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
Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 1min
Are the Democrats celebrating too soon?
Jonathan Ashworth, a former shadow Paymaster General, shares firsthand insights from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He discusses the euphoric atmosphere surrounding Kamala Harris's potential nomination and questions whether the Democratic Party is celebrating too soon amidst a tight election race. The conversation shifts to the strategic lessons the Democrats might be learning from the Labour Party and the significance of political literature during the summer months, emphasizing how reading shapes political thought and decision-making.
Aug 19, 2024 • 36min
Summer EMQs: Was Austerity a Mistake?
Ed Balls, a former UK politician and economic adviser, and George Osborne, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, engage in a spirited debate about austerity’s impact on the UK's financial crisis. They dissect whether Labour could have better defended their record and explore the long-term effects of government fiscal policies. Delving into hyperinflation, they share historical examples, revealing the dangers of excessive money printing and fiscal mismanagement. Their analysis also touches on the complexities of national debt and the challenges facing political parties in maintaining economic credibility.
Aug 15, 2024 • 58min
The secret to launching a political career
Gillian Keegan, a former education minister advocating for more business involvement in politics, joins Ed Balls, a seasoned political figure focused on education funding. They discuss the current landscape for aspiring politicians and how real-world business experience could enhance parliamentary effectiveness. Gillian argues for a shift towards a more diverse representation in politics, while Ed shares valuable tips for new MPs navigating their careers. Together, they explore the crucial balance between education and practical experience in shaping future leaders.
Aug 12, 2024 • 27min
Summer EMQs: The Political Currency constituency
Join Ed Balls, a former UK politician-turned-media personality, and George Osborne, ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer, for a lively discussion on political life. They tackle the art of political U-turns and what makes a good press conference. Hear the duo ponder whether all politicians are self-serving and who might be the next to jump from politics to media stardom. With humor and insight, they explore the importance of cross-party collaboration in achieving significant political goals!
Aug 8, 2024 • 59min
Should the Tories stop chasing Reform voters?
In this engaging discussion, Ed Balls, a former Labour politician, and Grant Shapps, serving in the Conservative Party, dive into the current political turmoil in Britain. They analyze Keir Starmer's leadership amidst recent protests and reflect on the handling of previous crises by Conservative leaders, including Liz Truss. Shapps candidly shares his thoughts on the party's rightward shift and the tug-of-war for its identity. A light-hearted exploration of politicians' holiday choices also reveals the real challenges of balancing work and leisure in a scrutinized role.
Aug 5, 2024 • 36min
EMQs: Summer Recess Buddies
Ranvir Singh, co-host on GMB and known for her engaging presence, joins the discussion about summer holiday plans. The trio debates which opposition member they'd take on vacation, leading to laughs over outrageous outfit choices. They tackle serious topics too, such as the ethical dilemma of COVID-19 business loans and the implications of food VAT. The conversation also dives into the intriguing balance between technocratic policy-making and public connection, all sprinkled with humorous anecdotes about holiday habits and preferences.
Aug 1, 2024 • 57min
Rachel Reeves: The next austerity chancellor?
Rachel Reeves, the new Chancellor and a key figure in economic policy, discusses her fiscal strategies and their potential austerity implications. Former Chancellor George Osborne admires her approach but questions if she's simply mirroring his past policies. Ed Balls chimes in on the complexities of hosting the Olympics, arguing the economics rarely justify the costs. The trio also delves into how politicians should effectively communicate during crises, especially in the age of social media, and the need for stronger leadership amidst rising tensions.
Jul 29, 2024 • 32min
EMQs: Celebs go politicking
Ed Balls, a former politician turned media star, and George Osborne, a former Chancellor of the Exchequer, dive into the intriguing potential of celebrities entering politics. They discuss memorable instances of celebs making political moves and the challenges faced. The duo also reflects on their Olympic experiences, sharing insights from London 2012 as excitement builds for Paris 2024. They evaluate the impact of inflation on UK politics and explore how lessons from international systems can enhance governance.
Jul 24, 2024 • 58min
Starmer, Strictly and Summer of Brat
The podcast discusses Kamala Harris stepping in for Joe Biden, Labour MPs losing the whip, and advice for Rachel Reeves. They also talk about the Tories needing to define conservatism, Ed Balls sharing his Strictly experience, and the humor in holiday plans.
Jul 22, 2024 • 37min
EMQs: Are you ready for ID cards?
The podcast discusses the importance of having a leader who 'turns you on', debates on the necessity of ID cards in the digital age, and explores the art of public speaking with insights from Ed Balls and George Osborne. It also delves into topics like mandatory voting laws, charisma in politics, and the significance of confidence in speech delivery.
