Coffee House Shots

The sun is setting on Keir Starmer’s worst week in No. 10 – but potentially Kemi’s best. We go into the weekend with MPs publicly calling for his most senior aide, Morgan McSweeney, to step down because of his role in the botched vetting of Peter Mandelson, and with huge questions remaining about how much the Prime Minister knew about Mandelson’s association with Epstein. All of this means that the upcoming by-election on the Labour party’s patch in Gorton and Denton is poised very precariously.Meanwhile, Kemi has seized the opportunity to capitalise on Labour’s woes – but are she cutting through enough? And with her position looking more assured, and fiscal responsibility as their rallying cry, could it nearly be over for her shadow chancellor, Mel Stride?Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons.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.

James Heale, Tim Shipman and Oscar Edmondson discuss the continuing fallout over the Mandelson scandal. The mood amongst Labour MPs is pretty dire – following a bruising PMQs and a government climbdown over the release of Mandelson's vetting files – but is it bad enough for Labour MPs to challenge Starmer? And could his chief of staff – and close Mandelson ally – Morgan McSweeney be in the firing line? How long ago the decision to block Andy Burnham seems now...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, political journalist and author, offers sharp analysis of Starmer’s image and process-driven style. Tim Shipman, political commentator, breaks down parliamentary tactics and security questions. They dissect the Mandelson controversy, Starmer’s PMQ performance, scrutiny of oversight, and whether this scandal shifts momentum in Westminster.

Coffee House Shots is on the road today. James Heale and Megan McElroy have travelled up to the frozen north to speak to the candidates who are lobbying locals in the lead-up to the Gorton and Denton by-election. This is the seat vacated by Labour’s Andrew Gwynne, and made famous by Keir Starmer refusing to let Manchester mayor Andy Burnham contest it and complete his return to Westminster. Reform are giving it everything they’ve got – selecting academic and GB News presenter Matthew Goodwin – while some polling suggests that the Green party could do well. Who is in pole position?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.

A debate about fresh revelations tying Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein and the fallout from his resignation. Discussion of alleged payments, leaked emails and a troubling photograph. Contrast between ministerial skill and repeated personal misjudgments. Comparison of how political figures manage post-office money and reputations.

Zack (Zach) Polanski, Green Party leader focused on housing and the environment, outlines a plan for local rent controls. Steve Reed, senior Labour politician experienced in government and security, discusses engagement with China and national security risks. They also touch on new Epstein files naming public figures and the politics around diplomatic trade deals. Short, sharp political roundup.

As Keir Starmer's visit to China draws to a close, Sam Olsen – who runs the States of Play substack – and Times columnist Cindy Yu join Patrick Gibbons to discuss how the UK should manage its relationship with China. Starmer's visit has drawn criticism from various China hawks – and from President Trump – but is there a way for the UK to balance legitimate security concerns with the need to trade with the world's second largest economic power? Plus, to what extent to the British public care about these geopolitical concerns? Cindy and Sam explain why is it important for policymakers to explain how these trips link back to domestic issues – and Cindy name checks James Cleverly as she highlights the importance of consistency amongst the political class.Produced by Patrick Gibbons.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.

Tim Shipman, veteran political journalist and Spectator columnist, lays out 'Starmerism' as a three-part framing: macroeconomic stability, an 'active government' at home, and engagement abroad. Short, punchy discussion on whether that slogan has any substance. They also map potential leadership rivals, the stakes in upcoming local contests, and what a challenge could look like.

David Gauke, former Cabinet minister and vice-chair of Prosper UK, outlines a centre-right plan to reclaim the middle ground. He discusses building grassroots support, prioritizing the economy and fiscal discipline, easing EU trade barriers, and resisting political polarisation. He explains why this group is distinct from the Liberal Democrats and who they hope to attract.

They break down a surprising parliamentary performance where quick wit and composed delivery stole the moment. They unpack why an opponent faltered under economic lines and awkward delivery. They discuss theatrical aspects of parliamentary exchanges and recall past missteps. They also cover a landmark speech about party identity and a cheeky transfer-window quip linking politics to football.