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
13 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 2min
Who is George Osborne backing for Tory leader?
George Osborne finally reveals his pick for the Tory leadership between Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, weighing the impact of exiting the European Convention on Human Rights. Meanwhile, Labour faces backlash after Donald Trump accuses them of meddling in foreign elections, with Ed Balls calling their actions naive. As Labour prepares for its first budget in 14 years, questions arise about their economic strategy and whether it will satisfy the public and financial markets.
7 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 40min
EMQs: Can you have friends in politics?
George Osborne and Ed Balls dive into the world of political friendships and rivalries, revealing the secret behind David Cameron and George's lasting bond. They discuss how Brexit has complicated Conservative relationships and question the reliability of economists. Plus, the duo reflects on changing definitions in fiscal rules and the role of language learning in politics. With anecdotes from Finnish politics and popular culture, this engaging conversation navigates the tightrope of trust and personal connections in the political arena.
6 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 56min
How to plug a £40bn black hole
Dive into the challenges of closing a £40 billion budget gap while maintaining political promises. Explore the implications of raising employer National Insurance contributions and what it means for growth. Discover the barriers to UK infrastructure development and why strategic financial decisions are crucial. Reflect on the legacy of Alex Salmond and the influence of cultural icons at Labour's recent investment summit. It’s a lively discussion on politics, economy, and the historical context shaping today’s decisions!
Oct 14, 2024 • 32min
EMQs: Can HS2 be revived from the dead?
The podcast dives into the potential revival of the HS2 high-speed rail line, previously shelved amid political turbulence. Insights from Northern Powerhouse Chief Executive Henri Murison spark lively debates with Ed Balls and George Osborne on its future. The discussion shifts to the complexities of defining 'pensioners' and their financial impacts, exploring the fairness of benefits distribution. Both hosts share amusing tales from politics, including George's scariest moment, blending humor with serious political commentary.
36 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 3min
Cleverly: What went wrong?!
James Cleverly's exit from the Tory leadership race ignites a debate about political strategy and errors. George Osborne and Ed Balls analyze whether Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick has the upper hand. The conversation dives into the influence of fiscal policies as the budget approaches, questioning if Rachel Reeves can adjust her rules without alarming the markets. The role of Downing Street's Chief of Staff also comes under scrutiny, with insights into how Morgan McSweeney can learn from predecessors to enhance the government's image.
Oct 7, 2024 • 28min
EMQs: Political regrets? We have a few
Ed Balls and George Osborne dive into their biggest political blunders and proud achievements, revealing George's unconventional tax decision and Ed's reflections on the Baby P tragedy. They embrace listener corrections with surprising humility. Live from the Tory conference, they discuss the murky waters of devolution and the Treasury's true support for it. The duo explores rebuilding trust in UK politics and the importance of transparency, humorously recounting their past inaccuracies while navigating contemporary challenges.
Oct 3, 2024 • 55min
How Labour made a political scandal worse
Ed Balls, a former Labour politician and economist, joins George Osborne, the ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer, to dissect Labour's recent PR blunder involving Keir Starmer and donor freebies. They analyze the missteps that turned a minor scandal into a major headache. The discussion broadens to examine escalating tensions in the Middle East and its implications for Western politics. Finally, they forecast potential challenges and strategies for Rachel Reeves as Labour prepares for a crucial budget that could redefine its future.
Oct 2, 2024 • 40min
HOT TAKE: James Cleverly: Next Tory leader?
James Cleverly, a rising star in Tory politics, shares his vision for leadership, impressing with a compelling speech that captivates audience attention. Former Chancellor George Osborne offers keen insights from the Conservative Party Conference, while seasoned politicians Michael Gove and Danny Finkelstein provide sharp analysis of candidates' performances. They discuss the art of political oratory, the importance of emotional connections in speeches, and the optimistic strategies needed for successful governance. It's a lively debate on what it takes to lead the party.
Sep 30, 2024 • 34min
EMQs: What’s your unpopular opinion?
In this engaging discussion, Ed Balls, a former UK politician, and George Osborne, the ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer, reveal their contrarian views. They dive into the controversial topic of cannabis legalization, expressing sharply contrasting opinions. The duo also tackles questions from the Labour Party conference, offering insights on the role of the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Additionally, they discuss food security challenges amidst potential agricultural budget cuts, blending serious issues with their signature humor.
Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 3min
Which Tory will get the Boris blessing?
The race for the Conservative leadership is heating up, with whispers about who Boris Johnson might back. Labour's recent conference left much to be desired, sparking questions about leadership authenticity. Across the pond, Trump’s economic policies and Kamala Harris's approach make for an intense U.S. election landscape. The fun doesn't stop there, as karaoke sessions poke fun at political speeches, blending humor with serious discussions about party dynamics and the future of key campaigns.
