Daily political analysis from The Spectator's top team of writers, including Michael Gove, Tim Shipman, Isabel Hardman, James Heale and many others.
Episodes
Brand's conviction should make Westminster think
After this week's exchange between Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch at PMQs, Noa Hoffman is joined by Isabel Hardman and Tim Shipman to digest what happened, and how Russell Brand's conviction should give Westminster pause for thought.Produced by Henry Lloyd. This episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep insights into who you are with our financial expertise, that’s the pow
Kemi’s welfare crackdown
Kemi Badenoch has today set out plans to slash £36 billion from the welfare bill, as the Conservatives seek to get ahead of the government’s much-anticipated welfare review. But are the Tories offering anything new? And can Andy Burnham succeed where Labour has previously struggled to deliver meaningful reform?Oscar Edmondson is joined by James Heale and Michael Simmons to discuss the political ch
Labour’s EU reset is a ‘deeply incoherent mess’
The government is gearing up for another EU reset, but does Burnham know what he wants from Brussels? And has Lisa Nandy's Remembrance Sunday blunder exposed divisions within the Cabinet over closer ties with Europe?Tim Shipman and James Heale discuss the upcoming EU summit, the potential economic benefits of closer alignment and whether Labour is prepared for the political battle ahead. What
'We need to get real' – Claire Ainsley on Starmer, Burnham and Labour’s future
Labour has a new leader, but does Andy Burnham have a plan to give voters back control?In this episode of Coffee House Shots, Noa Hoffman speaks to Claire Ainsley, Keir Starmer’s former director of policy, about her new book, Control: How We Lost It and How to Take It Back. They discuss whether Burnham’s government is doing enough to address immigration and welfare, why Ainsley is sceptical about
Why does everyone hate inheritance tax? | Dan Neidle
This episode was originally posted on our Reality Check channel. To watch, head over to our YouTube Inheritance tax is one of Britain's most unpopular taxes – but is it really as unfair as people think? Our Economics Editor Michael Simmons speak to tax expert Dan Neidle about why inheritance tax inspires such hostility, who really ends up paying it, and whether it needs reforming.With the Cons
Kim Darroch: ‘Trump was conned by Netanyahu’ over Iran
Donald Trump’s midterm defeat has thrown fresh uncertainty over the future of his presidency – and his foreign policy.On today’s Coffee House Shots, Tim Shipman speaks to Lord Kim Darroch, former British ambassador to Washington, about what happens next. With JD Vance already positioning himself for 2028, could the MAGA movement be starting to fracture? And how much damage has Trump’s approach to
Blue tsunami: what does it mean for Britain?
Donald Trump has suffered a generational defeat in the US midterms, with Democrats making sweeping gains across the country. Has the Trump coalition finally fallen apart? And what does the result mean for the future of the Republican Party?James Heale is joined by US Editor Freddy Gray and Political Editor Tim Shipman to discuss the fallout. Is this a vote against Trump rather than an endorsement
The King schools Burnham | with Robert Tombs
Has King Charles shown Andy Burnham how to handle the row over slavery reparations? Following the Commonwealth summit, historian Robert Tombs joins James Heale to discuss why the King’s carefully worded speech struck the right tone – and whether Burnham’s intervention risks opening the door to billions in compensation claims.They also discuss Britain’s role in abolishing the slave trade, the growi
Goodbye to hardline immigration reforms
Shabana Mahmood has unveiled her long-awaited reforms to immigration rules, including on indefinite leave to remain, and with them the partial climbdown briefed over the past few days. Noa Hoffman is joined by Tim Shipman and James Heale to examine what has and has not changed in the new plans.Produced by Henry LloydThis episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep insights into who
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 01/11/2026
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.The Budget is here. And the prime minister is open to an apology for slavery.This episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep insights into who you are with our financial expertise, that’s the power of personal. Investment involves risk.raymondjames.uk.comBecome a Spectator subscriber today to access this p
Can Netanyahu cling on? Inside Israel’s election deadlock
In this Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots, James Heale is joined by Noa Hoffman, who has been reporting on the election from Israel, and former Foreign Office special adviser Ben Judah to unpack the results. They discuss the historic turnout among Arab Israeli voters, the growing influence of ultra-Orthodox parties and why, despite the failures of October 7, Netanyahu continues to command sup
The OBR's verdict on Healey
John Healey’s budget on Wednesday contained 98 measures, the most since 2010, and yet the OBR appears to be questioning the extent of his £15 billion in headroom. Tim Shipman speaks to the OBR’s David Miles about a tax take heading for a post-war high, the cuts pencilled in for the end of the parliament, and why, by his reckoning, Britain is 25% poorer than it expected to be in 2008.Produced by He
The Spectator's post-Budget briefing
The Spectator’s editor Michael Gove, political editor Tim Shipman, economics editor Michael Simmons, economist and CEO of the Great British Business Council Catherine McBride and Harry Bell, director of financial planning at Raymond James, will give their insights into the autumn Budget, just hours after it is announced.This episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep insights into
Healey's 'breathing space' budget – was that it?
