Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards
Based on his live one-man show Rock & Roll Politics, the broadcaster and author Steve Richards takes a weekly behind-the-scenes tour of UK politics and the media that shapes the way we view the epic political dramas. The future is ridiculously unpredictable and the past is so easy to misread. Subscribe to your weekly guide through seismic times.
Episodes
Are we going back to the 1970s?
Less than a week since Andy Burnham has become Prime Minister, the Greek chorus of commentators have warned that Britain is ‘going back to the 1970s’. But what do they mean, and does it make any sense?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comSubscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular
Will Andy Burnham’s new cabinet deliver the biggest change in 40 years?
Andy Burnham has promised the biggest change in 40 years. Is his new cabinet ready to deliver - and does he know how to bring about the change he seeks?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comSubscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Rock N Roll
Was Keir Starmer more of a change-maker than he seemed?
Keir Starmer takes a bow amidst much talk that he lacked a mission and sense of governing purpose… but what happens if we follow the policy trail rather than all the noise around his leadership? In some respects he was more boldly radical than Tony Blair in his first two years as prime minister.To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud
What are the lessons in the fall and rise of Louise Haigh?
Louise Haigh is a key figure in Andy Burnham’s team and will be back in the cabinet next week when Burnham becomes Prime Minister - a remarkable comeback given she was sacked as Transport Secretary only months after taking up the post. Haigh was widely admired during her brief period in the job but was targeted by Number 10. Now those who targeted her are gone, and she is at the centre of the new
Will a contest against Binface make Farage more prime-ministerial?
Farage faces Count Binface in his latest campaign. As a potential prime minister, isn’t there a better use of his time? Plus, Bridget Phillipson on how education can be an instrument of freedom, and the challenges of devolution.Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings P
How much trouble is Nigel Farage in?
The Reform leader is facing more allegations about donations made before he was an MP. Can he lead a ‘people’s revolt’ when stories erupt around him that suggest he is far removed from ‘the people’?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.com• Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20Subscribe to
Eve of the Burnham era: Where does power really lie?
There’s a strong focus on Andy Burnham’s plans for devolution but he has identified a bigger challenge in what he has called ‘the outsourced state’, where unelected agencies and companies run much of Britain. Plus, was Burnham right not to take questions from political editors at the end of his speech earlier this week?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-oper
Will Andy Burnham’s big idea work?
Andy Burnham has promised an historic transfer of power from the centre. Unlike some leaders who have made similar pledges he means it. But how will it work?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.com• Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content
Who should be Andy Burnham’s Chancellor?
The answer to this question is hugely significant. Look back and mid-term Prime Ministers fall out badly with their chosen Chancellor - too often Labour Prime Ministers seek to reassure the media and the markets with their choice, only for both to turn on the Chancellor that is supposed to bring ‘stability’.To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email stev
What does Andy Burnham really think?
I revisit an interview I did with Andy Burnham before the general election, when there was no leadership speculation as Keir Starmer was so obviously heading for victory. We explore where power lies, where power should lie, where he feels he has always stood on the political spectrum, why this is a different landscape to 1997 and much more. It gives a sense of what his priorities are likely t
Andy Burnham wins - what follows?
Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election by a triumphant margin. What does that mean for the government, and for Reform?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.com• Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the r
What if Keir Starmer is right on defence?
Keir Starmer navigated around a reluctant Treasury and dissenting minsters to find a further significant increase in defence spending. It was not enough for John Healey and the mighty defence establishment, but where precisely would they find even more money? And would it be spent well?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on the 13th of July to make sense of the fallout arising from thi
What is the significance of John Healey’s resignation?
The instinctively loyal John Healey has resigned over the level of defence spending about to be announced - what will be the impact on Keir Starmer’s fragile leadership? And how will resources be found to pay for defence and other creaking public services?Plus, we are in an era of multi-party politics, and the new battles between parties are already having a big impact on elections and by-election
Does it matter any more if a by-election candidate is out of their depth?
