Coffee House Shots

In this discussion, Luke Tryl, a researcher at More in Common, and political journalist Tim Shipman, dive into the potential challenges and strategies for Labour as their conference approaches. They tackle voter disillusionment with Keir Starmer and analyze a hypothetical scenario where Andy Burnham leads Labour to voter recovery. Tim highlights Labour's new community fund aimed at revitalizing local areas. They also scrutinize Reform UK's risk of alienating voters through controversial comments, urging a focus on pressing issues like immigration and the cost of living.

Andy Burnham, Manchester’s mayor and self-styled champion of the North, is openly flirting with a return to Westminster just days before the Labour Party conference. In a revealing interview, he outlined his 'Manchesterism' – a blend of business-friendly socialism and public control of essential services – though what that actually means remains unclear. Typically, he is full of inconsistencies, criticising Westminster and how it 'makes you look false', while openly seeking a route back. Does he see the irony? Meanwhile, Keir Starmer faces challenges on multiple fronts: his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is embroiled in a controversy over nearly £740,000 of undisclosed donations to Labour Together, threatening to overshadow conference proceedings.Labour’s conference promises to be anything but dull, but who will steal the headlines: Burnham or McSweeney? Lucy Dunn speaks to Isabel Hardman and Tim Shipman. 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.

Sir Ed Davey positions himself as the anti-Farage, seeking to capitalize on the divisiveness of Nigel Farage's leadership. The Liberal Democrats celebrate their success as a third party while grappling with their visibility. Economic theories clash as new OECD data reveals the UK grappling with the highest inflation in the G7. Discussion swirls around Labour's growth ambitions and the pressure Rachel Reeves faces at the upcoming conference. Insights on strategies targeting One Nation Tories add depth to the landscape of UK politics.

In this discussion, political journalists James Heale and Tim Shipman dive into Nigel Farage's radical immigration plan to scrap indefinite leave for migrants, exploring its potential impact and feasibility. Heale explains how this could affect hundreds of thousands in the UK while Shipman breaks down the strategic implications for the Conservative Party. They also tackle Keir Starmer's recognition of Palestine and the government's approval of a second Gatwick runway, debating the political fallout and growth promises leading up to the next election.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.The UK has officially recognised the state of Palestine. In the morning of Keir Starmer's announcement, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy explains Labour's reasoning, while Mel Stride criticises the government's timing.Elsewhere, Ed Davey builds up to the Lib Dem conference by calling for Elon Musk's arrest.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.

Michael Stephens, a researcher at RUSI, and Gabriel Pogrund, a journalist at The Sunday Times, delve into the UK’s potential recognition of Palestine. They explore the implications of this decision, analyzing whether it’s rooted in principle or political pressure within the Labour Party. The conversation highlights the backlash from the US and the growing tensions between UK domestic politics and its international standing, particularly with allies in the Middle East. The dynamics of Starmer’s strategy reveal challenges he faces both at home and abroad.

James Heale, a political commentator, sheds light on the dramatic fallout surrounding 'Your Party,' a new venture by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana. Sienna Rodgers, deputy editor of The House Magazine, provides insider insights into the escalating tensions, likening it to a 'South American coup.' They discuss the clash of egos between Corbyn and Sultana, accusations of sexism, and the party's uncertain future. Key questions arise: will Keir Starmer or the Green Party's Zack Polanski emerge as the real beneficiaries of this turmoil?

In this discussion, Tim Shipman, an experienced political journalist, provides keen insights on Donald Trump's recent state visit to the UK. He highlights Trump's blend of grandstanding and apparent humility amid the high-profile pomp. The conversation covers a significant tech investment deal and the soft diplomacy exhibited between royal family members and First Lady Jill Biden. Shipman also delves into the underlying tensions between Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, particularly regarding energy policy, Palestine, and Ukraine.

Donald Trump might be in the UK for the state visit, but it’s Labour pains that are dominating the headlines and, predictably, there is a typical northern lad who thinks he could be just what the party needs. Despite having made two previous (failed) attempts at the leadership, Andy Burnham is on manoeuvres. He does seem to have the key thing that Starmer lacks – i.e. the ability to communicate – but he does unfortunately come with his own history of flip-flopping. What does this say about the state of the left wing?‘They clearly hate it!’ says Tim Shipman on today’s podcast about Labour’s experience of government, but is Burnham’s ‘fantasy politics’ really the answer? And could he be the one to take the fight to Reform?James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and Isabel Hardman.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.

Tim Shipman, political editor of The Sunday Times and a sharp analyst of UK politics, discusses the recent turmoil in the Labour Party, including Keir Starmer's latest aide resignation and a contentious Commons debate over Peter Mandelson's ties to Epstein. With Donald Trump's state visit looming, the conversation delves into whether this high-profile event could salvage Starmer's reputation or further complicate his position. Additionally, Shipman highlights the challenges within Labour's immigration strategy as internal party dynamics shift.