Chancellor John Healey has just delivered his first Budget of the Burnham premiership – but has he done enough to turn the economy around?In this special edition of Coffee House Shots, Economics Editor Michael Simmons and Deputy Political Editor James Heale unpack the Budget, from £100 energy payments and downgraded growth forecasts to what this means for Britain’s banks.But is the Chancellor offe
Kwasi Kwarteng: what could go wrong for Burnham's budget
Former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng joins Tim Shipman and James Heale to discuss the challenges facing the government ahead of tomorrow’s Budget. How close is the relationship between Number 10 and Number 11? And how much influence has Andy Burnham had on the Chancellor’s plans?How are Labour MPs feeling about a Chancellor they see as short on imagination? Plus, how should the Conservatives respond t
Burnham's first budget – trick or treat?
Budget week is finally here but it's also the week of Hallowe'en so Patrick Gibbons asks James Heale and Michael Simmons: will Burnham's first budget be one of tricks or treats? There have been a drip-feed of announcements over the weekend, from pensions to rough sleeping, so what have we learnt about the Budget on Wednesday – and about Burnhamism more generally? Plus: a sign of hope o
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 25/10/2026
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.The Budget is fast approaching, and Andy Burnham wants to talk about freedom of movement.This episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep insights into who you are with our financial expertise, that’s the power of personal. Investment involves risk.raymondjames.uk.comBecome a Spectator subscriber today to a
SAS witch hunt: is Britain betraying its own special forces?
Just days after The Sunday Times revealed that five SAS soldiers were sent back into the war zone while under a three-year murder investigation, MPs passed the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which the SAS Regimental Association has threatened to challenge in the High Court. To understand it's implications, Tim Shipman speaks to Richard Williams, former commanding officer of the SAS, about law
EXCL: Andy Haldane turns on Burnham’s Budget plans
Andy Burnham’s first Budget as Prime Minister is approaching – but have higher borrowing costs already made the sums more difficult for the Prime Minister and his Chancellor, John Healey? Former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane joins Michael Simmons to warn that Britain has little room left to borrow more.In this segment from the Reality Check podcast, they discuss what could appear in
24 hours with Nigel Farage
On today’s Coffee House Shots, James Heale reports back after spending 24 hours with Reform leader Nigel Farage. It’s a fascinating time to get access to Reform HQ: the party has been rocked by a succession of sting operations, they await the verdict on the £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne, and Farage's favourability ratings are in the doldrums. How is Farage holding up? And does he s
Drill Andy drill! – Burnham's small victory
A week before the budget, and hours after ministers approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field, Andy Burnham faced off with Kemi Badenoch at Prime Minister’s Questions in what James Heale reckons was the PM’s first win in the Commons since taking office. James and Isabel Hardman join Tim Shipman to dispute the score, pick over what Badenoch missed on welfare and immigration, and work out why John
The Tories are back in the conversation
Kemi Badenoch has delivered a major speech on the economy ahead of next week's Budget, calling for welfare cuts to fund higher defence spending. But with some encouraging economic figures, is her attack on Labour landing?Meanwhile, new polling suggests the Conservatives are reclaiming their position as the main opposition to Labour. Badenoch says she wants Reform voters back – but not its MPs.
