Politics At Sam and Anne's
Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy provide a daily briefing on British politics, covering key interviews, main stories, and party strategies. Each episode is under 20 minutes and released around 7:30am, offering listeners a concise overview of what Westminster will be discussing that day.
Episodes
Budget "beerlaterals": How Burnham and Healey really work
As President Zelenskyy arrives in Downing Street, is the balance of the Ukraine war shifting?Andy Burnham will reaffirm Britain’s support for Ukraine after Presidents Trump and Putin diesel deal – but can the UK make a difference without putting its relationship with Washington at risk?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the Prime Minister’s delicate balancing act as questions mount over America’s
Can the Chancellor really win back business?
Reform is under pressure again - but could the coming weeks prove make-or-break for Nigel Farage’s party?With fresh undercover filming threatening to cause trouble and a crucial report into the £5m gift looming, how serious could the fallout be?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy also unpack the latest polling: is Kemi Badenoch enjoying a post-conference bounce, or are internal divisions across the politi
Revealed: The Chancellor's plan to survive the Budget
With the budget barely a fortnight away, chancellor John Healey is warning of mounting economic headwinds. Can he ease the pressure on the public finances without loosening the purse strings?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy test the tightrope Healey is attempting to walk ahead of a major speech to the International Monetary Fund.Elsewhere, is Donald Trump’s energy deal with Vladimir Putin putting the U
Will Berlin help Britain rejoin the EU?
With conference season in the rear-view mirror, Andy Burnham jets off to Germany for his first European trip as PM - but how much do Anglo-German relations matter right now?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look ahead to his meeting with German chancellor Friedrich Merz as the countries attempt to align ambitions and maybe find an avenue to rejoin the EU.Elsewhere, an MP gets in touch to ask whether the
Kemi Badenoch's speech: Debrief edition
She promised a “battle for the soul of the nation” – but can Kemi Badenoch turn her vision for the Conservatives into an electoral revival? In a special debrief episode from the Tory conference in Birmingham, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the big pledges in the leader’s speech – from abolishing inheritance tax on family homes to her deeply personal intervention on race, identity and her own m
Will Tory donors splash the cash?
It’s Kemi Badenoch’s big day at Conservative conference - but it’s not just the adoring party faithful she has to impress.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look at how the leader’s speech will land with both voters and party donors – in what she’s calling a “battle for the soul of the country”.There are already signs the Tories’ finances are not in the shape they need to be to fight an election on two f
Who is in charge of the budget?
The ‘Burnham Bounce’ is extending Labour’s lead in the polls – so are the Conservatives anywhere near ready to challenge? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the latest polling numbers and what they mean for Kemi Badenoch as the party struggle to define its offer on the economy, triple lock and social care. Back in London, Chancellor - John Healey - meets Britain’s biggest banks ahead of the Budget
Is Kemi abandoning the Red Wall?
Is Andy Burnham an easier opponent for the Conservatives than Keir Starmer? At Tory conference in Birmingham, Kemi Badenoch’s team sniff a chance to attack the Prime Minister – with a particular chance to seize and attack his economic argument. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy pore over Badenoch’s ‘The Right Way’ pamphlet and how she plans to take the fight to Reform in the north and the Liberal Democr
Tory conference: What will it reveal about Kemi?
As Labour attempt to reshape the political debate, can the Conservatives seize back the headlines?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy are on the conference floor in Birmingham, asking whether Kemi Badenoch can carve out a distinct Tory agenda – or whether the party is still playing catch-up.From the pension triple lock to European Union membership, how can the Conservatives wrestle the narrative away from
Who cares if I'm nasty - Kemi Badenoch fights back
Labour conference is over and the opposition parties are already on the attack – despite a ringing endorsement from Oasis’ Liam Gallagher. As the Conservatives head to Birmingham, Kemi Badenoch has branded the Prime Minister’s plans as “Corbynism with better packaging.” Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy ask whether the Tories are embracing a more aggressive style of politics – in stark contrast to Burnh
What the gaps in Andy Burnham’s speech reveal
A lot has been said about the prime minister’s first speech as leader to the Labour party conference. But what didn’t Andy Burnham say?Have the public understood the new PM’s big policy offer? And why was there nothing substantial on welfare reform?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the headline polling on the Burnham speech – wondering if the public back his triple lock ‘adjustment’ to fix socia
Risking it all: Burnham scraps the triple lock
An hour-long emotional address promising to “break the mould” of British politics – but will Britain buy Andy Burnham’s vision?In a special de-brief episode from Liverpool, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the big pledges – from challenging the triple lock, creating a national care service to electoral reform and a new relationship with the EU.Has Burnham already set his sights on his political
What does Andy Burnham have to prove today?