The Reform candidate in the historic Makerfield by- election has struggled to answer obvious questions about policy and his own social media comments. In today’s dangerous anti-politics mood could this be an advantage for him?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comSubscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus ep
Is Farage as formidable as he appears to be?
This week Nigel Farage has chosen to fuel ‘hatred’ in relation to a horrific murder, seeking to politicise crudely and obviously. Has he been too crude and obvious? Is the fracturing on the right an opportunity for the government, or is it triggering a dangerous debate framed by the far right?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.c
Labour’s battle of ideas - much needed or dangerous?
Tony Blair’s essay has triggered detailed responses from Keir Starmer, potential successors and others within the government. Is this a healthy development for a party that seemed fearful of internal debate. or the start of a fatal divide?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comPatreon subscribers can join Steve for an exclusive l
What does Tony Blair mean by the ‘radical centre’?
In Tony Blair’s latest long essay he claims to be on the ‘radical centre’. In which case, why are his largely vague arguments welcomed most by those on the right? His elegant writing and capacity to frame big arguments convey a sense of clarity. Time to delve deep to see if he’s as clear as he appears to be.• Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on the 13th of July to explore the s
Do the fashionable assumptions about Andy Burnham make sense?
Leaders and potential leaders are often far more interesting than the stereotypes reported by political journalists. Is this the case with Andy Burnham?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comPatreon subscribers can join Steve for an exclusive live stream on Monday June 8th at 7pm. Book your spot here.You can subscribe to Patreon
Is this the strangest leadership crisis in modern times?
Keir Starmer continues as Prime Minister. Andy Burnham fights a by-election as a potential future Prime Minister. Is Burnham a by- election candidate and leadership candidate simultaneously? Or can he pull off being the by- election candidate first, before the scrutiny of a leadership challenge? Meanwhile Wes Streeting refers to a leadership contest - even though he is not yet a candidate. Time to
Why is the phrase ‘Brexit Wars’ dangerous for Britain?
Wes Streeting says he wants Britain to rejoin the EU at some point. Andy Burnham has noted often that Brexit has been a calamitous seismic shock, and the cabinet and most voters agree. Yet this is a return to the ‘Brexit Wars’ - and not only because of the Makerfield by-election. Can there ever be a grown up debate on Brexit?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics c
Can Andy Burnham win the by-election?
After a week of high political drama, some raging questions are answered. Starmer wants to stay, Streeting has resigned, and Burnham has a route to the Commons. But now another question arises - can he win?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comSubscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts and to get the regular podcast a
Who can lead the ‘people’s revolt’?
All leaders and potential leaders agree the urgent need to move on from what Keir Starmer calls vaguely ‘the status quo’. Nigel Farage claims to lead ‘the people’s revolt’ against the status quo. But why should he have the monopoly in leading the people when he was a key figure in creating the current ‘status quo’?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, ema
Election Special - Who can meet the voters’ hunger for ‘change’?
Labour is slaughtered in spite of promising ‘change’ in a country desperate to move on from the failures of the past. But does Starmer - or potential successors - know what they mean by change? And does Farage?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comYou can get the last few remaining tickets for Rock & Roll Politics -The Elect
How will Reform and the Greens respond to electoral success?
Reform and the Greens are expected to make stunning gains in this week's elections. But will either party be ready to develop coherent and credible policies - in line with their very different values - by the time of the general election? It is the phase in the electoral cycle that is the toughest challenge of the lot.To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative,
Can or should a King change Trump’s view of ’the special relationship'?
King Charles delivered a perfectly pitched speech in Congress, with many barely coded messages. But will Trump, charmed by royalty, change his attitude to the elected government in the UK or to those in the rest of Europe? Plus Morgan McSweeney, Peter Mandelson, and the build up to the 2024 election.To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email stever
Is Britain ungovernable?