LIVE: Who won conference season? | with Scarlett Maguire
For this live edition of Coffee House Shots, James Heale and Lara Brown are joined by pollster and strategist Scarlett Maguire at the Battle of Ideas Festival to unpack the party conference season and look ahead to the Budget.Who emerged from conference season in the strongest position, and why are the Conservatives and Labour finding their feet while Reform and the Greens falter? With the Budget
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 18/10/2026
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Ministers react to Donald Trump's latest interventions in the war Russia-Ukraine conflict. And Zack Polanski is unapologetic in his reaction to the Green Party's 'Zionism is racism' motion.Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.This episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep insights into who you are
Does Britain still have free speech? | with Jonathan Sumption & Kellie-Jay Keen
This week, The Spectator hosted a debate on the motion: This house believes Britain no longer has free speech.Chaired by The Spectator’s Assistant Editor Isabel Hardman, the debate saw former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie and women’s rights campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen propose the motion, with former Supreme Court Justice Jonathan Sumption and politician and commentator Ed Vaizey arguing against it.In
Will John Healey tax the banks?
With the Budget fast approaching, is Labour about to pick a fight with the City? Could a new bank tax help John Healey plug the fiscal black hole – or would it risk damaging one of Britain’s most successful industries? Meanwhile, the SNP party conference in underway in Aberdeen, and John Swinney is once again talking about Scottish independence. But could Andy Burnham pose a threat to the SNP'
Does Burnham have a foreign policy?
As Andy Burnham rolls out the red carpet for Volodymyr Zelensky in Downing Street, he has publicly sided with Kyiv against the Trump administration, days after the US President called for Zelensky to be replaced. Noa Hoffman is joined by James Heale and Tim Shipman to weigh up the politics, and to ask whether Ed Miliband’s desire to be seen as a saviour over Israel-Palestine has backfired, with fr
Ed Davey sees off a coup
After last night’s botched coup against the Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, and a rather temperate Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons today, James Heale is joined by Isabel Hardman and Tim Shipman to review the events of the last 24 hours.Produced by Henry LloydThis episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep insights into who you are with our financial expert
Where are all the ‘Waitrose women’?
The IMF has upgraded its forecast for UK growth – but is the good news all it seems? Michael Simmons explains why the assumptions underpinning Britain’s economic outlook may be far shakier than they first appear, as the government prepares for another difficult Budget.Meanwhile, a new YouGov poll puts the Conservatives ahead of Reform. Is Kemi Badenoch finally beginning to turn the tide – and has
Russian interference: what really happened with Brexit
On this episode of Coffee House Shots, James Heale and Tim Shipman examine claims of Russian interference in the Brexit referendum. What do we actually know about Moscow’s attempts to influence the vote – and did they make any difference to the result?Plus: they discuss Andy Burnham’s foreign policy, Labour’s plans for a reset with the EU and Nigel Farage’s latest attempt to put migration back at
LIVE: Why aren't Britain's young people working? | with Laura Trott
For this special edition of Coffee House Shots, economics editor Michael Simmons hosts a panel from Conservative Party conference on Britain’s growing NEETs crisis: the hundreds of thousands of young people not in education, employment or training. He is joined by shadow education secretary Laura Trott, the CBI’s Megan Bulford, Spectator commissioning editor Lara Brown and the CPS's Daniel Her
Is Polanski finished? – Labour crushes Green challenge in North London
Labour has held Holborn and St Pancras in the first major electoral test of the post-Starmer era – but what does the result tell us about the state of the left?James Heale is joined by Tim Shipman and More in Common’s Luke Tryl to discuss Andy Burnham’s appeal, Zack Polanski’s problems and whether the Greens have already missed their moment. Plus: are the Conservatives beginning to squeeze Reform,
What makes a great politician? | Thérèse Coffey & Michael Gove
What does it take to become a successful political leader – and are Britain’s politicians getting the training they need?At Conservative Party Conference, Michael Gove was joined by former deputy PM Thérèse Coffey to ask how Britain can develop politicians fit for the future.The conversation was organised in collaboration with the Institute for Government and was chaired by director of the IfG Aca
REACTION: Kemi’s conference speech – has she found ‘the right way’?
