Coffee House Shots

This morning Kemi Badenoch wrapped up Tory conference with a speech that will – for now at least – calm Tory jitters. The Tory leader’s hour-long address in Manchester was intended as a rejoinder to critics of her leadership and she certainly achieved that aim. Having been accused of lacking spirit, imagination and vigour, Badenoch today demonstrated all three and gave an idea of what the direction of the party looks like under her. The main headline grabbing announcement was her plan to abolish stamp duty – a surprise ‘rabbit’ that sparked a standing ovation. Is she safe, for now?Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and William Atkinson.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, James Heale and Lucy Dunn record live at Conservative party conference in Manchester. What's the mood at conference – and has Kemi done enough to neutralise her detractors? Tim says he expects there to be no immediate leadership challenge but the Conservatives need to get real about the 'attention economy' they're faced with. What inspiration can they take from Tory grandee Michael Heseltine? And can they 'make conservative sexy again'? Plus, audience questions on the upcoming budget and the challenges for the Conservatives in both Wales and Scotland.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 and Michael Simmons join Lucy Dunn live at Manchester for Conservative party conference. It's day two, and we've heard from shadow chancellor Mel Stride, who unveiled various pledges including business rates relief and spending cuts. The Tories are clearly trying to position themselves again as the party of 'fiscal prudence' – but are people listening to them? As the team points out – whether through a lack of protestors or the speedy serving times at the conference bar – the convention centre is pretty quiet. 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.

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader and home secretary, shares insights at her conference address. She outlines a controversial border and deportation plan, emphasizing mass removals and the aim to exit the European Convention on Human Rights. The discussion turns to the impact of proposed laws on protest rights post-Manchester terror attack, raising debates on community safety and free expression. Amidst falling poll ratings, Badenoch pushes for party resilience, highlighting long-term recovery strategies and a clear vision to appeal to voters.

Robert Jenrick, Conservative MP and former minister, discusses the looming UK debt crisis and advocates for urgent reforms in welfare and migration policy. Miriam Cates, former MP and broadcaster, highlights the alarming decline in fertility rates and its implications for the UK's future. They both explore how pro-nation politics can resonate again, alongside the pressing need for a cohesive family policy. The duo critiques past approaches and debates how to better represent and support working families in the evolving political landscape.

Michael Gove, an experienced politician and editor, shares deep insights following the tragic attack on Heaton Park Synagogue. He highlights the Jewish community's warnings about rising antisemitism and explores the role of inflammatory rhetoric in exacerbating vulnerabilities. Gove stresses the need for proactive leadership against Islamist ideology, critiques the Prevent system, and calls for improved counter-extremism measures. He speaks candidly about the political pressures influencing responses and advocates for better civic education on extremist thought.

The podcast dives into Kemi Badenoch's bold vision for the Conservative Party amid political challenges. Following a tragic terror attack in Manchester, discussions shift to how this might impact party dynamics. Badenoch plans to scrap the Climate Change Act, signaling a controversial shift. With her leadership under scrutiny, the struggle against Labour and Reform UK is highlighted. The conversation also touches on political strategies, infighting within the party, and how Badenoch aims to engage the audience at the upcoming conference.

Tim Shipman, a seasoned political journalist known for his insights on UK politics, joins Claire Ainsley from the Progressive Policy Institute to dissect Labour's recent conference. They delve into the dynamic between deputy leadership candidates Lucy Powell and Bridget Phillipson, exploring the insider versus outsider narrative. Discussion highlights include Starmer's connecting with modern voters and the perception of Labour as the party of the professional middle class. Their analysis reveals underlying tensions and the implications for Labour's future appeal.

Keir Starmer might have just delivered his most impactful speech at the Labour Party Conference. He framed his vision of patriotism against the backdrop of Nigel Farage's divisive rhetoric. The address highlighted Labour's successes while addressing the need for tough choices within the party. Starmer's personal narrative intertwined with worker-focused themes electrified the crowd, as he emphasized unity and fiscal responsibility. With bold promises on migration and public priorities, is this a new chapter for Labour? All eyes are on Starmer's evolving leadership.

Whilst a certain noisy northern mayor has positioned himself as the problem child of conference 2025, The Spectator finds another Labour politician far more interesting. All around Liverpool the newsstands are decorated by the image of the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, dubbed the ‘Terminator’ by Tim Shipman in the most recent issue of The Spectator. As one strategist notes: ‘Shabana is not afraid to use power. That’s what we need.’In this special edition of Coffee House Shots we present a wide-ranging in-conversation between Shabana Mahmood and Spectator editor Michael Gove. Listen for: how to tackle the ‘Boriswave’, whether the Home Office is fit for purpose, Shabana’s compelling case for digital ID cards and her response to Keir Starmer’s claim that Reform are ‘racist’.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.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.