

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.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 28, 2024 • 12min
Who's winning the TikTok election battle?
Sean Topham, Co-founder of Topham Guerin, discusses how the Tories use controversy for engagement, AI's role in election communication, and showcasing political personalities on TikTok. The podcast explores the impact of social media in the election campaign.

May 28, 2024 • 12min
The Dunkirk Strategy
Political commentator Katy Balls and data analyst James Kanagasooriam discuss the Conservatives' new 'Triple Lock Plus' pensions policy. They explore the implications for the Tory vote base and the reasoning behind the new strategy. The conversation delves into tax thresholds, fiscal impacts, and efforts to target older voters. The podcast also analyzes the Labour Party's campaign strategy, drawing parallels to the Dunkirk approach and discussing the impact on key voter demographics.

May 27, 2024 • 16min
Does Keir Starmer have enough to say?
Kate Andrews, Katy Balls, and Fraser Nelson discuss Keir Starmer's speech focusing on national security, the economy, and borders. They question if Starmer's 'policy light' approach is sufficient for the election campaign.

May 26, 2024 • 17min
Sunak: let’s bring back national service
Tories propose mandatory national service for 18-year-olds. Contrasting strategies of Tory and Labour parties. Exploring rationale and implications of national service. Comparing UK proposal to Sweden's conscription system. Debate and skepticism surrounding the controversial policy.

May 25, 2024 • 12min
What does a July election mean for the SNP?
Political commentator Katy Balls speaks with former head of communications for the SNP, Fergus Mutch, about the potential challenges and implications of a snap election for the Scottish nationalists. They delve into leadership shifts, campaign strategies against Labour and the Scottish Conservatives, key figures in the SMP, and the potential consequences of poor election results for the SNP leadership.

May 25, 2024 • 11min
What‘s behind the Tory exodus?
Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls discuss Rishi Sunak's absence in the election campaign and Michael Gove's unexpected exit. They analyze campaign strategies, MP reactions, and the implications of Gove's departure on the Conservative Party. The podcast also covers the importance of focusing on campaign issues and the impact of poll results on Sunak's strategy.

May 24, 2024 • 13min
Is the Labour lead as big as it seems?
Focaldata analyst James Kanagasooriam joins Cindy Yu and Katy Balls to discuss the accuracy of Labour's lead in the upcoming election. They analyze the campaigning tactics of major party leaders in Scotland, polling data, and strategic moves of different parties like the Reform party and the impact of Umbrella Gate.

May 23, 2024 • 15min
Why has the election been called now?
Isabel Hardman and John McTernan discuss Labour's response to the surprise election announcement and the party's campaign strategies. They delve into the preparations of Labour and the Tories, debate campaign strategies within Labour, and explore Keir Starmer's proposed policies.

May 22, 2024 • 12min
Sunak's biggest gamble yet: a July election
Rishi Sunak's surprise election announcement for July sparks speculation on the wisdom of a summer election. Analysis dives into contrasting political figures, unity messages, election strategies, and unexpected political moves with potential ramifications for all parties

May 22, 2024 • 11min
Is an election about to be called?
Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson discuss rumors of an upcoming election in the UK, analyzing motivations for an early election, potential November announcements, and party reactions. Exploring economic indicators, public sentiment, and historical parallels.