It’s the new prime minister’s big day in Liverpool – but will he explain what Labour conference slogan “hope again” actually means?After a series of major speeches with little substance so far from his cabinet colleagues, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy wonder whether Andy Burnham is saving all the juicy details for himself. Could there be some policy surprises – with the pensions triple lock seemingl
Can Chancellor John Healey avoid big tax rises?
Labour conference enters day two under the shadow of a suspected terror plot at RAF Fairford and whether the Iranians were involved.As Donald Trump offers his account, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the conflicting version of events, the emerging security concerns around the Gloucestershire airbase and the political reaction.Meanwhile in Liverpool, the chancellor takes centre stage but why is
Burnham: The tough decisions coming this week
A conference of pure vibes? Or is there some substance behind the Andy Burnham’s slogan of “hope”?And how will that go down with his party?As the Labour party conference kicks off in Liverpool, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have a special Sunday look ahead to a critical week for Andy Burnham’s premiership... and they’ve got their hands on some of the Burnham merch that's already selling out.So can t
Revealed: Andy Burnham’s Route to Victory
Is the Burnham bounce starting to show?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy dig into a mega poll – projecting Labour as the largest party at the next general election – but still 85 seats short of a Commons majority.What do these numbers mean for Andy Burnham, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage?And how could a split on the right of British politics help Labour keep the keys to No10?Plus, has Tony Blair’s call
Has Burnham changed tack on Russia?
Is Britain about to re-engage with the world in a more meaningful way than any time in the past decade?After a frantic 24 hours in New York, Andy Burnham declared to the UN: “Britain is back.”But what does that mean in practice? And after a rebuke over rhetoric on Russia from Donald Trump, is the new PM taking a different stance to Moscow from his predecessor?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the
Burnham softens up Trump - but at what cost?
How on edge will Andy Burnham feel as he prepares to meet Donald Trump?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess the risks as the two met get together for the first time – where could the US President take umbrage?Also – why has Andy Burnham agreed to help Saudi Arabia with “defensive military support” against the Houthis?Sam’s been speaking to Liberal Democrat leader – Sir Ed Davey – as their conference
How can leaders on the ropes bounce back?
Can the Liberal Democrats withstand the political turbulence around them? As delegates gather in Brighton for their party conference, Sam Coates gauges the pressure on Sir Ed Davey’s party as it faces a squeeze from the Greens and the Andy Burnham bounce. Elsewhere, the Prime Minister prepares to go to New York for the UN General Assembly, the duo look ahead to his first meeting with Donald Trump
What does a party of ex-PMs reveal?
What happens when the keys to No10 are handed back?Anne reports from a gathering of former Prime Minister’s - Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer - and reveals what life after power really looks like.Meanwhile, after some football diplomacy with Canadian PM – Mark Carney – could it offer a chance for Andy Burnham to unlock closer ties with the EU or has the reset hit another roadblock?