Kemi Badenoch has just delivered her conference speech, bringing Conservative Party Conference 2026 to a close.She very nearly almost announced the inheritance tax policy many had expected – instead beefing up the Tory offer to homeowners with a pledge to abolish inheritance tax on the family home. Beyond that, it was relatively light on new announcements: Kemi could hardly be accused of ‘policyma
A bonfire of regulations & Kemi's iron dome
James Heale is joined by Tim Shipman, Michael Simmons and Lara Brown from the second day of Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. They discuss shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith’s pitch for a low-tax, low-regulation economy, Kemi Badenoch’s new ‘Britannia Shield’ defence proposal and whether the Tories are starting to recover some confidence. As Kemi seeks to assemble a more credible frontbe
LIVE: Antisemitism, Man City & abolishing the Triple Lock
James Heale, Tim Shipman and Tali Fraser record live from Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. As we pass the two year mark of Kemi Badenoch's leadership of the Tory Party, the panel discuss whether she has done enough to win voters over and whether the party is ready for an early general election. Did Kemi miss a trick in not pressuring new Prime Minister Andy Burnham for one – and co
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 04/10/2026
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Andy Burnham wants to scrap the pensions triple lock, and he's reopening the Brexit debate.This episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep insights into who you are with our financial expertise, that’s the power of personal. Investment involves risk.raymondjames.uk.comBecome a Spectator subscriber toda
Can Kemi win the battle for the right?
James Heale is joined by Tim Shipman and Liam Halligan, Telegraph columnist and the new director of the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), to look ahead to Conservative party conference, which kicks off today. Kemi Badenoch’s latest attempt to draw clear dividing lines with Andy Burnham was through a tougher welfare offer aimed at the under-25s – as exclusively revealed by Tim in the Spectator this
Can the Greens survive Burnham?
James Heale reports from Green Party conference in Brighton, joined by More in Common’s Luke Tryl and Noa Hoffman. After a year in which the Greens appeared to be challenging Labour on the left, has their momentum begun to stall – and how much of that is down to Zac Polanski himself, compared to Andy Burnham winning progressive voters back to Labour?They discuss the tensions within the Greens’ inc
Suella Braverman on imposter syndrome, 'breaking up' with the Tories and why she’ll never go back
Suella Braverman joins Tim Shipman to discuss her new memoir Patriot, from growing up with imposter syndrome to her battles inside the Conservative Party and eventual defection to Reform. She reflects on immigration, Brexit and patriotism, her clashes with Rishi Sunak, and explains why she believes she could never work with the Tories again.Produced by Oscar Edmondson. This episode is brought to y
EXCLUSIVE: work or face benefits ban, Kemi tells under-25s
Tim Shipman has interviewed Kemi Badenoch ahead of Tory party conference this weekend. In the interview, the Conservative party leader exclusively reveals the Tories plan to ban benefits to under 25s who have never worked before. For this special episode of Coffee House Shots, here is an extract from the Spectator's Edition podcast, where Tim sat down with the Spectator's Lara Prendergast
Can Andy keep up with his promises?
Andy Burnham delivered his first conference speech as Prime Minister in Liverpool yesterday, promising a sweeping expansion of public services and a fresh look at Brexit, to warm reviews from the hall. Patrick Gibbons is joined by Isabel Hardman and Claire Ainsley, Sir Keir Starmer's former director of policy, to weigh up what was promised and how the party is taking it.Produced by Henry Lloyd
Hope again: do you buy Burnham's big pitch?
Andy Burnham has used his Labour conference speech to set out his clearest vision yet for the country and it was a strikingly ambitious one. Noa Hoffman is joined in Liverpool by Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons to unpack a speech that ranged from a new National Care Service and reform of the pension triple lock to electoral reform, water and Britain’s future relationship with the European Union.Ho
Can Labour really reindustrialise Britain?
Noa Hoffman is joined from Labour conference in Liverpool by James Heale and economics editor Michael Simmons to discuss Chancellor John Healey’s keynote speech. They discuss his attempt to sell fiscal discipline in distinctly Labour language, whether the government’s reindustrialisation plans add up and what the speech tells us about the economic argument Andy Burnham wants to make.Plus, as the b
Immigration, Europe and tax: the questions Burnham is avoiding | LIVE
Live from Labour conference in Liverpool, Noa Hoffman is joined by Tim Shipman and James Heale to discuss the questions Andy Burnham still needs to answer. Can Labour tighten immigration controls while edging closer to Europe? How will Burnham pay for his social care ambitions? And is the party already thinking about an early election... despite what the PM might say. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.T
Labour conference day 1 – what's the mood in the bar?