With another prime minister fighting for his political life, some commentators argue that the job has become impossible. Since 2016 there have been six prime ministers. But is the context suddenly impossibly challenging, or is that an excuse for weak or poor leadership?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comYou can get your ticke
How vulnerable is Keir Starmer?
Are we in the final days of Starmer’s leadership, or is no potential successor ready to make a move? Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Cambridge Literary Festival this Saturday at 8pm. Tickets on the festival website. Rock & Roll Politics -The Election Special is live at Kings Place on Monday May 11th. Tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast
Starmer/Mandelson - Does the plot ever really change?
Did Starmer deliberately mislead parliament? No. Did Starmer make a terrible misjudgement in appointing Mandelson with a casual detachment? Yes. This was the plot of the first episode of this dark saga. It is also the plot of the latest eruption in the long running series, with many episodes to come.To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@i
Is there a danger the government will spend too much on defence?
There is no money, the economy is barely growing, the war in Iran will cost billions in Britain and there are demands on spending across public services. Yet there is a noisy clamour for huge increases in defence spending. Are the calls for defence to be a priority at the expense of all other demands justified? And what will be the legacies of a landslide Labour government if the investment priori
The fall of Orban - How vulnerable is the populist right?
In Hungary’s general election the seemingly invincible Viktor Orban has suffered a heavy defeat. But are there any significant lessons for exposing the weaknesses of Reform and other right wing parties in Europe?The next Rock & Roll Politics live show will be at the Cambridge Literary Festival on Saturday April 25th.And you can get your tickets for Rock & Roll Politics -The Election Specia
Are we seeing the return of Cabinet Government?
This month marks the fiftieth anniversary since James Callaghan became prime minister. There were many dramas punctuating his short rule in Number 10, but throughout the storms Callaghan showed skilfully how to manage his cabinets.Arguably his leadership marked the final phase of ‘Cabinet Government’, but is it now returning under Keir Starmer?To join the never ending debate, send your emails to s
What next for the BBC?
The BBC has a new director general, but is he or his army of senior managers - conveniently detached from direct responsibility for the output - capable of answering a key question: What is the role of a publicly-funded broadcaster in the modern era?Plus, brilliant questions on GB News, the energy crisis and the government’s economic policy - is there a hidden agenda?The next Rock & Roll Polit
Alan Johnson on Wilson, Blair and Starmer
Recorded live at the York Literary Festival, host Steve Richards is joined by the former cabinet minister Alan Johnson to discuss three Labour Prime Ministers that have all won landslide election victories. But do they have much else in common? Listen now for a deep dive on Harold Wilson, Tony Blair and Keir Starmer.The next Rock & Roll Politics live show will be at the Cambridge Literary Fest
The never-ending debate special
The emails from the co-operative have been flying - so this podcast concentrates solely on the brilliant, illuminating never-ending debate. Today, a focus on the energy crisis, the media, Iran, and the continuing mysteries of Harold Wilson.Join the never-ending debate - send your emails to steveric14@icloud.comRock & Roll Politics is at the Cambridge Literary Festival on Saturday April 25th.An
What is the ‘centre ground’?
The Observer columnist Philip Collins argues that the future lies on the “centre ground” which he defines as spanning the Cameron government to Blairite Labour. But at a time when voters are impatient for sweeping change, is that outdated, misleading definition a guide for any party or leader/potential leader? And why does a more precise topical definition matter? Plus your thoughts on Michael Gov
Why are the right obsessed with Ed Miliband?
With the departure of Morgan McSweeney, the right in the media and well beyond detect that Ed Miliband has become the unofficial prime minister. The Spectator editor Michael Gove has written an article on this theme, and is by no means alone. Apparently some of those making the same point used to work for Keir Starmer. But do Gove’s arguments make much sense? Time again to forensically examine a s
Why is the ‘cost of living’ almost impossible for the government to control?