Why ministers paid £2m to influencers
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look at how political communication has changed – from Keir Starmer’s government paying influencers to promote its message, to Andy Burnham putting himself front and centre of the social media operation.Sam has a scoop on how much it all costs.Elsewhere, former No10 chief of staff – Morgan McSweeney – has been speaking about his time in No10 and how he tried to launch a
Rayner v Streeting round 2
As the TUC Congress continues in Brighton, some of Labour’s big beasts have been baring their teeth – with Angela Rayner using an after-dinner speech to land some blows on defence secretary Wes Streeting.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy reveal what was said and whether it was all taken in good fun....Meanwhile, the economic picture looks bleak as John Healey prepares for his first budget. Sam has a sco
Why Reform’s donation will change British politics
Will a record breaking £72 million change the face of British politics?After receiving two of the biggest political donations in history - £36 million each from crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harbone.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the political fallout - are the donations legal, will the government legislate to stop them and how does this vast sum of money influence British poli
Why Burnham is making holidays more expensive
Having spent the summer trying to ease the cost of living, is a new tourist tax about to hit domestic holiday makers in the pocket?The government is giving mayors additional powers to introduce a levy on hotel stays, with no cap on how much they can charge.With the tourism industry already angry, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the move and why the timing maybe a little uncomfortable for the g
Is Andy Burnham talking about the right stuff?
There’s fallout to the UK’s move to announce sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.Israel is closing the UK’s consulate in Jerusalem and considering other measures.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look at the reaction and wonder if the new PM should also be giving attention to other matters overseas.Elsewhere, Sam’s got a story about a big government growth initiative which
Inside Burnham’s big Israel gamble
Britain is about to take its toughest stance yet against Israel – but will it make a difference, or will it leave the UK isolated on the international stage?Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband will unveil a package of sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank, putting Britain at the forefront of the G7’s effort to pressure Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine
Is Healey really a risk taker?
Can the chancellor deliver growth without breaking his own self-imposed fiscal rules?John Healey will set out his vision for the economy this morning, but with pressure mounting on the public finances, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy ask whether he is preparing to flex the rules to make it happen.Amidst an increasingly turbulent economic backdrop, the duo examine the warning lights beginning to flash
Farage falters: Sam and Anne's verdict
A launchpad for power – or a warning of problems to come for Reform UK?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy debrief Reform UK’s biggest ever party conference and ask if the past few days have marked a turning point in Nigel Farage’s political career. The duo examine the fallout from the Channel 4 investigation involving two of Farage’s closest aides - and whether it raises fresh questions about the party’s
Can "ratty" Farage get his mojo back?
As Reform UK kick off conference season in Birmingham, Nigel Farage appears to have some work to do.The party has gone from dominating the political conversation to facing a fall in polling numbers, mounting scandals and fresh questions over Farage’s leadership.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy preview a crucial three days for Reform, with major announcements expected on migration and the economy – whil
Is Burnham living in a economic dreamland?
As Andy Burnham prepares for his first Prime Minister’s Questions, he faces a gathering economic storm.With markets driving up government borrowing costs and the prospect of another interest rate rise, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine what the turmoil could mean for mortgage holders, public spending and the government plans going forward.Could the chancellor be left with almost no room for mano
Burnham enters the political bearpit
Parliament is back and the honeymoon is over - Andy Burnham now faces his first major test as Prime Minister.The PM will make his Commons debut as he promises to “bring back hope” and make life more affordable. But with pressure on public finances can he deliver on his promises to cut energy bills, cap bus fares and slash business rates?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the gap between Burnham’s
Sam and Anne's guide to the term ahead
After a summer of setting out his stall, Andy Burnham now faces the hard task: turning ambition into action.In the last of the summer boxset, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy take a deep dive into five big challenges facing the government in the coming months.From defining the 10-year plan to unresolved pressure at home and abroad, the duo give their take and analysis for a critical parliamentary term
What will Burnham do on defence?
Is Britain ready for war? In the third instalment of Sam and Anne’s Summer Boxset, they’re joined by Sky’s Defence and Security Analyst Professor Michael Clarke to ask: can Burnham’s government keep Britain safe? From Ukraine to the Middle East, the trio examine the challenge facing Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and ask can the government afford what it wants to do on defence?They also ask wheth
What will Burnham do on AI?
Artificial intelligence could transform the economy, the workplace, and even the way we think - but is Britain ready for it? And is Andy Burnham?In the second of Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy's summer box set conversations, they sit down with POLITICO UK tech editor Isobel Asher Hamilton to look at the choices facing the new prime minister this autumn.Should Britain be building the next OpenAI, or f
What will Burnham do with the Budget?