It’s Labour conference day one, and Oscar Edmondson and James Heale report live from the Pullman hotel bar. What’s the mood of conference so far? Will it be a dour affair like previous years, or will new measures to shorten the beer queues do anything to quell the gossip and plotting?Andy Burnham has taken the opportunity this morning to announce a major policy on social care, proposing a system m
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 27/09/2026
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.At the Labour conference, Andy Burnham has big plans for social care. But how will he pay for it?This episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep insights into who you are with our financial expertise, that’s the power of personal. Investment involves risk.raymondjames.uk.comBecome a Spectator subscriber to
'The return of the prodigal son'? – Labour conference lookahead | with Jonathan Ashworth
Ahead of Labour Party conference, Tim Shipman is joined by former shadow cabinet minister Jonathan Ashworth to discuss the mood inside the party, Andy Burnham’s growing authority and whether he could be tempted to call an early general election. They also consider the pressures facing Burnham on tax, welfare, Europe and the North Sea – and why, sooner or later, he will have to start making enemies
Is the AI dream over for Andy?
Andy Burnham pitched Britain to the UN this week as an 'honest broker' on artificial intelligence, only for Washington to ask OpenAI and Anthropic to make Britain's AI Security Institute wait its turn. Michael Simmons is joined by James Heale and Tim Shipman to discuss James's column on the backlash, data centres and whether Burnham's Makerfield test will make room for AI innov
Can Kemi hoover up votes with benefits reform?
After fresh polling from YouGov put the Tories ahead of Reform UK today, the leader of the opposition has set out plans to get people off of unemployment benefits, and limit what successful claimants can spend it on. James Heale is joined by Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons to weigh up the policy proposal, another poll from Survation, and whether Andy Burnham will go to the country for an early ele
Chagos U-turn: has Burnham seen sense?
Donald Trump has forced a rethink of the Chagos deal, after publicly criticising the agreement during his meeting with Andy Burnham. Is Labour preparing to abandon one of Keir Starmer’s most controversial foreign policy decisions? And, with Labour conference approaching, could Burnham be tempted to call a general election? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Noa Hoffman and Tim Shipman.Produced by Oscar Edm
Will Trump give Burnham the time of day?
Andy Burnham is off to meet Donald Trump. What can he expect from his first face-to-face with the US president? Tim Shipman and Freddy Gray discuss the diplomatic choreography behind the meeting, the issues likely to come up – from Ukraine and Iran to the Houthis – and whether Burnham risks upsetting the Labour left with his stance on Saudi Arabia.Produced by Oscar Edmondson. This episode is broug
What's the mood at Lib Dem conference?
Patrick Gibbons is joined from Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton by deputy political editor James Heale and Michael Stephens, a senior associate fellow at RUSI and who is now the party’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Maidstone. They discuss Ed Davey’s attempt to put more substance behind the stunts, how the party can keep making gains across the south east and whether defence and n
Calum Miller on growth, Burnham & closer EU defence ties
From the hallways of the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton, the Spectator's deputy political editor James Heale speaks to foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller MP about the party’s pitch on growth, what Andy Burnham means for the Lib Dems and why Britain should pursue closer defence ties with Europe.Produced by Patrick Gibbons.This episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 20/09/2026
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Ed Davey talks popularity contests, and Bridget Phillipson defends the government ahead of Andy Burnham's first meeting with Donald Trump.This episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep insights into who you are with our financial expertise, that’s the power of personal. Investment involves risk.raymondjames.u
Is Burnham ready to talk about war?
Military and intelligence chiefs across Europe are sounding increasingly stark warnings about the threat posed by Russia, from cyber attacks and sabotage to drones and hybrid warfare. But is Britain taking the danger seriously enough – and are the armed forces actually ready for what might come next?Patrick Gibbons is joined by Tim Shipman and Noa Hoffman to discuss Britain’s military preparedness
Have women ever had it so good? | with Julie Bindel & Miriam Cates
In this episode, we return to a live Spectator event asking: have women ever had it so good?The Spectator’s commissioning editor Lara Brown is joined by Zoe Strimpel, author of Good Slut; Spiked columnist Ella Whelan; feminist writer Julie Bindel; and broadcaster and former Conservative MP Miriam Cates, as they debate women’s freedom, feminism, sexual liberation and the changing relationship betwe
Have we found Reform's achilles heel? – with Luke Tryl
More voters than ever before say they are willing to vote tactically at the next election, according to new polling from More in Common, and the trend is not running Reform's way – even Conservative supporters are more ready to lend their vote to the Lib Dems than to Nigel Farage. James Heale and Tim Shipman are joined by the pollster's executive director, Luke Tryl, to discuss the findings and wh
How bad is the economy, Healey?
