumpasis. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer has told police to stay on ‘high alert’ for more disorder, as rafts of rioters receive lengthy jail sentences in Britain’s courts. Has the unrest petered out, or could it yet flare up again? And how will the government get a grip on the longer-term challenges the recent violence has thrown up – from illegal immigration to community cohesion? The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by northern England correspondent Jennifer Williams and UK correspondent William Wallis to assess the fallout. Plus Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, a think-tank specialising in integration, joins with his analysis of how Starmer should start to heal the ‘fractious, divided and anxious country’. Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_Fisher, Jen @JenWilliamsMEN, William @WWFTUK, Sunder @sundersays Want more?   Keir Starmer tells police to stay on ‘high alert’ as UK rioters jailed Far-right riots centred on England’s deprivation hotspots The volatile far right on UK streets is becoming more difficult to label Huge UK anti-racist rallies held as far-right protests fail to materialise To take part in an audience survey, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here. Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw. Sign up for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award:  https://ft.com/insidepoliticsoffer Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Leah Quinn and Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity and original music by Breen Turner. Studio engineers: Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer has announced a new national policing unit to tackle violent disorder as he vows to “put a stop” to unrest on British streets led by far-right “thugs”. But will it be enough to prevent a summer of riots? And is the unrest symptomatic of wider concerns? Lucy Fisher discusses these questions with colleagues Miranda Green, Camilla Cavendish and Anna Gross. Plus, after the chancellor Rachel Reeves accused the last Tory government of “lying” about its spending commitments, the group get to the bottom of the matter. They also examine Labour’s willingness to take on pensioners. Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_Fisher, Miranda on @greenmiranda, Anna on @AnnaSophieGross and Camilla on @CamCavendish Want more?   Keir Starmer announces new violent disorder unit as police brace for more riots Police make arrests after riot in UK town where girls died in mass stabbing Who is to blame for the UK government’s overspending? Rachel Reeves says she will raise taxes at the Budget The volatile far right on UK streets is becoming more difficult to label To take part in an audience survey, and get the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here. Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw. Sign up for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award:  https://ft.com/insidepoliticsoffer Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Leah Quinn and Josh Gabert-Doyon. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The chancellor Rachel Reeves is about to confront the British public with the size of the black hole in the country’s finances. A funding shortfall of about £20bn is likely to lead to tax rises at the Budget later this year. So — how to fix the problem? The FT’s political editor George Parker sits down with colleagues Stephen Bush and Robert Shrimsley to consider the government’s options. Plus, the FT’s infrastructure correspondent Gill Plimmer outlines the scale of the debacle that is the cancellation of the high-speed rail link between Birmingham and Manchester.  Want more? Free links: Rachel Reeves to pave way for UK Budget tax rises in ‘spending audit’ Expect a Tory leadership race mired in bitter and personal fights Thames Water’s credit rating slashed to ‘junk’ Britons may need to be put off taking trains due to HS2 curtailment, watchdog says  Follow George on X @GeorgeWParker, Stephen @stephenkb. Robert @robertshrimsley, Gill @gillplimmer1 Sign up for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award:  https://ft.com/insidepoliticsoffer Presented by George Parker. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer plans to hand more powers to metro mayors in what has been dubbed a ‘devolution revolution’. Host Lucy Fisher speaks with politics reporter Rafe Uddin, deputy political editor Jim Pickard and north of England correspondent Jen Williams about the merits of the proposal – as well as the potential backlash. Plus, the group discusses an internal dossier by Sue Gray that lists potential ‘bin fires’ in the new government’s in-tray, including the prisons capacity crisis, public sector pay disputes, cash-strapped universities and the possible collapse of Thames Water. Want more? Free links: The Labour government’s ‘inheritance’ retort will not work on everything ‘Eat your greens’ politics brings its own dangers Conservative party plans to unveil next leader in November Starmer pledges to ‘fire up’ the training of UK workers to boost growth Why Labour’s pledge to fix the Tory mess means tax rises To take part in an audience survey, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here  Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw. Follow Lucy on X @LOS_Fisher, Jim @PickardJE, Rafe @rafeuddin_ and Jen @JenWillians_FT Sign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award:  https://ft.com/insidepoliticsoffer Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer took the chance to extend the hand of friendship to Britain’s neighbours when he hosted the European Political Community summit in Blenheim Palace on Thursday. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by political editor George Parker, columnist Stephen Bush and public policy editor Peter Foster to discuss how far Britain wants to deepen relations with the EU again. Plus, the team examine the King’s Speech — analysing what Starmer has prioritised and what he’s shelved for now.  To take part in the audience survey Lucy mentioned, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here  Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw. Follow Lucy on X @LOS_Fisher Want more?   