Energy prices soar and the British government watches on helplessly. If it were not energy costs, it might have been some other sector causing mayhem outside a single government’s control. Which is why prime ministers and chancellors are being too clunky when promising to address the cost of living, even if - understandably - it tops the list of voters’ concerns.Get tickets here for the York Book
Why did Starmer ignore the evidence against Mandelson?
The release of the Mandelson documents shows the degree to which his appointment was a huge risk. Why did the lawyerly, cautious Starmer overrule the warnings and press ahead despite all the consequences?• Please join the co-operative’s never ending debate: steveric14@icloud.com• Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on May 11th in the aftermath of the dramatic elections. • Rock & R
Is Britain trapped by the "special relationship"?
Leaks from a national security council meeting suggest cabinet ministers challenged the assumption that Trump should have the automatic right to access British military bases. The grown up discussion was portrayed by some newspapers as a sign of weakness, which says more about those newspapers than Starmer and his ministers. Isn’t the Iran crisis showing that the ‘special relationship’ is largely
Why we should welcome Stamer’s caution on Iran
Keir Starmer has dared to question the Trump/Netanyahu attack on Iran, implying it is unlawful and without clear objective. An elected UK prime minister has chosen to think for himself rather than follow the US subserviently - and the right wing media and its parties cannot cope. Why?To join the never ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative email steveric14@icloud.comRock &
Trump and Iran – Has Britain learned the lessons of Iraq?
Keir Starmer has said the “mistakes” of Iraq have been learnt and he has published the legal advice that justifies allowing the US to use British military bases in its attacks on Iran. But there were plenty of other “mistakes” in relation to Iraq – are they being repeated now?To join our never-ending debate email your latest thoughts to steveric14@icloud.com• Rock & Roll Politics is live at th
The Greens win - What will be the consequences?
In the end the Greens won the Gorton and Denton by-election with ease. Labour were third in one of their safest seats. Reform is no longer the only insurgent party of ‘change’. Given the restive mood of voters since the 2008 crash, should any of us be surprised by this - except for the Labour leadership following an outdated, shallow and confused strategy? Rock & Roll Politics is live at the C
What will we learn from the Gorton and Denton by-election?
This week's by-election has become a big test for Labour, Reform and the Greens. The result is likely to have many consequences, but will it be much of a guide to what will happen in a general election?Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Cambridge Literary Festival on Saturday April 25th. You can get tickets here. And live at Kings Place on May 11th, days after the May elections: tickets here.
Will the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor undermine the Royal family?
Already there is talk of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest triggering the biggest crisis for the royal family since the abdication. But is there much desire amongst most people to no longer be spellbound by what has always been a deeply flawed institution?The next live show at Kings Place is on May 11th, days after the elections. You can get tickets here.Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bon
Can the media cope with a government moving slightly to the left?
Right wing commentators and newspapers suggest that with the fall of Morgan McSweeney and Keir Starmer fighting for survival, Labour will move to the left. Would that be the disaster they suggest it would be?Rock & Roll Politics is live on the 11th of May at Kings Place, just days after the May elections. It will be an epic night...Tickets are available here.Subscribe to Patreon here for the m
Rock & Roll Politics Live - How long will Starmer rule?
In the first live show of 2026 we delve deep with the audience in the hall and on the live stream. We go back decades for much needed context and dare to look ahead, and White Van Man Andy makes a guest appearance. The next live show at Kings Place is on May 11th, days after the elections, and will be even more epic than this show. You can get tickets here.Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bo
How will the government change in the post-McSweeney era?
Morgan McSweeney and - we now discover - Peter Mandelson shaped the Starmer leadership in the run up to the election and beyond. Now they are both gone. Inevitably this will lead to change and the first meaningful ‘reset’ in a government of resets. But will it be under Starmer or his successor?Rock & Roll Politics is live and streaming this Wednesday, February 11th at the main concert hall in
Why did Mandelson wield so much influence over Starmer’s leadership?
