Coffee House Shots

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.

James Heale, a Conservative commentator, and Lucy Dunn, a political journalist, dive deep into the implications of Danny Kruger's recent defection to Reform. They discuss Kruger's significant Tory background and his belief that Reform is now the future of conservatism. The duo explores whether this move could lead to a wave of Tory departures and the impact on Kemi Badenoch's and Robert Jenrick's political prospects. They also examine the reactions from Labour and the Conservatives to the emerging political landscape and public sentiment.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.It feels like an unnervingly normal week for this Labour government, with another sacking set against the backdrop of an anti-government march led by Tommy Robinson.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.

As Trump prepares for his state visit to the UK, the podcast dives into the unpredictable nature of his interactions. There's buzz around the government's hopes for a tech deal and potential economic benefits amid royal ceremonies. Diplomatic tensions loom, particularly regarding Trump's past comments on free speech and sensitive issues like Palestine. The interplay between various political figures adds another layer of intrigue, illustrating the complex dynamics shaping this historic visit.

Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor at the Sunday Times, dives into the turmoil following Lord Mandelson's sacking and its potential ramifications for Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. He discusses the historical ties between Mandelson and McSweeney, hinting that losing McSweeney could disrupt Labour's path to victory in 2024. The conversation takes a lighter turn as they celebrate a Labour win at the Westminster Dog Show, featuring amusing anecdotes about MPs and their dogs, blending humor with political insight.

Neil O'Brien, Conservative MP for Loughborough and minister for policy renewal and development, joins the hosts to dissect the political drama surrounding Peter Mandelson's sacking. They dive into the controversies about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the urgent calls for transparency in vetting processes. O'Brien reflects on the challenges facing the Tory party's leadership and discusses the need for strategic improvements amidst governance failures. The conversation expands on welfare reform and offers insights into the party's need to regain public confidence.

Kemi Badenoch takes a sharp jab at Keir Starmer, raising questions about Peter Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Her focused questioning targets Starmer's judgment and the implications of appointing Mandelson as ambassador amidst growing controversies. The conversation highlights political accountability and the potential fallout for Labour's leadership under Starmer. As the debate heats up, the dynamics of political maneuvering and the significance of women voters loom large in upcoming elections.