Political Currency
Persephonica
Ed Balls and George Osborne take us behind closed doors into the rooms where decisions are made. Having battled it out across the despatch box, the former Chancellor and shadow chancellor now meet in the studio to discuss the decisions that affect the nation’s pockets. Our frenemies have the knowledge and experience to explain how good politics follows the economics - and expose how the powerful become powerless when faced with market forces and political currents they can’t control. Join us every Thursday.Send your messages or voice notes to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukFind us on social media @polcurrencyPolitical Currency is a Persephonica production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
19 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 52min
Will pubs be the next big Labour U-turn?
Tensions are rising as Trump orders an attack on Venezuela, while European leaders contemplate their response. The discussion delves into Greenland's strategic value and whether Starmer’s focus on the cost of living will resonate with the public. The hosts question the implications of Labour's recent U-turns, especially concerning farmers' inheritance tax and upcoming decisions on pub business rates. Amidst mounting pressure on Starmer, they ponder whether these reversals will strengthen or undermine the government's credibility.
9 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 39min
What if: Obama versus Trump 2028?
What if Brexit had gone the other way? The hosts explore a potential Tory civil war and shifts in party leadership. They dive into the repercussions of Neil Kinnock's victory in 1992 on Black Wednesday and economic policies. Fast forward, they ponder whether Donald Trump can legally run for a third term in 2028, and if Barack Obama would make a strong comeback against him. Fresh faces or seasoned figures? The debate unfolds about the best Democratic candidates to challenge Trump in this hypothetical political showdown.
30 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 53min
Bridget Phillipson on the two-child cap, Reform, and the deputy leadership
Bridget Phillipson, a rising MP and the Secretary of State for Education, joins the discussion on pressing political topics. She debates the removal of the two-child cap versus investing in early years education and explains key challenges in special educational needs reform. Reflecting on her deputy leadership campaign, she shares insights on positioning within the Labour movement and tackling the appeal of Reform in working-class areas. Phillipson emphasizes the need for tangible results to win back voter trust and improve living standards.
19 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 40min
Christmas EMQs: Who is the ultimate political traitor?
Join Ed and George as they dive into the holiday spirit with festive banter and a dash of debate on political traitors, naming Michael Gove as the all-time favorite. They chat about quirky Christmas gifts and share their top book recommendations. The conversation takes a serious turn as they reflect on the rise of antisemitism, navigating the tricky terrain of criticism. Plus, hear their fond memories from iconic Westminster pubs and get Ed's kitchen secrets for a perfect Christmas feast.
9 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 48min
Sir Ed Davey on his plan to take the fight to the far right
In an engaging conversation, Ed Davey opens up about his personal connection to care issues, shaped by family experiences. He critiques past governmental failures in care policy and emphasizes the need for transparent coalition agreements. As the political landscape shifts, Davey reveals his strategy to confront far-right movements, particularly focusing on Nigel Farage. They also share lighthearted school memories, contrasting with serious discussions on accountability and emotional messaging to connect with voters.
9 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 27min
EMQs: What's your most embarrassing moment as a politician?
George and Ed share their most embarrassing political moments, from mishaps on camera to amusing stories about meetings gone wrong. Susanna Reid joins the fun, probing their thoughts on resilience in leadership and a curious comparison between the Titanic and a popular joke. The discussion deepens with a listener's experience regarding antisemitism in the UK. They also speculate on where Santa does his Christmas shopping, adding a humorous twist to their festive banter. The hosts keep the conversation lively and engaging!
11 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 54min
Which party will dominate 2026?
George Osborne and Ed Balls dissect the seismic shifts in British politics since 2025. They analyze Keir Starmer's domestic struggles versus Kemi Badenoch's rising stability. The discussion previews pivotal moments in 2026, including potential losses for Labour and the impact of US midterms on Donald Trump's future. They also evaluate the pressing issues of economic pressures and immigration. With surprises and standout political figures of 2025 highlighted, they reflect on the significance of upcoming elections and the crucial OBR forecast.
8 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 35min
EMQs: What’s the hardest question you’ve had to answer?
George Osborne and Ed Balls share hilarious memories of facing tough questions from schoolchildren, including tricky math queries. They delve into the peculiar case of Pierre Poilievre, exploring why some leaders linger after defeats. The duo also debates Labour's hesitance to rejoin the Customs Union and assesses the US/India trade deals' viability. Listeners hear a compelling defense of Labour's first year, while George surprises with a Harold Wilson impression, turning political discourse into entertaining banter.
9 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 1h 2min
Is the US turning its back on Europe?
The discussion delves into Trump's new national security strategy, revealing its contrasting tone towards Europe. Insights into J.D. Vance's influence and the sharp language used about Europe suggest domestic political motives. The hosts evaluate the impact of US economic policies, including tariff-driven inflation and an A+++ economy claim. They explore the competitive landscape in global trade and the Hollywood bidding wars, highlighting the political stakes behind media deals. Lastly, they touch on the geopolitical implications of recent UK actions.
8 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 35min
EMQs: Is it time to abolish the state pension triple lock?
The hosts dive into the controversial triple lock on pensions, debating its political risks and implications for the poorest pensioners. They ponder William Hague's theory that sacking Rachel Reeves could shake Keir Starmer's position. Curiously, Keir's doodling during PMQs is linked to focus techniques reminiscent of Obama. They also explore the history of the triple lock and the complexities of tax pledges in political manifestos. In a twist, they imagine how political history might have changed with different decisions leading up to the 2024 election.