Keir Starmer was not even an MP when Peter Mandelson was part of the New Labour project - a relatively small part. Yet he seems to have had considerable influence over the leadership of Starmer and Morgan McSweeney. Now it is Starmer who is in deep trouble over Mandelson, a figure who was last in government in 2010. How has this happened?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place next Wednesd
Will tactical voting block Reform?
In the Gorton and Denton by-election Reform dares to hope it will win. Which party should opponents of Reform back to prevent such an outcome, and what are the wider lessons of the dilemmas for tactical voters?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wednesday February 11th. It’s the first show of 2026, and a lot has happened since the last one. Tickets here.Subscribe to Patreon for live
Has Kemi Badenoch taken a fatal wrong turn?
A new group has been launched within the Conservative Party aimed at reviving the much diminished ‘One Nation’ wing. Kemi Badenoch has been dismissive. Has she made a fatal strategic miscalculation?The first Rock & Roll Politics live show of the year is on February 11th at Kings Place…. there’s a lot to make sense of that night. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-
Burnham is blocked - What are the consequences?
Predictably Keir Starmer has blocked Andy Burnham from standing in the forthcoming by-election. Has Labour had enough of this unique style of party management where those seen as to the left of Starmer and Morgan McSweeney, or a leadership ’threat’, are crushed, briefed against, expelled, suspended or blocked? Or was this Starmer’s only available route? Rock & Roll Politics is live at the main
Where does the never-ending Trump show leave Britain and its ‘special relationship’?
Trump has pulled back from the brink, but not before he publicly attacked European leaders, including Keir Starmer. The British prime minister also expressed publicly his opposition to Trump’s plans to ‘control’ Greenland and threaten tariffs.Outside the EU and with a US President launching threats and public onslaughts, where is Britain’s place in the world? Plus, brilliant questions on the split
What are the differences between Reform and the Tories?
Robert Jenrick’s defection highlighted the schism on the right, two parties battling it out as Labour and the SDP did in the 1980s. But there are significant contrasts between the schism on the left then and the divide on the right now. One of them is surreal - both Reform and the Tories are parties of the populist radical right, so what are they fighting over?Rock & Roll Politics is live at K
How big is the schism on the right?
I was not planning another podcast on the theme of U-turn, not least when the schism on the right has been highlighted by the sacking of Robert Jenrick. But I sense there are huge lessons from the sequence that led to the U-turn, and they must be learnt urgently.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on February 11th. Tickets here.Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts and t
What do U-turns tell us about a government?
Since our last podcast on the risks of an unsubtle focus on the cost of living, the Government has carried out another U-turn to protect pubs from increases in business rates. Number 10 says this is a sign of an increasingly nimble government responding quickly to potential problems – but why do the problems arise in the first place? And will there be more U-turns now that Keir Starmer has pledged
Is Starmer’s focus on the cost of living more risky than it seems?
Keir Starmer has proclaimed the government’s entire focus is on the cost of living. But to what degree can he control price rises, and will voters feel better off in the coming months? Should governments intervene to control prices? Plus, brilliant questions on leadership, Britain and the EU and much more.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on February 11th. Tickets here.Subscribe to P
How long can Starmer claim he has no view on Trump and Venezuela?
Trump has carried out a coup in Venezuela - how long will he seek to rule over it, and then what? He is not the first US President who has acted unilaterally without telling the UK, and he is not the first who has removed a leader without a follow up plan. And why did Starmer’s long BBC 1 interview work for him, the interviewer and the viewers? Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts
The Defectors Part 3: A Festive Series - Carswell and Reckless (Tory to UKIP)
David Cameron had promised a Brexit referendum, and to renegotiate Britain’s EU membership. In a sign of what was to follow, it was not enough for two Tory MPs…• The first show of 2026 is in the main concert hall at Kings Place on the 11th of February. Tickets are available here. • Subscribe to Patreon here for the main podcast a day early and ad free, bonus podcasts and exclusive live events.• My
The Defectors Part 2: A Festive Series - Shaun Woodward (Tories to Labour)
Shaun Woodward was one of the masterminds behind the Conservatives 1992 election victory and subsequently he became a Tory MP. Soon after Labour’s 1997 landslide he changed sides, and ultimately became a Labour cabinet minister.• The first show of 2026 is in the main concert hall at Kings Place on the 11th of February. Tickets are available here. • Subscribe to Patreon here for the main podcast a
The Defectors Part 1: A Festive Series - Reg Prentice (Labour to Tories)
Reg Prentice was a Labour cabinet minister after the 1974 elections, but was threatened with deselection by his local Labour party for being on the right. There were rowdy meetings as Prentice’s cabinet allies spoke in his defence and by the time of the 1979 election Prentice had defected to Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative party.• The first show of 2026 is in the main concert hall at Kings Place
What have we learnt at the end of 2025?
