Intro

It's Budget week (finally)! How this week goes will set the tone for Labour’s first year in office. It’s fair to say that expectations are relatively low – with the Prime Minister himself warning of ‘painful decisions’ ahead. We know a lot of what will likely be included and Treasury sources are keen to play down talk of any Budget rabbits – suggesting a mix of the measures currently being discussed in the media. So what should we expect? And can Labour ride out the week unscathed?

Also on the podcast, Labour have suspended the whip for Mike Amesbury, MP for Runcorn and Helsby, after he appeared to threaten a man who has been knocked onto the road in Frodsham, Cheshire. Labour look like they will be facing their first by-election. Could Reform make an unlikely gain in this Labour safe seat?

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.

Produced by Oscar Edmondson.