

Coffee House Shots
The Spectator
Daily political analysis from The Spectator's top team of writers, including Michael Gove, Tim Shipman, Isabel Hardman, James Heale, Lucy Dunn and many others.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 7, 2024 • 13min
Why did Sunak leave the D-Day commemorations early?
Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman discuss Rishi Sunak's awkward D-Day exit, him missing a crucial photo-op with world leaders, and the subsequent fallout. They question his ability to recover from this misstep and analyze its impact on political image and credibility.

Jun 6, 2024 • 14min
Has there been a CCHQ candidates stitch up?
Grassroots Conservatives are outraged over Richard Holden's appointment in a safe seat with a single candidate shortlist from CCHQ. The podcast discusses cronyism concerns and self-serving motives in the Tory party. It also explores the implications of single candidate selections by Conservative and Labour parties, highlighting tensions within the party over prioritizing self-interest instead of fighting Labour.

Jun 5, 2024 • 17min
Who won the first leaders' debate?
Political commentators Katy Balls, Kate Andrews, and Isabel Hardman analyze the first leaders' debate, discussing clashes on housing, the NHS, and immigration. They evaluate the performances of Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, highlighting moments of controversy and political number games. The debaters' responses on private healthcare and public sector pay are scrutinized, shedding light on potential election impacts.

Jun 4, 2024 • 13min
What would it take for Sunak to have a breakthrough?
Isabel Hardman and James Heale discuss why the TV debate may not be a gamechanger for the Tory campaign. The pollster Chris Hopkins explains the reasons behind the Tory's inability to close the gap in polls. They analyze Labour party dynamics, Farage's campaign, TV debate strategies, and Conservative messaging.

Jun 3, 2024 • 13min
Could Farage crush the Tories?
Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls discuss Nigel Farage's return to politics, specifically his impact on the Conservative Party. They delve into the potential consequences for the Tories, campaign strategies, and internal reactions to Farage's reentry. The podcast also covers the implications of Farage's leadership aspirations, his dedication to his constituency, and the analysis of recent political developments, including upcoming debates and party strategies.

Jun 2, 2024 • 15min
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 02/06/2024
Labour Party division over candidate selection, Pharmacy First initiative, migration targets, Green Party proposing meat rationing, Trump's lawyer alleging corrupt, fascist state in trial

Jun 1, 2024 • 12min
Can Keir handle Trump?
James Heale, Kate Andrews, and Freddy Gray discuss Keir Starmer's potential interactions with Donald Trump, analyzing how a Labour government would handle the former president. Topics include UK politicians' responses to Trump's trial, implications for elections, and speculations on Trump's political future amid legal challenges. The conversation explores the impact of Trump's convictions on American politics and the potential shift in public perception towards him in Britain.

May 31, 2024 • 18min
Can Keir Starmer control the Labour left?
Fraser Nelson and Paul Goodman discuss Keir Starmer's efforts to control Labour left by potentially barring Diane Abbott from standing. Angela Rayner defends Abbott, creating tension. The podcast explores campaign tactics, candidate selection, and Starmer's leadership challenges.

May 30, 2024 • 12min
Starmer purges the Corbynites
Katy Balls and James Heale discuss Keir Starmer's purge of Corbynites, focusing on Diane Abbott's candidacy and other MPs potentially barred. They explore Labour Party conflicts, faction history, and strategic seat targeting for upcoming elections.

May 29, 2024 • 11min
Is Diane Abbott in or out?
Veteran MP Diane Abbott's uncertain future as a Labour candidate discussed. Potential repercussions of excluding her, internal politics turmoil, and Labour party's image at stake. Insightful analysis by Katy Balls and John McTernan.


