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
Jun 23, 2024 • 38min
EMQs: Political porkies and party people
Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron discusses potential Conservative leadership, postal votes, and ultimate political party invites. The podcast also explores the reliability of polls, counting postal votes, and challenges in Labour's planning reform manifesto.
Jun 20, 2024 • 60min
Will Starmer be a one-term wonder?
Former Chancellor George Osborne warns Labour leader Keir Starmer to offer more to avoid one-term wonder status. Topics include inflation hitting target, election strategies, and debate on two-child limit policy. Ed suggests planning for first year in office.
Jun 18, 2024 • 34min
ELECTION EXTRA: Should Sunak fight dirty?
Discussion on Rishi Sunak's struggling campaign, the potential for negative attacks on Keir Starmer, absence of certain MPs from media, Rachel Reeves' business outreach, and insights into Labour Party's media strategies and economic policies.
Jun 16, 2024 • 31min
EMQs: How an ex-PM leaves No. 10
Former UK Chancellor George Osborne and ex-Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls discuss tackling childhood obesity, protest voting, lack of women in campaigns. They share insights on being kicked out of Number 10 and political souvenirs left behind. Engaging banter on weddings, cupcakes, and mugs showcases their camaraderie.
Jun 13, 2024 • 57min
Labour’s Straitjacket Manifesto
Keir Starmer's manifesto launch sparks debate on potential Labour government impact, financial constraints, and Tory challenges. Rishi Sunak's media missteps raise questions about his future. Hunter Biden's legal troubles and their implication on the White House race are discussed.
Jun 11, 2024 • 31min
ELECTION EXTRA: Manifestos, Macron and Money Problems
The podcast delves into the conservative election campaign turmoil, manifestos of major parties, and the implications of Macron calling a snap election in France. It discusses the challenges faced by Rishi Sunak, the significance of manifesto promises, and the rise of far-right parties in the European elections.
Jun 10, 2024 • 34min
EMQs: Punches, Paxman, and Parachuted Candidates
Former British politicians Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss the current political climate and the demise of long-form interviews. They also delve into Labour's candidates and reminisce about past interactions like John Prescott's egg incident. Plus, they touch on the consequences of disrespectful behavior in politics, highlighted by Nigel Farage's milkshake incident.
Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 3min
Tax, Lies and Leaders on Tour
Former politicians Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss the impact of Rishi Sunak's tax claim on the election. They reflect on campaign strategies, including insights from George's experience. The duo also delve into post-election budget expectations and examine the credibility of tax policies in the current political landscape.
Jun 4, 2024 • 24min
Election Hot Take: Can Sunak save his campaign?
George Osborne discusses Tory MPs' resignation, a possible inheritance tax play. Labour's Angela Rayner defends Diane Abbott, TV debate expectations. Exploring power dynamics, polarizing figures, and potential game-changing events in the upcoming election.
Jun 3, 2024 • 33min
EMQs: Paddleboards, power stances and private schools
From paddleboarding blunders to power stances, the hosts delve into cringey political stunts. They debate Labour's tax on private schools and discuss the market impact of the election. Rumors swirl about Michael Gove's potential move to Strictly. Catch their extra hot takes on Tuesdays!