Andy Burnham has promised to transform Britain, but can he afford it?This autumn, Chancellor John Healey will deliver the new government's first Budget, so what might it include?In the first episode of Sam and Anne's summer box set, they sit down with Sky News' economics editor Ed Conway to look at the spending choices facing the new prime minister.How will the government tackle the cost of living
Burnham’s Blitz: Sam and Anne’s verdict
Andy Burnham has thrown the future of assisted dying into doubt. After telling Sam Coates that he does not want legislation to proceed until social care and palliative care are "fixed", supporters of the bill insist they are pressing ahead. But has the Prime Minister's intervention made its passage through Parliament far less likely? Sam and Anne examine what Burnham's comments mean for MPs ahead
Who is Ed Miliband really listening to?
Anne shares what she's been hearing about the new top team at the Foreign Office and Ed Miliband reveals what his grandfather would have said about his new job.Meanwhile, can Andy Burnham really fix Britain's social care system? That's the big question as the new Prime Minister hosts cross-party talks on one of the country's biggest challenges.There's just one problem: the invitations only went ou
When Sam met Andy
No wonder the new prime minister is feeling chipper. Labour and Reform are now neck and neck in the polls for first time in more than a year. The biggest change? Among young voters. But the ‘Burnham Bounce’ doesn’t stop there – with the PM not only having the pleasure of meeting President Zelenskyy on a visit to a naval base but also our very own Sam Coates. Sam tells Anne McElvoy about his time
What will Burnham really change?
Andy Burnham came into office promising the biggest change in Britain for 40 years. But one week into his premiership, is Britain seeing transformation or just a different style of politics?As Burnham unveils plans on social care, devolution and welfare, Sam and Anne ask just how big the policies announced by Burnham actually are. Is this just a continuation of Starmer with a new face?They also di
Does Burnham need to watch what he says?
The latest policy announcement from Burnham’s new government is a 20% tax break for pubs, clubs and live music venues. That means that pub could save an estimated £1,100 a year. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy delve into the details and again ask, how will this be funded? The two also discuss Burnham’s communication style and if it might need more discipline now that he’s in No.10. This is in light
Is everyone on the Burnham bus?
Andy Burnham wants to talk about his new bus fare cap but, and Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy point out, there isn’t much chance to talk about anything else without the Commons sitting.They go through how the bus fare plan is funded. Chancellor John Healey says it will be “no burden to British taxpayers” but the small print raises questions about how the scheme will be funded.At the Farnborough Air S
Burnham Day 2: After the purge, the splurge
The Andy Burnham era is underway, and the new prime minister is kicking off with a bang – cutting VAT on electricity bills.He promised the country some “breathing space” on the cost of living, but with prices still rising will anyone actually feel better off? And is it properly funded?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine what the announcement shows about Burnham’s direction of travel in government,
The 59th PM: What lies ahead for Burnham
The bloodless coup reaches its climax today as Andy Burnham is set to become the 59th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom - but does a new face mark a new era of British politics?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy dissect the choreography of the handover, preview Burnham’s first words as PM and analyse the key cabinet appointments that will reveal the shape of his government.Will anything really change?
Burnham in No10: The known unknowns
With just one day until Andy Burnham is crowned Labour leader, many are still scratching their heads – what will a Burnham government actually look like?The incoming PM says he’s in no rush and will take his time over cabinet appointments – having already signalled a budget is likely in October.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess who could land the biggest jobs – especially at the Treasury, where S
Is Ed Miliband still in the running for Chancellor?
It’s Keir Starmer’s final PMQs so Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy wonder if he’ll get a softer side of Kemi Badenoch in the chamber today.But, as Starmer picks up his engraved carriage clock gift from cabinet, there’s a shift in the chat about who Andy Burnham’s neighbour at number 11 might be.Have Team Burnham gone off the idea of Ed Miliband as Chancellor because of soft left optics? And who else is
Blair tells Burnham: Don’t expect to be popular
Keir Starmer’s farewell tour is well underway – but is he destined to spend most of it out of the UK?With an extra day in Paris for the Bastille Day celebrations and a possible dash state side for the World Cup final, Starmer is ending his premiership on the world stage – arguably his happy place.Back in Westminster, Prime Minister in waiting – Andy Burnham – ramps up preparations for government,
What does Keir Starmer’s last week look like?