Keir Starmer opens door to processing asylum claims outside UK Sign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award:  https://ft.com/insidepoliticsoffer Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Philippa Goodrich with Leah Quinn and Persis Love. The executive producers were Topher Forhecz and Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix by Simon Panayi and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer spoke for the first time with Donald Trump in the wake of the assassination attempt on the former US president at the weekend. After years of criticising him, Labour ministers are trying to strengthen relations ahead of Trump’s possible return to the White House. But does the Republican candidate’s appointment of JD Vance as his running mate throw a spanner in the works? Lucy Fisher considers the question with FT colleagues Anna Gross, Jim Pickard and Miranda Green. The panel also examines the new strategic defence review, and discusses the demoted Labour MPs who are licking their wounds – and plotting revenge.  To take part in the audience survey mentioned by Lucy, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here. Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw. Follow Lucy on X @LOS_Fisher Free to read:   China poses ‘deadly’ threat to UK, says former Nato boss Can the Conservative party survive defeat? | FT Film Ministers to examine complaints of harassment by UK election candidates Sign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award:  https://ft.com/insidepoliticsoffer Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Edwin Lane with Leah Quinn. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer’s quest for closer EU ties received a tacit nod from US President Joe Biden as the UK prime minister made his global debut at the Nato summit in Washington. Biden told Starmer that Britain was ‘the knot tying the transatlantic alliance together’. The FT’s George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush sit down in London to discuss the government’s foreign policy agenda, with Lucy Fisher dialling in from Washington with her take. Plus, the FT’s William Wallis lays out the stark truth behind the UK’s prisons crisis, and what the government might be able to do about it.  To take part in the audience survey mentioned by Lucy, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here.  Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw. Follow George on X @GeorgeWParker, Lucy on X @LOS_Fisher, Robert on X @robertshrimsley, Stephen on X @stephenkb Want more?   Joe Biden tells Keir Starmer UK is ‘knot tying transatlantic alliance together’ Labour to free prisoners early as Keir Starmer warns ‘simply not enough’ spaces James Timpson: the key-cutter taking on England’s prisons crisis UK economy grows at double forecast pace  How will Rachel Reeves run the UK’s finances? The very resistible rise of Nigel Farage Sign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award:  https://ft.com/insidepoliticsoffer Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Quinn. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Sir Keir Starmer appoints his cabinet and unveils his first raft of policies, host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s deputy political editor Jim Pickard and columnist Stephen Bush to assess the new prime minister’s in-tray. Top of the list is planning reforms, but crisis looms in public services, from the NHS to prisons. Plus, Lucy and the panel discuss how the Conservative party will fare in opposition. To take part in the audience survey mentioned by Lucy, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones, click here. Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw. Follow Lucy on X @LOS_Fisher, Jim on @PickardJE and Stephen on @stephenkb Want more?   Labour’s new blood: The class of ’24 Labour expected to launch ‘postmortem’ audit of NHS finances Podcast host, Israel critic: Meet England’s new attorney-general Conservative party chair Richard Holden quits after election defeat Keir Starmer begins tour of UK nations to ‘reset’ relations Sign up for 90 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award:  https://ft.com/insidepoliticsoffer Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Sir Keir Starmer steps over the threshold of Number 10, FT experts answer audience questions about what to expect from the new Labour government. Will Keir Starmer’s landslide victory lead to lasting change? The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Stephen Bush, George Parker, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley to discuss the Labour landslide and the future of the defeated Tory party Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert on @robertshrimsley and George on @GeorgeWParker, Stephen on @stephenkb and Miranda on @greenmiranda Want more?   Keir Starmer enters Downing Street as UK prime minister after historic victory Starmer stands supreme but he cannot ignore the Reform surge ‘Hard to imagine a worse outcome’: Tory collapse sparks blame game Historic UK election hauls reveal bigger voter trends Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Quinn. Original music by Breen Turner. Mix by Odinn Ingibergsson.The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour is heading for the biggest “landslide majority” Britain has ever seen. That’s the verdict from Mel Stride, one of prime minister Rishi Sunak’s closest ministerial allies, who has in effect conceded defeat ahead of Thursday’s UK general election. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Robert Shrimsley, political editor George Parker and political correspondent Anna Gross to discuss the campaign strategies of the various parties, and to look ahead to the results. Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Anna on @AnnaSophieGross, Robert on @robertshrimsley and George on @GeorgeWParker Want more?   How 120 knife-edge seats may tip the Tories from defeat to wipeout Tories warn of Labour landslide in final day of election campaigning What to watch out for on election night Join us on July 5 at 13:00 UK (GMT+1) when Political Fix host Lucy Fisher will dissect the election outcome with Inside Politics author Stephen Bush, political editor George Parker and columnists Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green. Register and put your question to the panel by visiting www.ft.com/ukwebinar Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Manuela Saragosa with Leah Quinn. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With under a week to go until polling day, Lucy Fisher and her panel — the FT’s Miranda Green and Stephen Bush — pull together the threads of the campaign to explore the remaining ‘known unknowns’ in this election. They are joined by FT columnist Simon Kuper whose new book ‘Good Chaps’ looks at the disintegration of public service in our national life and examines how to rid our political system of sleaze. Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher Want more? Free links: Reform UK activist calls for migrants to be shot A safe space at the eye of the storm: onboard Rishi Sunak’s battle bus Blue Wall vulnerable to tactical voting as natural Conservatives turn against party How the Conservatives lost touch with England’s prosperous south Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher.  Produced by Philippa Goodrich and Leah Quinn Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner.  The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conservatives’ embattled campaign suffered yet another setback this week, as the betting scandal escalated and the party finally suspended two candidates ensnared by the row. But when did it first start to go wrong for the Tories? Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s chief data reporter John Burn-Murdoch, who charts the beginning of the party’s descent back to 2019. The pair are joined by Political Fix regulars Robert Shrimsley and George Parker to discuss whether Britain’s “first past the post system” will lead to the biggest ever mismatch between parties’ share of the vote and their share of Westminster seats.  Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher Want more? Free links: How the Conservatives lost touch with England’s prosperous south  No, Keir, the real opposition is behind you  Brace for the most distorted election result in British history The seeds of the Tory collapse were sown in 2019 Starmer will be centrism’s last chance Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher.  Produced by Persis Love and Audrey Tinline. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner.  The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An election-betting scandal is sending the Tory campaign into freefall. The latest blow to the Conservatives comes as some polls predict a wipeout for the party on July 4. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard to discuss this latest blow in a campaign littered with blunders. Plus, the team analyses the effect of the Reform party on the Tory vote and what might happen after the election.  Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Jim @PickardJE. Stephen @stephenkb Want more? Free links: Unusual burst of bets preceded Rishi Sunak’s election announcement ‘Every Tory I know is angry’: betting scandal sends election campaign into ‘freefall’ Potential routes forward for the Tories post-election Tory leadership hopefuls jostle to replace Rishi Sunak Keir Starmer: ‘People need hope, but it needs to be realistic hope’ Sketchy Politics: the extinction election? Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Quinn and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour is promising voters not to raise a raft of taxes, not to borrow to fund day-to-day spending and not to return to austerity with major cuts to public services. How will it manage this? Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves insists economic growth will square the circle. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher asks economics editor Sam Fleming, who interviewed Reeves this week, whether her plans to increase UK output stack up. Plus, Helen Miller from the Institute for Fiscal Studies think-tank joins with her assessment of the “conspiracy of silence” by both big parties over tax and spend after the election.  Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Sam @Sam1Fleming, Helen @TheIFS Want more? Free links: A dash for growth: the shadow chancellor prepares for government Rachel Reeves to seek ‘improved’ UK-EU trade terms if Labour wins election  The Labour party’s uncertain certainty dividend Labour’s EU plan will have ‘minimal’ impact on cost of Brexit, says think-tank Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Quinn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has unveiled Labour’s manifesto - declaring that his is the “party of wealth creation”. But while the plans combine sweeping aspirations for growth with modest tax and spending measures, there are a host of questions about how exactly a future Labour government would fix the public finances. The FT’s political editor George Parker is joined by colleagues Miranda Green and Rafe Uddin to scrutinise Labour’s pledges. Plus, FT consumer editor Claer Barrett gives her analysis of the levers Labour could pull if they need to raise more money - and who would be affected. Follow George on X @GeorgeWParker, Miranda @greenmiranda, Claer @ClaerB, Rafe @rafeuddin_ Want more? Free links: Labour manifesto targets wealthy even as Keir Starmer woos business Keir Starmer sets out plans to raise £8.6bn in tax at Labour manifesto launch Party manifestos and the British economic reality  Have the Tories squandered their years in power? Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by George Parker. Produced by Audrey Tinline. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak has pledged more than £17bn in tax cuts as the Tories attempt to revive their stalled election campaign. But will it be enough to override questions about the party’s record in office, or the prime minister’s D-Day disaster? The FT’s Lucy Fisher fillets the Tories’ manifesto promises with colleagues Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard. Plus, what to make of the Lib Dem election pledges and their leader’s attention-grabbing stunts? Clips: BBC, ITN Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb and Jim @PickardJE Want more? Free links: Rishi Sunak pledges £17bn in tax cuts to revive Tory election bid The Lib Dem strategy to restore their third party status Tory ads warn voters of Labour landslide as election bid falters Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morale within the Conservative campaign is low and was damaged further this week after the party chair became the fifth Tory MP to abandon his seat in the north to fight for a safer seat in the south of England. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher gets round the table with colleagues Robert Shrimsley and Jim Pickard to reflect on the damage done and on those tax claims made by Rishi Sunak during the first leaders’ TV debate. Plus, the FT’s Michael Peel joins to discuss how the rest of the world views the UK. Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher Want more? Free links: ‘Morale is shot’: Tory campaign mood sapped by candidate row Rishi Sunak apologises for leaving D-Day commemorations early Keir Starmer accuses Rishi Sunak of ‘lying’ over Labour £2,000 tax claim Behold the final casualties of Brexit  More than half of British universities slip down global rankings Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.  Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.  Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.