Bloomberg UK Politics

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar stunned the political world with his resignation - we discuss what his departure means for the future of Ireland with former Irish ambassador to the United States, Daniel Mulhall.Plus, Keir Starmer's commitment to diversity is under question the Labour Party's adviser on race Doreen Lawrence reportedly said he failed to listen to her. Martin Forde KC, who was tasked by Starmer with investigating previous allegations of racism within Labour joins us with his perspective. Hosted by Ailbhe Rea and Caroline Hepker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's edition of PMQS saw Rishi Sunak grilled on the progress of the Rwanda deal and criminal prosecutions, we discuss the Prime Minister's performance. Plus, yesterday the Shadow Chancellor, Rachel Reeves delivered her big economic vision-setting Mais lecture. What did we learn? Panmure Gordon's Chief Economist Simon French joins us with more. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and James Woolcock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The prestigious Mais economics lecture will be delivered by Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves today. We take a trip down memory lane and revisit Rishi Sunak's address with Bloomberg's economics reporter Tom Rees. Meanwhile, Robinhood's new app will give UK traders access to thousands of US listed stocks, the company's president Jordan Sinclair tells us. Plus, the UK government are setting out legislation for an independent football regulator. We take a closer look with Bloomberg's UK political reporter Ellen Milligan and Football agent  and former Olympian Sky Andrew. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Misery Index - based on Bloomberg analysis of unemployment and inflation data is nearing 1997 Conservative election wipe-out levels, we dig into the latest figures with Bloomberg's Irina Anghel. Local councils are also feeling the pinch and delays to levelling up funding haven't helped according to former Liverpool City Mayor Joanne Anderson. Plus, Sadiq Khan kicks off his campaign for a third term as London Mayor today, but can anyone stop him ? We discuss the lay of the land. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and James Woolcock.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rishi Sunak has ruled out a general election to coincide with local and mayoral votes on May 2nd, but what does his decision mean for Tory party strategy? We get the details from Bloomberg's UK government editor Stuart Biggs and analysis from Hanover communications guru Gavin Megaw. Plus, could a bit of the mundane be what the country needs? Bloomberg Opinion Columnist Adrian Wooldridge on how Labour could provide an alternative to Tory instability. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diane Abbott says race "is at the heart of the debate in British politics", after she was the target of racist remarks reportedly made by a top Tory donor. Our political editor Kitty Donaldson reports on how the controversy is putting further pressure on Rishi Sunak's leadership. The comments have sparked a wider debate on racism in the UK. We get the view of author and commentator Nels Abbey. Hosted by James Woolcock and Stephen Carroll.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversial comments by Conservative Party donor Frank Hester dominated much of this week's Prime Minister's questions, with Rishi Sunak describing the reported remarks as "wrong" and "racist". Opposition leader Keir Starmer also questioned the PM on his plans to phase out National Insurance, while making the case for a Labour government. Plus: the UK has signed a new trade pact with the state of Texas. Our reporter Lucy White updates us on the government's trade policy post-Brexit. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp and the owners of the Daily Mail have held talks about a potential joint bid for the Telegraph with UAE-backed investment fund Redbird IMI, people familiar with the matter have told Bloomberg. Our global business editor Jamie Nimmo bring us details of the exclusive reporting, and tells us why the media deal is getting so much attention in Westminster. Also today: the head of fiscal watchdog the Office for Budget Responsibility faces questions from MPs over its latest forecasts. Our senior economics reporter Philip Aldrick joins us to discuss. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former deputy chairman of the Conservative party, Lee Anderson, has joined Richard Tice's Reform UK party. Our Political Editor Kitty Donaldson tells us what the move means for Anderson's old and new parties.Plus: new Brexit rules are making life more different for Irish horses travelling to Cheltenham. Our Dublin reporter Olivia Fletcher brings us details. We also discuss the latest survey on ethnic diversity in UK listed companies with the Parker Review's co-chair David Tyler. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second woman to become prime minister, Theresa May, has announced she will be leaving parliament at the next election. Although the former PM was known for Brexit, she also was a champion of getting more women involved in public life. It's a task that seems ever harder in the age of social media and abuse. We discuss the realities of being a woman in Westminster with Caroline Nokes, Conservative MP and Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee and Dawn Butler, Labour MP for Brent Central. Hosted by Ailbhe Rea and Stephen Carroll. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.