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Katy Balls, a sharp political commentator, teams up with John McTernan, a former political secretary to Tony Blair, to dissect the current turmoil within the Labour Party. They dive into the implications of Sue Gray's controversial salary and her influence on Keir Starmer's leadership. The duo explores the power dynamics in Number 10, highlighting internal conflicts and the struggles of maintaining a cohesive message. With upcoming challenges and budget cuts looming, they emphasize the importance of strategic communication to manage public perception.

In this engaging discussion, political commentator Kate Andrews and analyst James delve into Labour's turbulent week. They dissect the recent inflation figures, pointing out how the positive news contradicts Labour's grim narrative. The conversation highlights the controversy over Chief of Staff Sue Gray's higher salary than Keir Starmer, raising questions about party dynamics. They also explore Labour's struggle to navigate political challenges while addressing key issues like NHS reform. Tune in for a candid take on an evolving political landscape!

Ed Davey, a leading voice in the Liberal Democrats and advocate for social care, shares insights following a successful conference in Brighton. The discussion revolves around the party's ambition to build on recent electoral gains while challenging Labour and securing their new MPs. They explore the delicate balancing act of centrist politics and the party's distinct stance on key issues like Europe and the NHS. With a blend of optimism and strategic positioning, Davey emphasizes the importance of uniting diverse voter perspectives.

Lord Alli, a Labour donor embroiled in a cash for access scandal, has reportedly spent nearly £20,000 on clothing and accessories for Keir Starmer and his wife. David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, defends the Prime Minister amidst growing scrutiny. The discussion dives into the ethics of political donations and the impact on public perception. Starmer's meeting with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni also highlights urgent border security challenges, seeking solutions to organized crime and asylum policies. The unique pressures of fashion choices for political spouses add another layer to the conversation.

David Lammy, a leading Labour politician, James Cleverly, the Conservative Foreign Secretary, and Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, engage in a spirited debate. Cleverly emphasizes support for Ukraine but sidesteps long-range missile queries. Tension rises as Lammy and Cleverly clash over the potential rule-breaking of Keir Starmer. Ed Davey stands firm on the Liberal Democrats' role in holding the government accountable, highlighting the importance of political integrity amid rising international tensions.

Gordon Brown, the former Prime Minister and Chancellor, made a surprise visit to the Treasury, his first since leaving office 14 years ago. He caught up with current Chancellor Rachel Reeves, discussing significant issues like the winter fuel allowance. The conversation also touched on the influence of past leaders, particularly Tony Blair, on today's Labour dynamics. Broadcasted insights raise questions on whether current leaders should heed the advice of previous ones while navigating the complexities of leadership in contemporary politics.

Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader, and David Lammy, Shadow Foreign Secretary, delve into crucial foreign policy discussions in Washington with Joe Biden. They tackle the implications of possibly deploying UK long-range missiles in Ukraine, wary of escalating tensions with Putin. The conversation also shifts to the UK’s diverging stance on arms exports to Israel, raising questions about shifting alliances. Journalist James Heale adds insights on Europe’s defense landscape, highlighting the challenges facing the Labour Party in this evolving geopolitical context.

The Prime Minister has described the NHS as in 'critical condition' in a speech this morning after the release of Lord Darzi's damning independent report.Lord Darzi had only nine weeks to conduct his investigation into –and assessment of – the National Health Service. But this truncated timeline does not appear to have led to any watering down of his verdict. The independent peer has delivered a damning diagnosis of the state of the NHS, which is described as failing both its staff and its patients. The NHS clearly needs serious intervention, but are Labour the ones to do it? James Heale speaks to Kate Andrews and Isabel Hardman, author of Fighting for Life: The Twelve Battles that Made Our NHS, and the Struggle for Its Future. 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.

Last night saw the first Trump vs Harris debate and the consensus seems to be that Harris came out on top. She managed to avoid sticky issues about her political past and goaded Trump into some rambling and – at times – outrageous remarks. What did we learn? Also today, we have had new figures on the economy with GDP flatlining for the second month in a row. Does this vindicate Rachel Reeves' tough decision on the winter fuel allowance? Katy Balls speaks to Kate Andrews and John McTernan. 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.

It's been a busy day in Westminster today. Labour avoided a large scale rebellion on the winter fuel allowance and Mel Stride was eliminated from the Tory leadership race – not to mention the sale of a certain weekly politics magazine. Oscar Edmondson discusses with Katy Balls and James Heale. 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.