New inflation figures – showing the highest increase for several months – have done little to insulate John Healey from the stormy weather of the British economy. James Heale is joined by Michael Simmons and Tim Shipman to unpack what the rise might mean for Labour's upcoming budget. How much worse can it get?Produced by Henry Lloyd.This episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep i
The battle for (rural) Britain
Labour is facing growing criticism from rural Britain, with the Countryside Alliance calling for a ‘rural reset’ between the government and the countryside.Noa Hoffman and James Heale are joined by Tory peer and Countryside Alliance chairman Nick Herbert to discuss why Labour has lost the trust of rural communities - from the family farm tax and trail hunting to plans to licence game shooting.&nbs
Reform's £72m donation – how will they spend it?
Reform UK received a record-breaking £72 million in donations over the weekend from two crypto billionaires – meaning the party has received almost twice as much in 24 hours as all political parties combined have received in donations this year.Noa Hoffman and James Heale discuss how Reform will spend the money, the government’s plans to cap political donations from British expats, and what the pu
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 13/09/2026
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Reform have newfound riches. What does this mean for the future of political donations in the UK?This episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep insights into who you are with our financial expertise, that’s the power of personal. Investment involves risk.raymondjames.uk.comBecome a Spectator subscriber today
Holy Smoke: Catholic Burnham barred – should the law change?
Andy Burnham has announced his intention to change a law which bars him from advising the King on appointments to the Church of England. The Victorian-era law explicitly bars Catholics like Burnham, as well as Jews – but doesn't prevent those of other Christian denominations, other faiths – like Hindu Rishi Sunak, or atheists like Keir Starmer. So, if the law is going to be changed to address this
Laura Trott: 'Labour are kowtowing to the unions'
England's 15-year-olds came eighth in the world for science, ninth for reading and tenth for maths in Tuesday's Pisa results, though it took the education secretary, Lucy Powell, hours to send the congratulatory message. James Heale is joined by Tim Shipman and the shadow education secretary, Laura Trott, to go through the numbers, why Labour wants to unpick the reforms behind them, and whether a
Assisted dying dead – for now
James Heale joins Patrick Gibbons to react to the news that MPs have voted against Assisted Dying. The vote was close – 286 vs 270 – but not a knife-edge, and several MPs changed their minds compared with previous votes earlier this year. What conclusions can we draw?Produced by Patrick Gibbons.This episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep insights into who you are with our finan
Assisted dying is back: what does Burnham think?
The topic of assisted dying returns to Parliament today, with a vote scheduled in the Commons this afternoon. Labour MP Lauren Evans has used her private member's bill to reintroduce it, after Kim Leaderbeater's attempt failed, running out of time during the last parliamentary session. Then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer voted for the Bill; now, Andy Burnham has pledged to abstain, saying that –
The most powerful woman in Britain
After plans emerged for the Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, to consolidate power across the civil service this week, Oscar Edmondson is joined by James Heale and Tim Shipman, to discuss this week's political column, in which Tim unpacks the potentials motives behind the new alpha at the very top of Whitehall.Produced by Henry LloydThis episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining d
Burnham’s BIG blunder
It's only Burnham's second PMQs and he's already dropped a clanger. He may have handed the Conservatives their next election slogan after declaring that ‘national security cannot come at the expense of social security’. Has the Prime Minister exposed the fault line at the heart of his government?Noa Hoffman is joined by Isabel Hardman and Tim Shipman to discuss Burnham’s approach to welfare and de
Why Ed Miliband is taking on Israel
Ed Miliband has made his first major intervention as Foreign Secretary, with Britain set to announce a trade ban on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The move comes amid increasingly strained relations between London and Jerusalem – and marks Andy Burnham’s first big foreign policy fight.Oscar Edmondson is joined by James Heale and Michael Stephens to discuss whether the sanctions will have an
‘Andy Burnham did the Tories a huge favour’ | Sir Malcolm Rifkind