We know more than we think we know … Sometimes what is in front of our eyes is more interesting than speculating about a hazy future. Here is what we know now about Keir Starmer’s fragility and the even more precarious international crisis. • Tickets for my next live show on the 11th of February are available now! Get them here. • My biography of Tony Blair is out now, get it here. • A subscript
Why does a 'narrative' matter so much?
Keir Starmer has endured a rough opening 18 months, but so did Tony Blair in quite similar ways. So why was Blair miles ahead in the polls in his early phase in power? And why is Starmer breaking all records for low ratings?The first show of 2026 is in the main concert hall at Kings Place on the 11th of February. Tickets are the perfect Christmas present! Get them here. Subscribe to Patreon here.
Rock & Roll Politics Live - How fragile is Keir Starmer?
Here’s the last live show of the year, recorded in the main concert hall at Kings Place. There’s a dramatic answer to the question, will Keir Starmer be prime minister this time next year? Plus, making sense of Nigel Farage, Zack Polanski, Jeremy Corbyn and much more…Dream Christmas presents...• Tickets for my next live show on the 11th of February are available now. Get them here. • My biography
What next as Trump turns away from Europe?
Trump’s National Security Strategy is scathing about Europe, and in interviews he intensified his attack on the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. Where does this leave Britain’s place in the world? Out of the EU and no longer able to claim there’s a reliable ally in the White House, even if that claim was always partly delusional...Plus, what chance of a Labour/Lib Dem government after the next general
Brexit- is this the beginning of the end?
Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have started to become more critical of the ‘Brexit Deal’. David Lammy highlights the benefits of a customs union. The Brexit minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, is promoted. But does this mean a cautious government is moving towards the customs union, and when would it make such a move?Looking for the ideal Christmas present? My new biography of Tony Blair can be read ov
Why are newspapers still powerful?
Few buy newspapers and not many read them. So why do they shape the political agenda, not least in determining how the current government is perceived?Rock & Roll Politics -The Xmas Special is live at Kings Place on Dec 8th.. Get your tickets for Kings Place or the live-stream of the event here.Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts and to get the regular podcast a day early and
Could The Conservatives Recover?
The fickle media and Conservative MPs are hailing Kemi Badenoch’s recent performances, making her more secure in her role as leader. The Tories are still dominant in the media, so could they - not Reform - emerge as the main alternative at the next election? Plus the furore over Rachel Reeves and the OBR, and why is it shocking for a Labour government to deliver a ‘Labour budget”?To find out more
Has Rachel Reeves calmed the mood of restive Labour MPs… and disillusioned voters?
After a thousand leaks, speeches and u-turns, Rachel Reeves has delivered her budget. As predicted there were a range of tax rises and some significant spending increases, not least on welfare. For all the feverish coverage, how much does the budget really change?Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on the 8th of December for the last show of the year. Tickets ar
Rachel Reeves - and consequences
In spite of the bleak financial inheritance, Rachel Reeves should have some space with a landslide Commons for radical reforms in her budget. Did she partly choose to be trapped, without thinking through the consequences?Plus brilliant questions on how Britain is governed in relation to Covid Inquiry and Shabana Mahmood’s plans for asylum seekers. Rock & Roll Politics -The Xmas Special is live
Nick Thomas-Symonds on Labour prime ministers, leadership threats and Europe
The Cabinet Office Minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, has written several political biographies. The most recent was on Harold Wilson. What are the differences between being in power now compared with previous Labour governments? How did Wilson deal with leadership threats of the type Keir Starmer faces now? He’s also responsible for the Brexit ’reset’, so does he want to move closer to the EU? And wh
Will Mahmood’s asylum policies stop the boats… and the rise of Reform?