The political week starts with the shockwaves from the murder of Reform politician – Ann Widdecombe – which has put MPs security firmly back in the spotlight.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have the latest on the police investigation, Nigel Farage’s response and the wider political fallout. It comes as the row over political party donations intensifies, with Reform arguing that the current safeguards
Burnham shows his hand: Should we believe it?
The Andy Burnham era of politics is fast approaching – and the prime minister-in-waiting has finally set out some of his priorities for government.As Labour leadership nominations open – with his last active challenger Al Carns officially stepping aside – Burnham’s path to power is now all but certain.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy dissect his blueprint for Number 10, with a specific look at:A foreig
A month in the spotlight? Nigel Farage’s Clacton gamble
Nigel Farage has triggered a political earthquake by quitting as an MP – but is he trying to get ahead of an inevitable scandal?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack why Farage has called a by-election in Clacton and why none of the major parties are standing against him – with some describing it as a “gimmick.”The duo also examine whether his plans will have any material impact on the Parliamentary
What really worries Reform about Posh George?
After new claims about Nigel Farage’s funding arrangements, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss the bits of the new allegations which are worrying Reform.Plus, what will an Andy Burnham government actually be like?On the Treasury, the reports that he might try to split it in two seem have gone quiet but there seems to be an appetite to go early for this autumn’s budget.Anne has also been speaking
Is Farage on the ropes?
Could Nigel Farage’s alleged financial relationship with a convicted fraudster come back to haunt him?The Reform leader is already under scrutiny over his £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harbone and these fresh allegations about his association with George Cottrell will intensify the pressure.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the political, legal and ethical questions at the h
What does Burnham mean for Kemi, Nigel, Ed and Zack?
Andy Burnham could be just days away from entering Downing Street – but who are the winners and losers from the arrival of a new Prime Minister?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine how Britain’s political landscape could be reshaped and what it means for the main opposition parties:Can Kemi Badenoch turn Labour’s transition into a Tory revival?Will Reform recover following a turbulent few weeks?Wha
Why Team Burnham are already furious
Team Burnham have been properly triggered over the Defence Investment Plan now they’ve found out £4.7bn of it is still to be funded.For the first time in the transition, they’re feeling furious.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have news that the scale of the blackhole is even bigger than that.Also - is a former Conservative mayor in the running to chair Great British Railways?And can you have more Mili
Unfriendly fire: Who buys the defence investment plan?
Will the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan be the Prime Minister’s final and most contentious act?Months of delays, a multi-billion-pound funding gap and the resignation of his Defence Secretary has Keir Starmer done enough to satisfy his military chiefs?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the political and strategic stakes and assess how NATO allies, not least Donald Trump, will make of the pl
Power shift: Will Burnham’s big plan work
Barring any last-minute surprises, Andy Burnham will become Prime Minister three weeks today. But what is his 10-year mission for the country and how will he achieve it?In his first major speech in Manchester, Burnham will set out his plans for the economy, welfare and devolution with a pledge to deliver “good growth in every postcode.”Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine whether his promise of the
The bloodless coup: How Burnham came out top
It could have been a messy transition, but the ease with which Andy Burnham has returned to Westminster appears to be the product of many months of careful planning.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy delve into the details of how Burnham’s expected coronation has been managed – and why Louise Haigh has emerged as a key architect behind the scenes.Meanwhile, as Donald Trump breaks his silence on Keir Star
What does Burnham’s appointment of James Purnell mean?
