Isabel Hardman, a columnist and assistant editor at The Spectator, delivers her insights on Kemi Badenoch, the first black woman to lead the Conservative Party in Europe. They discuss Badenoch's leadership style and the mixed reactions it has garnered. The conversation highlights her unique journey from Nigeria to Westminster, the challenges she faces within the party, and her controversial stances on issues like race and gender. Hardman emphasizes the importance of developing a coherent strategy to engage younger voters and navigate the turbulent political landscape.

Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman, political journalists from The Spectator, dive into Labour's sweeping plan to overhaul local governance in England. They discuss the potential cancellation of the May 2025 local elections and how these reforms reshuffle power dynamics. The conversation heats up with rumors of a Chinese spy linked to Parliament, reflecting on the UK's intricate ties with China. Additionally, they scrutinize the implications of rising dissatisfaction ratings and what it means for Keir Starmer's leadership.

Isabel Hardman, Assistant Editor at The Spectator, sheds light on the complexities of public inquiries, questioning their effectiveness in delivering justice. Raja Miah, an anti-grooming gang campaigner, passionately argues for a nationwide inquiry, citing the failures of past investigations. They explore whether these inquiries genuinely hold power accountable or merely distract from needed legislative changes. The discussion also touches on restoring public trust in institutions and the emotional toll on victims when inquiries fall short.

Andy Zaltzman is joined by Geoff Norcott, Chris McCausland, Isabel Hardman and Maisie Adam. This week they discuss a taxing week for Nadhim Zahawi, a downer week for levelling up, and the small matter of the end of the world.Hosted and written by Andy Zaltzman with additional material from Alice Fraser, Davina Bentley, Simon Alcock, and Cameron Loxdale.Producer: Sam Holmes Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Co-ordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production

Isabel Hardman, assistant editor at The Spectator, offers insightful political analysis, while Raja Miah, an anti-grooming gang campaigner, advocates fervently for public inquiries. They delve into the recent parliamentary vote against a national inquiry into grooming gangs, questioning the effectiveness of past inquiries like Grenfell and the Post Office. The discussion highlights the need for focused investigations and the hurdles political dynamics create, emphasizing the importance of accountability to rebuild trust among victims and communities.

Isabel Hardman, a political commentator and writer for The Spectator, dives into the Prime Minister's ambitious plans for the NHS, addressing the backlog with radical reforms like cash incentives for GPs. She discusses how these proposals might shift healthcare away from hospitals and critiques Keir Starmer's vague responses to both the NHS situation and Elon Musk's comments on grooming gangs. The conversation also highlights the tension between serious political discourse and distractions from social media figures, particularly Musk's influence.

Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman, both insightful political journalists from The Spectator, dive into Rachel Reeves' evolving role in Labour's economic strategy. They discuss the troubling news of the UK's economic contraction and its effects on Reeves' leadership. Is she turning into the new George Osborne? The conversation highlights the growing business skepticism towards Labour's promises and the delicate balance Reeves must strike to restore confidence while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Tune in for a deep dive into political dynamics and economic realities!

Isabel Hardman, a political journalist for The Spectator, dives into the dramatic highlights from the recent Parliamentarian of the Year Awards. Nigel Farage's fiery acceptance speech ignited discussions about a looming political revolution, drawing parallels to historical shifts post-World War I. The podcast also critiques the evolving dynamics at Prime Minister's Questions, questioning whether the exchanges between Kemi Badenoch and Keir Starmer have grown stale. Insightful reflections on voter sentiment and party challenges add depth to the conversation.

Isabel Hardman, Assistant Editor at The Spectator, discusses the evolving dynamics in Parliament regarding assisted dying legislation. Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Romain advocates for legalization, sharing personal experiences that shape his compassionate view, while Conservative MP Martin Vickers raises concerns about potential flaws in the legislation. They delve into the ethical implications and the complexities of public and personal beliefs, highlighting the challenges faced by terminally ill patients and the necessity of a robust legislative framework.

This podcast features Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman, both prominent political writers at The Spectator, known for their keen insights on political dynamics. They discuss the mood at the Confederation of British Industry Conference, where Labour seeks to position itself as the business-friendly party despite economic concerns. The conversation dives into a viral petition calling for a general election signed by notable figures. They dissect whether this should raise alarms for Labour amid their challenges in gaining trust and support from the business sector.