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
Sep 23, 2024 • 35min
CONFERENCE HOT TAKE: Protestors disrupt Rachel Reeves’ speech
Rachel Reeves, a prominent Labour politician, aims to revitalize her party amidst a challenging political landscape. She faces protests during her speech, highlighting tensions around her party's direction. The discussion critiques her rhetoric as being heavy on promises yet light on concrete policies. Analysts Ed Balls and George Osborne debate her ability to avoid the ‘austerity chancellor’ label while addressing fiscal decisions that resonate with public concerns over spending and essential services.
Sep 22, 2024 • 38min
EMQs: How to give a GREAT conference speech
Rachel Reeves, a key figure in the Labour party, joins Ed Balls and George Osborne, seasoned political figures, to discuss the art of delivering powerful conference speeches. They share memorable moments from British political history, offering insight into the preparation and camaraderie involved. The trio humorously debates which MPs might sport tattoos and whether Treasury budget representations are even read. Their lively conversation reveals the intersection of politics and personal expression, making for an engaging listen!
Sep 19, 2024 • 54min
Starmer’s big Sue Gray problem
Ed Balls, a former politician and commentator, joins George Osborne, former Chancellor and media executive, to dissect the chaos surrounding Keir Starmer’s freebies scandal. They analyze the Tory party's delight in Labour's turmoil and discuss the challenges facing Energy Secretary Ed Miliband with the Grangemouth oil refinery closure. The duo also reflects on the Liberal Democrats' recent conference and their evolving role in British politics, pondering if they could disrupt Labour and Conservative plans.
Sep 16, 2024 • 29min
EMQs: Media spin, middle classes and memories of conferences past
In a lively discussion, Ed Balls, a seasoned politician and former government minister, teams up with George Osborne, a prominent former Chancellor of the Exchequer. They tackle whether eloquent middle-class voices dominate public resources and the validity of co-payments in the NHS. The duo debates their differing perspectives on the 2010 financial crisis. They also share light-hearted tales from political conferences, and dissect how politicians often sidestep tough questions with media spin. A blend of nostalgia and sharp political insight!
Sep 12, 2024 • 52min
Can Starmer really fix the NHS?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer talks boldly about NHS reform, suggesting it must ‘reform or die.’ He draws comparisons to past policies and discusses the tough choices ahead. Kamala Harris reflects on her pivotal debate with Trump, while Taylor Swift’s endorsement raises questions about celebrity impact in politics. The conversation also pivots to the evolving role of social media in campaigns and the dynamics of post-Brexit UK-France relations, highlighted by Michel Barnier's new role in French governance.
Sep 9, 2024 • 36min
EMQs: Should you pay if you miss an NHS appointment?
Should you face fees for missing NHS appointments? The hosts debate this provocative idea, weighing accessibility concerns against possible improvements in wait times. They also venture into the world of MPs, discussing the challenges of vacationing in the public eye. Exploring historical shifts in parliamentary questioning, they reflect on the UK versus Australian systems. Plus, the importance of diverse international political literature is emphasized, ensuring global voices aren't overlooked in political discourse.
Sep 5, 2024 • 51min
Will Rachel Reeves be forced to U-turn on winter fuel payments?
Rachel Reeves joins to discuss the politically charged issue of winter fuel payments and whether she’ll reconsider recent cuts impacting low-income pensioners. The conversation probes the government's response to arms shipments to Israel, framed as a legal matter. The hosts debate if central bankers are truly responsible for falling inflation or just riding a wave of luck. Amidst political miscalculations, they reflect on the ramifications of internal party dynamics and the latest developments in the Conservative leadership race.
Sep 2, 2024 • 31min
Summer EMQs: Where are all the great parliamentary orators?
In this engaging discussion, Ed Balls, a former Labour politician, and George Osborne, who served as Chancellor, reminisce about the great parliamentary orators of yesteryear. They explore the nuances of seating dynamics during Prime Minister's Questions and the evolution of oratory skills. The duo delves into the challenges of party loyalty versus representation, and whether live fact-checking could actually enhance or hinder political debates. Expect humor along with insightful takes on contemporary political challenges.
Aug 29, 2024 • 60min
Osbornomics, Oasis, and Opposition
Jonathan Ashworth, the Chief Executive of Labour Together, joins former Chancellor George Osborne to discuss the political landscape as Parliament reconvenes. They analyze Keir Starmer’s recent speech and its implications for Labour's economic strategies. The pair delve into the merits of strengthening ties with EU nations post-Brexit, exploring potential boosts to growth and public sentiment. They also provide insights from their time in shadow cabinets, offering advice for the next Tory leader navigating opposition challenges.
Aug 26, 2024 • 32min
Summer EMQs: Who really runs the country?
Ed Balls, a former UK politician, and George Osborne, ex-Chancellor and current newspaper editor, dive into the mechanics of government. They discuss the often-misunderstood roles of civil servants versus politicians, revealing the complexities of leadership and policy implementation. Personal sacrifices in balancing family life with public duties offer a poignant glimpse into their daily struggles. Light-hearted anecdotes about Treasury team dynamics and the quirks of government residences add humor to their insightful reflections.
