
Political Currency
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.
Latest episodes

Dec 7, 2023 • 55min
Tory shambles: Rwanda resignation and Boris at the Covid inquiry
This episode discusses the Conservative party's turmoil over the Rwanda rift and Robert Jenrick's resignation. It also analyzes Boris Johnson's chaotic tenure during his Covid inquiry testimony. The chapter explores the impact of Margaret Thatcher on politics and Keir Starmer's evocation of her legacy. Additionally, it highlights the decision of Labour leader to reach out to conservative voters. Lastly, there is a humorous anecdote about a surreal holiday encounter with Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson.

Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 2min
Sunak's Greek Tragedy
Topics discussed include the rift in the party over immigration, the chaotic Covid inquiry, the diplomatic incident with the Greek PM over the Parthenon Sculptures, Sunak's rebuff of talks between the opposition and the Civil Service, the lack of media coverage on the Global Investment Summit, the possibility of a woman Chancellor for Labour, and the mystery surrounding talks between Labour and the Cabinet Secretary.

9 snips
Nov 23, 2023 • 56min
Losing control of migration?
The podcast discusses the political traps set by big budget shakeups, the implications of migration numbers in the UK, the shortage of care home workers and its implications on immigration, the rise of populist leaders in the Netherlands and Argentina, the impact of high tax rates on work incentives, and ends with a lighthearted discussion about reminiscing funny jokes and a memorable encounter with a puppeteer from Rainbow.

Nov 22, 2023 • 29min
HOT TAKE: The pre-election Autumn Statement?
George and Ed react to Jeremy Hunt's Autumn Statement. Is he really the tax cutting Chancellor he's claiming to be, and are we on course for an early election? And we’ll be back again tomorrow with more detail on the Chancellor’s plans as the picture becomes clearer.Email: questions@persephonica.comExec producer: Dino SofosProducer: Rachel BalmerProduction Manager: Flick HeathPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 snips
Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 7min
Tories at war and a Labour rebellion
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the Tories losing their grip in Westminster, the Supreme Court's judgment on Rwanda, Keir Starmer's rebellion within the Labour party, and the challenges faced by Jeremy Hunt in Autumn Statement preparations. They also touch on David Cameron's return as Foreign Secretary, the growing support for Donald Trump, and the concept of post-neoclassical endogenous growth theory in British politics.

Nov 13, 2023 • 22min
HOT TAKE: The Return of David Cameron
David Cameron, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, returns to politics. The speakers discuss the reshuffle and the firing of the home secretary. They analyze Cameron's position on Brexit and the risks and implications of his return in the current political landscape.

Nov 9, 2023 • 1h
How do you solve a problem like Suella?
Suella Braverman has attacked the Met Police Chief’s decision to allow the pro-Palestine march this Saturday, putting Rishi Sunak in a tricky position. Ed asks George whether firing her is the only option.Civil servants and ministers are currently scrambling around the Treasury to get everything ready for the upcoming Autumn Statement. All eyes will be on Jeremy Hunt: will he survive his big moment?And Nadine Dorries’ book is out today, shedding light on the shadowy group she calls ‘the Movement’ operating at the heart of government. Is populism over in British politics?Email: questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukFollow us on social media: @polcurrencyProducers: Rachel BalmerResearcher: Archie Herrod RobinsonProduction Manager: Flick HeathExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 2023 • 57min
The price of Johnson's toxic Downing Street culture
It was Dominic Cummings' turn at the Covid inquiry this week and - as George predicted - we heard about the misogynistic language being used in Boris Johnson's Number 10. What does it reveal about the toxic culture operating in Westminster at that time? And why this isn't ancient history for the Tories.Trouble is still brewing for Keir Starmer over his party's response to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Is his political authority in danger?And why the American economy is having a much bigger impact on your house price than you think.Email: questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukFollow us on social media @polcurrencyProducers: Paige ReynoldsResearcher: Archie Herrod Robinson Production Manager: Flick HeathExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordThis is a Persephonica Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 26, 2023 • 1h 4min
Disgusting Covid WhatsApps, Starmer’s Gaza dilemma and Sunak’s AI adviser
Labour party's shifting position on Gaza, shocking and disgusting messages from Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings at Covid inquiry, Rishi Sunak's AI Safety Summit warning, Israel-Gaza conflict and its implications, importance of performance budgeting, reflections on political careers and regrets, cross-party consensus on regional policy, relationship with Ed Miliband and Shadow Chancellor role

Oct 19, 2023 • 1h 5min
Starmer’s Israel mis-step, by-elections and Covid angst
Keir Starmer’s potentially got his party into hot water this week over his position on Israel’s right to defend herself - what should he do next? And what risk does it pose to Labour support in any upcoming elections?Speaking of elections: As we await results of two by-elections, George and Ed give their predictions and share memories of outgoing Mid Bedfordshire MP Nadine Dorries. George has been giving evidence in the Covid-19 inquiry, which is back in session. It’s rumbling on quietly at the moment, but with some big names coming up, how will it disrupt the Conservative’s autumn plans?And the Institute for Fiscal Studies has released its annual Green Budget, but are we really headed for recession? And what else should Jeremy Hunt and Rachel Reeves be worried about?Email: questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukFollow us on social media: @polcurrencyProducers: Rosie Stopher and Paige Reynolds Production Manager: Flick HeathExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.