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.

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, 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.

Isabel Hardman, a political journalist with The Spectator, delves into Justin Welby's resignation as Archbishop of Canterbury following the scandal involving child abuser John Smyth. The conversation highlights the church's ongoing turmoil and prospects for new leadership. They also discuss the soon-to-be debated assisted dying bill and Keir Starmer's undecided stance. The dynamics of religious representation in Parliament and its influence on legislative reforms add another layer to the debate, showcasing the interplay between faith and politics.

This discussion features Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman, both political writers for The Spectator, who analyze the emerging shadow cabinet of new opposition leader Kemi Badenoch. They explore her strategic appointments, including loyalist Rebecca Harris as chief whip. The conversation dives into the complexities of party unity and leadership dynamics, drawing parallels to teenage interactions. Additionally, they tackle Labour's recent moves to redefine its agenda amidst ongoing challenges in education, including rising university tuition fees and the call for vocational training.

Katy Balls, a political analyst for The Spectator, joins Isabel Hardman, a political commentator, to tackle the heated debate on Labour's China stance that emerged during Prime Minister's Questions. They discuss Starmer's efforts to assert his position against accusations of softness towards China and the influence of Balls's recent article. The duo also delves into the complexities of political pressures within parties, and Hardman outlines the key arguments surrounding the newly introduced Assisted Dying Bill, highlighting its societal implications.

In this discussion, Isabel Hardman, a political analyst for the Spectator, and James Heale, a political journalist, delve into Keir Starmer's ambitious £22 billion investment in carbon capture. They explore its potential impact on Labour's strategy amid a £20 billion deficit. The conversation also tackles the resurgence of assisted dying debates and the political implications of the UK's negotiations over the Chagos Islands, highlighting the complexities within the Conservative Party and the moral dilemmas lawmakers face.

In this discussion, political journalists Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman dissect the performances of four Conservative leadership candidates at the party conference. They explore the effectiveness of speeches aimed at evoking trust and optimism, particularly critiquing the repetitive messaging from Tom Teigenhut while praising James Cleverly's engaging delivery. The conversation highlights the candidates' differing styles, their attempts to resonate with party legacy, and a compelling narrative of personal resilience presented by one contender, illuminating the dynamics of UK's political landscape.