Coffee House Shots

The big news in Westminster today is that there has been another defection to Reform. But this time it feels slightly different: a front bench Tory with a CV that spans multiple Tory leaders and a number of books on Conservative thought is now batting for Reform.Danny Kruger, Nigel Farage’s latest defector, served as David Cameron’s speechwriter, Boris Johnson’s political secretary and Robert Jenrick’s campaign manager just last summer. His defection will therefore come as a serious blow to those who argue that the Conservative party stands a better chance than Reform of winning the next election.Kruger told the room that he believes Reform now stands the best chance of saving the country at the time of the next election and that his former Tory party was ‘finished as the main opposition to the left’. His argument is that Reform is the ‘new home’ of conservatism. Where does this leave Kemi Badenoch? And will his defection open up the floodgates for more to follow?Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Lucy Dunn.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.It feels like an unnervingly normal week for this Labour government, with another sacking set against the backdrop of an anti-government march led by Tommy Robinson.Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Trump prepares for his state visit to the UK, the podcast dives into the unpredictable nature of his interactions. There's buzz around the government's hopes for a tech deal and potential economic benefits amid royal ceremonies. Diplomatic tensions loom, particularly regarding Trump's past comments on free speech and sensitive issues like Palestine. The interplay between various political figures adds another layer of intrigue, illustrating the complex dynamics shaping this historic visit.

Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor at the Sunday Times, dives into the turmoil following Lord Mandelson's sacking and its potential ramifications for Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. He discusses the historical ties between Mandelson and McSweeney, hinting that losing McSweeney could disrupt Labour's path to victory in 2024. The conversation takes a lighter turn as they celebrate a Labour win at the Westminster Dog Show, featuring amusing anecdotes about MPs and their dogs, blending humor with political insight.

Neil O'Brien, Conservative MP for Loughborough and minister for policy renewal and development, joins the hosts to dissect the political drama surrounding Peter Mandelson's sacking. They dive into the controversies about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the urgent calls for transparency in vetting processes. O'Brien reflects on the challenges facing the Tory party's leadership and discusses the need for strategic improvements amidst governance failures. The conversation expands on welfare reform and offers insights into the party's need to regain public confidence.

Kemi Badenoch takes a sharp jab at Keir Starmer, raising questions about Peter Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Her focused questioning targets Starmer's judgment and the implications of appointing Mandelson as ambassador amidst growing controversies. The conversation highlights political accountability and the potential fallout for Labour's leadership under Starmer. As the debate heats up, the dynamics of political maneuvering and the significance of women voters loom large in upcoming elections.

Dive into the political drama within the Labour Party as key leadership changes unfold. Explore the implications of new appointments and the controversies surrounding dismissals, highlighting unique voices and challenges faced by figures like Shabana Mahmood. Delve into the broader themes of identity politics versus economic issues, questioning how personal narratives affect voter perceptions. Plus, consider the alarming possibility of Britain drifting towards revolutionary sentiments reminiscent of France.

The discussion heats up over Shabana Mahmood's ability to manage immigration as the government hints at stricter policies. The Labour Party's deputy leadership race takes center stage with notable candidates like Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell, prompting speculation about their chances. Amid economic strife, the Conservative Party grapples with public sentiment and internal challenges. Additionally, shocking ties between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein surface, complicating the interplay of politics and celebrity.

James Heale from The Spectator shares insights fresh from Reform UK's lively conference. He highlights the energetic atmosphere, notably Andrea Jenkyns’ quirky performance and Nigel Farage’s attempt to unify the coalition. The conversation dives into internal tensions within the party and questions their ability to govern seriously. The discussion shifts to the Labour Party, exploring Shabana Mahmood’s significant new role and the implications of Starmer’s reshuffle on immigration policy and party dynamics.

A chaotic week in UK politics sees contrasting fortunes for the Reform party versus ongoing crises in Labour. Key discussions include a deputy prime minister's tax scandal and its implications for government integrity. Furthermore, a major political reshuffle raises questions about leadership effectiveness. The complexity of new immigration laws sparks intense debate, especially regarding small boat arrivals. Lastly, the Conservative Party grapples with a shift towards fiscal responsibility amid economic turmoil, highlighting the evolving political landscape.