

Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards
Steve Richards
Based on his live one-man show Rock & Roll Politics, the broadcaster and author Steve Richards takes a weekly behind-the-scenes tour of UK politics and the media that shapes the way we view the epic political dramas. The future is ridiculously unpredictable and the past is so easy to misread. Subscribe to your weekly guide through seismic times.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 29, 2024 • 53min
Will the budget be a historic turning point?
This week Rachel Reeves will deliver the most anticipated budget in modern times. Can she significantly change the UK’s economic prospects and the course of a wobbly government? Plus brilliant questions from the Rock& Roll Politics co-operative, and important assembly notices.Rock & Roll Politics Live:• The Ropetackle in Shoreham, Weds 6 Nov. Tickets here.• Kings Place London, Weds 27 November – the last show of the year. Tickets here.Support us on Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 22, 2024 • 46min
Are some chancellors more powerful than their prime ministers?
Some chancellors determine the fate of their governments with their budget – and Rachel Reeves may do so on October 30th. But prime ministers have no equivalent levers. Does this make some chancellors more powerful than their prime ministers? Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on November 27th. Come and join Steve for the final show of the year. Tickets here.Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 15, 2024 • 56min
What is the most underrated quality in a leader?
I am obsessed by the qualities required to be an effective leader, as members of the co-operative know. On reflecting on the death of Alex Salmond I discovered another underexplored quality in leadership – and I discuss the significance of Labour’s attempt to create an active state.Plus brilliant questions from the Rock n Roll Politics co-operative, and important assembly notices.Rock n Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle in Shoreham on November 6th. Tickets here. …and is live at Kings Place on November 27th.. the last show of the year. Tickets here. Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 8, 2024 • 44min
Will the departure of Sue Gray boost Starmer’s government?
Sue Gray has gone and Morgan Mcsweeney is in charge. Where does this leave Keir Starmer and his confused and confusing government? Plus brilliant questions from the Rock n Roll Politics co-operative, and important assembly notices.Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 1, 2024 • 50min
Why Are The Conservatives Still Talking To Themselves?
The Conservatives were slaughtered at the latest election, and yet its leadership candidates are still singing the same old tune. Is the party weaker now than it was in 1997?Plus brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, and important assembly notices.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place next Monday. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-7-oct-in-hall/Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 24, 2024 • 37min
Can Labour recover from its wobbly start?
The first Labour conference after a landslide win should be celebratory, but in Liverpool the mood is uncertain. Can Keir Starmer give his government a clearer sense of purpose? Rock n Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 7th. Tickets here! Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 17, 2024 • 48min
Can the Lib Dems Make Any Impact on a Landslide Government?
The Lib Dems won 72 seats at the election. While this is an epic achievement, it will have little influence over a government with a commanding majority. But is there one policy where they could play an historic role?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 7th. Tickets here. Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 10, 2024 • 47min
Does the government need to be unpopular?
Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are refusing to budge over the winter fuel payment saga – and both argue they are willing to be unpopular if the decision is the 'right one'. But is this the smart strategic course? And is unpopularity an inevitable consequence of 'tough' leadership? Plus, answers to brilliant listener questions and some vital assembly notices...Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 7... a lot going on by then. Tickets here Please subscribe to Patreon for ad free podcasts a day early and bonus podcasts every month. Subscribe here Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 3, 2024 • 51min
Will the next Tory leader ever be prime minister?
Whoever wins the Tory leadership contest will face a titanic task. Are any of the six candidates up to it? And can Labour make the most of the political space while they decide? Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon.Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 7th after the party conferences. Tickets here.Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 27, 2024 • 49min
Do things have to get worse?
In Keir Starmer’s first major speech as Prime Minister he argues things will get worse before they will get better… Is this the right message and approach? Why are incoming Labour governments so much more cautious than their Conservative equivalents? Rock & Roll Politics is live at King’s Place London on Mon October 7. Tickets here Support the podcast on Patreon here for live events, bonus podcasts, the main podcast ad-free and a day early, and more…Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