Sir Malcolm Rifkind joins Tim Shipman and James Heale to discuss the future of the conservatism and tells The Spectator why Kemi Badenoch is the person to bring the Conservative Party back from the brink. He explains why he thinks Reform is already losing momentum, why Nigel Farage is ‘not fit to govern’, and why Andy Burnham could actually help the Conservatives at the next election.He also
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 06/09/2026
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Nigel Farage is on the defence again, after two senior Reform officials are forced to step down. James Orr and Dan Jukes were filmed arranging to break rules on foreign donations with journalists pretending to have access to money from an American businessman.This episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining dee
LIVE | Reform conference round-up – everything you need to know
Noa Hoffman, James Heale and Tim Shipman host a special live recording of Coffee House Shots from Reform conference. They discuss whether a damaging 48 hours for the party have breached the walls of Birmingham’s NEC, whether Nigel Farage can weather serious questions over Reform’s funding, and whether Zia Yusuf should throw his phone in the nearest river and get off Twitter.Produced by Oscar Edmon
Reform in crisis after Channel 4 sting
There are grey clouds over day two of Reform UK’s conference after a Channel 4 investigation caused heads to roll. The party announced this morning that Dan Jukes, Nigel Farage’s right-hand man, and James Orr, Reform’s head of strategy, have stood down and left the conference. ‘They have left the building and they won’t be coming back,’ chairman Lee Anderson said.Footage broadcast by Channel 4 on
Chris Philp: mass immigration is making Britain ‘ungovernable’
Chris Philp joins James Heale to discuss what the Conservatives got wrong on immigration – and how they plan to fix it. The shadow Home Secretary argues that mass immigration risks making Britain ‘ungovernable’, says the last Tory government made a ‘catastrophic mistake’ after 2020 and explains why he thinks Reform still lacks a credible plan for government.He also lifts the lid on his time inside
Burnham's 'new politics' is much the same as the old
After his first PMQs Andy Burnham came away relatively unscathed, although his dream of a 'new politics' may be rapidly falling apart. To dissect what went on in the chamber, James Heale is joined by Tim Shipman and Isabel Hardman to go over today's more feisty exchanges.Produced by Oscar EdmondsonThis episode is brought to you by Raymond James. Combining deep insights into who you are with our fi
Politics returns: Tories reshuffle & Starmer slopes off
Politics is back – and it’s a bumper day in Westminster. Kemi Badenoch got ahead of the field yesterday by reshuffling her top team a day earlier than expected, and the changes are much more comprehensive than first thought. James Cleverly is off to run for the London mayoralty, while Priti Patel and Mel Stride have both been given the boot. Katie Lam takes over Cleverly’s housing brief, while And
Reality Check: who's left to tax?
To listen to more from the Reality Check podcast, go to spectator.com/reality-checkWith two months to go until Andy Burnham and John Healey’s first Budget, speculation about tax rises is already beginning. But how much should we believe?Michael Simmons looks at five facts about Britain’s tax system that should shape the debate – from a tax burden heading towards post-war highs to the surprising re
How to write about Farage
Reform has spent the summer taking lumps out of itself, with the battles leaking into public view, and it's position in the polls slipping to around 25 percent. Just in time for conference season, James Heale is joined by Nick Tyrone, whose new book The Rise of Reform is the product of 18 months trailing the party's candidates and activists, to discuss whether Nigel Farage can get the show back on
Is Burnham ready for the world stage?
Andy Burnham's first overseas trip as Prime Minister took him to Ukraine this week, offering the first real glimpse of what his foreign policy might look like. But with a budget and a party conference ahead, how much time can a PM elected on a domestic agenda really give to the world stage? Oscar Edmondson is joined by James Heale and the foreign policy analyst, Sophia Gaston, to assess Ed Miliban
Al Carns: we are failing Northern Ireland veterans – and why I quit government
Former veterans minister Al Carns joins James Heale to discuss the government’s handling of Northern Ireland legacy cases – and why the issue helped drive him to resign.Writing in The Spectator this week, Al attacks the ‘two-track approach’ to legacy cases, which he says could cost taxpayers billions, and warns against allowing the history of the Troubles to be ‘rewritten through the courts’. He a
