Daniel Finkelstein

Catherine Bohart, comedian known for sharp wit; Pierre Novellie, topical joke-machine; Desiree Burch, bold stand-up voice; Daniel Finkelstein, seasoned political commentator. They riff on the Peter Mandelson scandal and its fallout for Keir Starmer. They unpack humble addresses and vetting failures. They also bemoan iguanas falling from trees and poke fun at royals, space reproduction worries, and Barnsley’s tech dreams.

Peter Mandelson is an experienced political strategist and former director of policy, while Polly Mackenzie has a rich background in political strategy alongside Nick Clegg. Daniel Finkelstein is a Times columnist advising Tory leaders, and Katty Kay is an esteemed America watcher. The conversation dives into the tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the potential impact of undecided voters, and the challenges of campaigning amidst legal disputes. The group also examines how European perceptions of Trump may differ from the American electorate.

Daniel Finkelstein, Conservative strategist and Times columnist; Polly Mackenzie, former senior adviser to Nick Clegg; and Sally Morgan, former senior Labour adviser, examine Zack Polanski’s risky Camden by-election bid. They debate Andy Burnham’s political appeal, devolution and the need for hard policy. Plus, Reform UK’s internal troubles, Nigel Farage’s commitment and the threat from Restore Britain.

Daniel Finkelstein, a Times columnist and Conservative strategist; Polly Mackenzie, a former senior adviser to Nick Clegg; and Sally Morgan, a former Downing Street Labour adviser, unpack the fine line between election bribes and persuasive tax cuts. They debate Andy Burnham on security and welfare, Labour’s sanctions on Israeli settlements, when sleaze finally hurts politicians, Reform’s image problem, and the case for standard airline luggage.

Polly Mackenzie, policy strategist focused on leadership and teams. Sally Morgan, practical Labour campaigner and organiser. Daniel Finkelstein, veteran Conservative commentator. They debate whether Andy Burnham risks pleasing everyone and the dangers of consensus politics. They unpack cabinet signals, who should run northern priorities, defence voices’ influence and how parties might shift before 2029.

Peter Mandelson, the former communications director of the Labour Party, Polly Mackenzie, a policy expert, and commentator Daniel Finkelstein dive into the political chaos surrounding budget management. They dissect the Sheffield rally myth and its impact on Labour’s past, discuss the balance of humor and messaging in political rallies, and reveal the complexities of coalition budgeting. They also tackle the controversial pasty tax and its fallout, shedding light on the intricate relationship between fiscal decisions and public perception.

Peter Mandelson, a key architect of New Labour, joins Polly Mackenzie, a former director of policy, and Daniel Finkelstein, a seasoned Times columnist, for a lively discussion on current UK politics. They delve into the implications of Sue Gray's exit from Downing Street and analyze Morgan McSweeney's leadership style. The trio questions whether the Tory leadership contest truly represents differing ideas and weighs the potential of Kemi Badenoch as a fresh contender. Expect sharp insights and a dash of humor from these political veterans!

The podcast delves into the Tory unrest post-departure of Lee Anderson, discusses political defections from Gang of Four to Change UK, and Keir Starmer's reaction to diet advice. It explores the chaos caused by a new tax ban in the Labour Party and the impact of appearance on political canvassing. Additionally, it uncovers the internal struggles within the Conservative Party, the challenges of party unity amidst conflicting ideologies, and the intricacies of political defections in the British political landscape.

Sally Morgan, former Labour insider and strategist, and Daniel Finkelstein, Conservative peer and political columnist, dissect Nigel Farage's Clacton win. They debate what the result really signals for Reform and national politics. They then probe Farage's absence from the count, the party's internal struggles, and whether the outcome matters beyond local theatre.

Daniel Finkelstein, a seasoned Times columnist and Conservative peer, dives into the complexities of the recent Budget. He discusses whether it serves as a short-term survival tactic or part of a larger electoral strategy. Voters, he explains, often accept painful choices when there's a convincing narrative. The conversation also touches on Labour's unintentional policy paths and whether the Budget signals a shift towards 'blue Labour.' They explore the implications for Keir Starmer's leadership and the emerging political landscape, with new opportunities for the Greens.