Andy Burnham appears to have taken another major step towards power, bringing in a big name from the Blair era – James Purnell – as his chief of staff. What does it say about the Burnham operation and the government he is trying to build?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack a decades-long relationship, and discuss why it’s being welcomed by Labour MPs, business and the city.Plus, as Starmer ally Dar
Inside the battle for No11
In less than a month, Britain is set to get its seventh Prime Minister in under a decade.And barring a political earthquake, it's all but certain to be Andy Burnham.But several questions remain about what the King of the North really stands for – he now has just over three weeks to turn by-election victory into a policy platform to govern the country.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look at the fading
Keir Starmer’s final hours
Keir Starmer is on the brink of resigning – the only question left is when does the drama end.After a tense weekend, the Prime Minister remains under intense pressure from his cabinet to quit, with Downing Street braced for the end of another short-lived premiership.Meanwhile, fresh from his Makerfield by-election victory, Andy Burnham returns to Westminster. But can the King of the North pull off
Burnham wins: So how do they oust Starmer?
Andy Burnham has secured a thumping victory in the Makerfield by-election – but is it game over for Keir Starmer?With a critical few days ahead, attention now turns to Labour’s cabinet ministers, MPs and party members. Who could make the first move to oust the Prime Minister?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have inside information from team Burnham and assess whether a ‘bloodless coup’ is really possib
By-election eve: Cabinet on the brink
With just 24 hours until polling day, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy preview three pivotal by-elections that could reshape British politics.The duo assess the contests in Makerfield, Aberdeen South and Arbroath & Broughty Ferry, exploring:Why Makerfield has become one of the most closely watched by-elections in recent political historyHow the Conservatives hope to capitalise on support for the oi
Russia’s Starmer plot - the fallout
As world leaders gather at the G7 summit – what's Keir Starmer’s top priority? With tensions in the Middle East, a trade dispute with China, a continuing war in Ukraine and Russia’s apparent involvement in arson attacks on homes and a car linked to Keir Starmer, the PM has his hands full.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess whether Starmer can turn high-level diplomacy into meaningful progress.The d
What’s Starmer’s plan for Friday morning?
How is Keir Starmer planning to play this week?The week which could end with Andy Burnham back in parliament.We know the prime minister’s got a social media ban for under-16s to announce today and a G7 summit to attend.But Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss what else is on his mind, particularly after the resignation of John Healey as defence secretary – and whether a stubborn attitude is the rig
The ghosts of Burnham past haunt his campaign
Andy Burnham’s political opponents are finding plenty of attack lines to throw at him. So, are past comments and policy positions – from WASPI women to calls for an early election – coming back to haunt the Burnham campaign?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy also wonder who is to blame for Keir Starmer’s troubles? Well, according to a focus group of Labour members – it's all the media’s fault!The duo unp
Belfast violence prompts fight on the right
Has the unrest in Belfast sparked a new political battle over Britain’s immigration systemPolitical leaders have condemned the violent overnight protest after a Sudanese national was charged with attempted murder of a man in the city.With parties scrambling to seize control of the narrative, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine how the case has reignited questions about immigration, border security
Why Burnham agrees with Farage
Is Andy Burnham having trouble putting clear teal water between himself and Nigel Farage, following comments calling for a tougher stance on immigration?Sam Coates has more from Manchester on the state of the Burnham campaign and how his movements after the Makerfield by-election remain unclear.Meanwhile, Anne McElvoy delves deeper into the defence dilemma – with military chiefs still reportedly i
Will Keir fight on?
Can Keir Starmer wrestle back the spotlight from the Makerfield by-election?After hosting world leaders in Downing Street and unveiling new plans for social media restrictions on children, the Prime Minister is trying to reclaim the agenda. But is the political attention still fixed on Andy Burnham in Manchester?Sam Coates is on the ground in Manchester where the Labour bigwigs are out in force to
Could Andy Burnham build to victory?
With two weeks until the Makerfield by-election, does Andy Burnham really have a plan in place to run the country?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the policy ideas – including an ambitious expansion of social housing construction – which could form a future leadership pitch.Back in Westminster, the duo assess the fierce political fallout from the murder of Henry Nowak after a tense PMQs. What d
Revealed: Who are the brains behind Burnham
Westminster may look busy but are MPs just waiting for the potential return of Andy Burnham?With the Makerfield by-election just over a week away Burnham insists he's focussed on winning the seat. But behind the scenes allies are already developing ideas that could underpin a future bid for No10.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look at who is moulding the Burnham project and why certain plans for the e
Life after Keir - will it be coronation or contest?
