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
22 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 45min
EMQs: Lasagna plots and Shakespearean AI bots
Discover the frantic truth about the first 24 hours of a new government role, from chaotic briefings to the drivers' secret insights. Dive into the infamous 'Lasagna-gate' incident, sparking a wild conspiracy theory around a dinner party. Listen as AI takes on the challenge of writing a Shakespearean sonnet for political speeches, revealing its creative limits. The hosts also share tips on transitioning to podcasting, reflecting on the humorous chaos of political life and the evolving role of technology in communication.
19 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 57min
Peter Mandelson OUT. George Osborne… IN?
Peter Mandelson's sudden ousting sheds light on a tumultuous political climate, with speculation about George Osborne stepping in as US Ambassador. The conversation shifts to ongoing instability in Keir Starmer’s government, intensified by Angela Rayner's resignation and a significant deputy leadership contest. Candidates Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell emerge, potentially reflecting deeper rifts within the party. As the stakes rise, the hosts humorously contrast serious political shifts with personal anecdotes, making for a lively discussion.
Sep 8, 2025 • 46min
EMQs: Car doors, pole dancers and Diary columns
Dive into a lively debate on how politicians should handle tough conversations about immigration. Ed Balls and George Osborne tackle generational divides, with a Gen Z listener questioning the establishment. Discover the 'chicken run' strategy – is it cowardly or wise? Enjoy humorous anecdotes, including Ed's car door mishap and a pole dancing story. The duo also reflect on the importance of diary columns and the fun of political gaffes, blending lightheartedness with the seriousness of engaging younger voters.
11 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 11min
Could sacking Rayner make her a ‘backbench martyr’?
Political tensions are heating up as Angela Rayner faces scrutiny over her tax mishaps, prompting discussions about her fate within the Labour party. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage's influence looms large, pushing immigration and crime to the forefront while the government grapples with its response. As Keir Starmer attempts a leadership reset with new appointments, questions arise: will this restructuring bring clarity or merely distract from deeper issues? The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of free speech and the significance of effective communication strategies in today’s political climate.
Sep 1, 2025 • 52min
EMQs: Could David Miliband have defeated the Tories in 2015?
What if key moments in British politics shifted direction? The hosts analyze whether Margaret Thatcher could have clinched the 1992 election and how that might have changed her legacy. They dive into Tony Blair's potential tenure during the financial crisis and the implications of the UK joining the euro. Personal anecdotes about the Miliband brothers reveal how leadership contests shaped Labour's fate. These intriguing hypotheticals invite listeners to reconsider the course of recent history and its impact on British politics.
14 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 8min
Emily Thornberry on the Corbyn era, being left out of government and Starmer’s first year
Dame Emily Thornberry, Labour MP for Islington South and chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, delves into the Corbyn era, imagining a world with Prime Minister Corbyn and how the UK might have fared. She reflects on Starmer's first year, advocating for more confidence and a strategic approach to inherited challenges. Additionally, Thornberry shares insights from her two decades in Parliament and emphasizes her unwavering loyalty to the Labour Party, while the hosts discuss the intricacies and stakes of government reshuffles.
26 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 43min
EMQs Political Craft Special: Speeches, diaries and the art of politics
The hosts explore the essential skills of political life, questioning if a single speech can still shift political tides. They discuss memorable parliamentary interventions that have changed legislation, share anecdotes from their early days as MPs, and reveal the quirks of managing a ministerial diary. The balancing act of cabinet roles versus constituency duties is highlighted, along with insights on the surprisingly lighter cabinet positions. Light-hearted tales from the parliamentary tea room showcase the camaraderie and rivalries between parties.
16 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 7min
Wes Streeting on battling the Treasury, his plan for the NHS, and the reality of power
Wes Streeting, Labour's Secretary of State for Health and MP for Ilford North, shares insights from his first year in power after years in opposition. He discusses Keir Starmer's leadership style and ambitious plans to empower patients and focus on NHS reform. Streeting also points out that Nigel Farage and Reform UK have become the 'real opposition.' Plus, he and George Osborne reveal hilarious tales about the lives of ministers and their drivers, shedding light on the unique camaraderie and gossip that can shape political careers.
11 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 40min
EMQs Young People Special: Why won’t politicians listen to the next generation?
Young voices are often overlooked in political discussions, especially regarding job markets and housing. The guests tackle the disconnect between youth aspirations and available opportunities, highlighting the need for better career guidance. They also delve into the influence of role models and social media in shaping career paths. The possibility of rejoining Erasmus+ sparks debate, along with reflections on Brexit's enduring legacy. Furthermore, critical issues like sewage pollution and water quality regulations emphasize the importance of political responsibility for future generations.
23 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 3min
Sarah Vine on Michael Gove, the Camerons, and why she's done with "toxic" politics
In this engaging conversation, Sarah Vine, a columnist and author, shares her heartfelt experiences from her tumultuous marriage to politician Michael Gove. She reveals how Westminster's toxic culture strained her friendships, particularly with the Camerons, and impacted her mental health. Discussing her memoir, she candidly reflects on the emotional turmoil of public life, including her struggles with postnatal depression. The talk also sheds light on the often-misunderstood role of parliamentary whips, revealing their significance in shaping politics.
