Steve Richards

In this insightful discussion, political commentator Steve Richards analyzes Keir Starmer's daunting challenges leading up to 2026. He explores why Starmer is hesitant to criticize figures like Trump and assesses the risks of perceived inauthenticity in his leadership style. Richards emphasizes the significance of pragmatic immigration policies and the internal tensions within Labour regarding Brexit. He also dissects the impact of social media on politics and gives a candid look at scenarios for Labour's future, highlighting the stakes in a volatile political landscape.

Former MP Mhairi Black and comedian Steve Richards discuss the impact of Keir Starmer on comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe. They explore the cult of Trump, university statements, Pret subscriptions, and the coolest new MP. Plus, insights on personal statements and the shift in recruitment practices, along with humorous anecdotes and political satire.

Max Tani, media editor at Semafor, discusses the ethical challenges faced by US newspapers in covering the Venezuela raid, balancing national security with public interest. Paul Fleming, General Secretary of Equity, highlights actors' concerns over digital scanning and AI use without consent, advocating for better protections. Meanwhile, Steve Richards and Lizzy Buchan talk about changes to lobby briefings in the UK, urging caution against reduced access and political control as influencers are included in press events.

Steve Richards, a seasoned political commentator and former BBC correspondent, dives into the BBC's struggles with chaotic political coverage. He highlights the erosion of public trust and critiques the superficial nature of reporting, suggesting a return to in-depth journalism. They explore cultural expectations on politicians, like Kemi Badenoch's 'Yellow Submarine' choice, and the influence of Gen Z on political narratives shaped by social media. The conversation is filled with humor, as they draw parallels between political leadership and football management.

Steve Richards, a seasoned political writer and broadcaster known for his Rock & Roll Politics podcast, joins the conversation to dissect Labour's challenges. They discuss housing dilemmas and the ambitious goal of building 1.5 million homes, alongside tensions in immigration policy. The duo also delves into the political struggles posed by rising living costs and the urgent need for judicial reforms. Finally, they suggest bold New Year's resolutions for Sir Keir Starmer to drive meaningful change and effectively engage with the public.

Esteemed political journalist Steve Richards, host of Rock and Roll Politics, joins Andrew Harrison to dissect the unexpected Conservative leadership contest featuring Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick. They discuss the implications of their potential leadership on the Labour Party and delve into the chaotic dynamics within the Conservative ranks. The conversation covers the challenges of communicating effective NHS policies, the influence of Thatcher's legacy on today’s politicians, and strategies for Labour to counteract Badenoch's rising star.

Keir Starmer, the first Labour Prime Minister at the conference, shares insights on the atmosphere in Liverpool amidst historic excitement and prevalent concerns about government strategy. Journalist Steve Richards provides a deep dive into the challenges of political communication, emphasizing the subdued mood compared to past conferences. They discuss the implications of winter fuel payment debates and the media's role in shaping narratives, while noting the Labour Party’s cohesion and the anticipation for key speeches, setting the stage for the event.

Steve Richards, a sharp political commentator, joins author Ben Riley-Smith, who delves into the rise and fall of the Conservative Government from 2010 to 2024. They dissect Rishi Sunak's risky decision to call an early election despite poor polling, unraveling the internal turmoil within the party. Their discussion highlights the mishaps of a campaign misjudging significant national events and the chaos that ensued during leadership changes. The episode reveals the media's powerful role and the struggles within the Tory party to redefine its future.

Steve Richards, host of Rock and Roll Politics, joins the discussion on political comebacks. They explore the tendency of former prime ministers to become backseat drivers, the rarity of political comebacks, the challenges faced by politicians attempting a comeback, and the risks and public interest in bringing back prominent figures involved in business.

Labour MP Stella Creasy, Rock and Roll Politics host Steve Richards, and The Trawl podcast's host Marina Purkiss discuss Keir Starmer's performance at the Labour Party Conference and the best political orators throughout history. They also explore the appeal of the occult and irrational beliefs in a bonus segment.