Within weeks of becoming Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood has announced a set of wide-ranging policies aimed at deterring illegal asylum seekers. Will they work practically and politically? Plus, has Rachel Reeves got a coherent vision for the economy? How to define the soft left? And are there too many political journalists?Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on
Is Starmer the biggest victim of the 'toxic culture'?
There's universal consensus that the briefings from Number 10, warning of a leadership challenge from Wes Streeting and the conduct of "feral" Labour MPs, have rebounded badly on Starmer and those involved. Yet the briefings against key Labour figures are part of a pattern under Keir Starmer's leadership… even if he is the biggest victim of these operations and is now in greater danger. Plus brill
Why is the BBC so scared of the right wing media?
Tim Davie, Deborah Turness and other senior BBC managers have gone out of their way to please the right, from the treatment of Gary Linker to the selection of political panels where there is often an imbalance that favours the right. Ironically and predictably the right wing newspapers have shown yet again their bullying muscularity by triggering the removal of Turness and Davie. Why has the BBC l
What do Labour's 'soft left' want?
Labour's so-called 'soft left' is becoming more muscular and vocal, but what binds this part of the party and how does it want this government to change? Plus, can Rachel Reeves make voters recognise the connection between higher taxes and better public services? A key rule for governments: "Make the connections". Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on the 8th o
Does Nigel Farage have a credible economic policy?
Nigel Farage has torn up Reform's 2024 manifesto, pledging big spending cuts and promising tax cuts. Whether on the right or left, has he framed a distinct and credible argument about the economy? Also, is the Royal Family doomed in modern Britain? Plus brilliant questions and a range of notices for the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative. Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live
What will happen if Rachel Reeves breaks a manifesto pledge on tax?
Keir Starmer refused to rule out breaking pre-election tax commitments at Prime Minister's Questions, suggesting that he and Rachel Reeves are contemplating doing so. Can they get away with it? Or will it be the cause of their fall? Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on the 8th of December. Tickets are available now at the Kings Place website here. Subscribe to
Is the strange silence over Farage and Johnson's Brexit about to be broken?
Finally, Rachel Reeves cites the Brexit deal as one reason why the economy is failing and why she will have to raise taxes in the budget. But is it too little, too late? Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on the 8th of December. Tickets are available now at the Kings Place website here. Subscribe to Patreon to take part in my exclusive live event on the 20th No
Should transport be a top priority for Starmer? – in conversation with Christian Wolmar
With the nationalisation of the railways, the need for economic growth, climate change and a focus on addressing regional inequalities, transport should be at the top of the government’s priorities. But is it? I’m joined by transport guru, author and podcaster, Christian Wolmar, to discuss why Transport is often overlooked by prime ministers and chancellors and how hopeful or gloomy he is now.Rock
What does the Maccabi Tel Aviv football ban tell us about who runs Britain?
Most of the time the right-wing media scream that government should not interfere with the police. But when the police make a decision the media disapproves of, it screams the opposite. In doing so this tells us much about the blurred lines of responsibility and the confusion about the role of the state – that partly explains why 'nothing works' remains a powerful motif in British politics.Rock &a
What would you do if you were Rachel Reeves?
In a recording of a recent Rock & Roll Politics live show, the audience became Rachel Reeves… and I became Emma Barnett interviewing some of them. There were many ideas for the real Chancellor in advance of next month’s budget and some mighty dilemmas explored. Here it is!Rock &Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on the 8th of December. Tickets are available now at
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