What has Starmer loyalist Pat McFadden really been thinking when he’s been out defending the PM?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss how the latest Mandelson drop makes for an awkward morning in cabinet.And they’ve lines from Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, from a podcast recording last night. Was she hinting that a leadership coronation is better than a leadership contest?Plus, our latest vot
The Mandelson files: How bad can it be?
The ghost of Peter Mandelson returns as more than 1,000 documents, emails and WhatsApp messages due to be released – but how damaging will it be for the government?With ministers, officials and advisors braced for impact, Sam and Anne assess what could be in the files, whether the most sensitive material has been withheld and what the disclosures reveal about government communications in the age o
Morgan McSweeney on voters and discontent
With two hugely consequential months ahead in British politics, Sam and Anne look beneath the headlines and Westminster drama to ask what really comes next.As Donald Trump escalates tensions in the Middle East once again, the duo examine the pressure on Whitehall. Would any Prime Minister, whoever occupies Number 10, make a difference or face the same issues?Anne reports back from the Prague Secur
The story behind Britain’s sanctions blunder
The Starmer government has made another blunder after it emerged that sanctions are being relaxed on Russian oil processed through third countries. As a political row unfolded, Sam and Anne discuss the fallout. Plus, Westminster is buzzing with rumours of a possible Labour coronation before the summer. If events moved quickly, what might an Andy Burnham cabinet look like? Sam and Anne discuss the
Rachel Reeves picks a fight on judicial review
After a fortnight of local and national elections drama - can the machinery of government get back moving again amid global instability?With the Straits of Hormuz still shut, Sam and Anne examine a raft of announcements coming from the Treasury. Is Rachel Reeves about to open a massive argument with the NIMBYs on the right to launch judicial reviews?Away from the levers of government, the duo look
How can Starmer’s cabinet look each other in the eye?
Andy Burnham makes his opening pitch to the voters of Makerfield but is he already in campaign mode for PM, as well as MP? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss his launch video.Back in London, there’s a cabinet meeting this morning. Just how awkward will that be for Keir Starmer? Especially with those who were pushing him to have a plan to leave office.And what happens over the next few weeks in go
Burnham’s 55% chance of losing Makerfield
Andy Burnham says Britain needs a “circuit breaker for politics” as he plots his return to Westminster. But with Labour sources putting his chances of success in the Makerfield by-election at less than 50:50, will his plan to stand for PM unravel before it’s begun?Sam and Anne unpack the political chaos consuming Labour, including the growing speculation about Sir Keir Starmer’s exit timetable, an
Wes v Angela: The battle commences
Is the Labour leadership contest about to get messy and plunge the party into chaos?Sam and Anne start the day expecting Wes Streeting to resign as Health Secretary to spark a contest, but an early intervention may have swung the momentum.Angela Rayner has come out saying a HMRC investigation into her tax affairs is over, paving a way for a challenge but will she join the contest? Can Andy Burnham
Starmer eyeballs Streeting - a clash or just coffee?
Will it be a ‘showdown’ when Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting meet today? Or does the King’s Speech calm Labour’s passions for 24 hours?Sam Coates and McElvoy wonder if any Labour leadership has got a bit stuck after a dramatic day of resignations. Because if Streeting doesn’t have the numbers and Andy Burnham doesn't even have a Commons seat – what can anyone do?Plus, amongst the pomp and pageantry
Will Wes Streeting fire the starting gun today?
Will today’s cabinet showdown push Keir Starmer to make a final decision on his future?And will that mean Wes Streeting starts a leadership campaign?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy go over the dynamics of the cabinet meeting and who of the 32 is thinking what – with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood the most blunt so far about the PM needing to go.They also go over what they’re hearing from those who wan
Can Burnham delay Starmer’s exit?
A speech which could define the Keir Starmer premiership – but can he reset or will it be another underwhelming relaunch?With Labour MPs on edge, leadership contenders circling and worries over what stalking horse – Catherine West – will do next, Sam and Anne look at how quickly it all could spiral out of control if the PM fails to land his message.But could a quick contest potentially backfire on
