
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

4 snips
Oct 12, 2023 • 51min
Israel-Gaza: What are Sunak and Starmer privately thinking?
The podcast discusses the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict and its impact on the global economy. It also focuses on Keir Starmer's performance at the Labour conference, the potential influence of building more homes on the housing market, and the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers. The podcast provides insights into the relationship between Netanyahu and President Biden, analyzes the economic implications of the conflict, and explores the meaning of a three-line whip in politics.

Oct 5, 2023 • 1h
Is Sunak tearing the Tories apart?
The hosts analyze Rishi Sunak's speech and its effectiveness for the Tories. They discuss the turmoil in America and potential impacts on British politics. The chapter also explores Labour's unfunded commitment to HS2 and the shifting support for Ukraine. They touch on the potential tax on private schools in the UK and analyze the financial markets' view on future interest rates. The hosts also discuss their admiration for parliamentarians and address a listener question about HS2.

Sep 28, 2023 • 49min
Suella, conference mayhem and a mystery turd...
Suella Braverman has caused a row this week after her controversial comments on Britain’s immigration policy. Ed and George argue over whether she took the right approach. The Conservative party prepares to head off to its conference. Why is this a critical moment for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak?Is Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s support for HS3 a gift to Sunak, and a disaster for HS2?And why did George and David Cameron have to scoop a turd out of Rupert Murdoch’s pool?Email: questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukFollow us on social media: @polcurrencyProducer: Paige ReynoldsProduction Manager: Flick HeathExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordThis is a Persephonica Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 21, 2023 • 48min
Sunak cuts the ‘green crap’
Is Boris Johnson the real target of Rishi Sunak’s rollback of green policies? George reveals there is a split in the Conservative party over rumours that the government will abandon its HS2 expansion. The Bank of England leaves interest rates unchanged - should we be surprised? And why we should be paying attention to the escalating row over the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil.Email: questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukFollow us on social media: @polcurrencyProducers: Rosie StopherProduction Manager: Flick HeathExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordThis is a Persephonica Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 14, 2023 • 45min
HS2 in doubt, China spies and the triple lock
Jeremy Hunt's pre-election tax cuts, the uncertainty surrounding the HS2 project, and allegations of Chinese spies in Parliament. The hosts discuss their own experiences with espionage, the impact of oil price spikes, and the potential consequences of canceling the HS2 project. They also explore the timing of raising certain topics, the implications of inflation and global oil prices on British politics, and provide tips for politics A-level students. Additionally, they touch on the role of nostalgia in politics and the importance of excitement and optimism in British politics.

Sep 10, 2023 • 16min
Introducing... Political Currency
Welcome to Political Currency! Before we bring you our first episode this Thursday, 14th September, we thought we'd tell you what our podcast is all about.Ed Balls and George Osborne will take you behind closed doors into the rooms where decisions are made. Having battled it out across the despatch box, the former Chancellor and shadow chancellor are now meeting 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.If you have questions for Ed and George, email: questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukFind us on social media @polcurrencyPolitical Currency is a Persephonica production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.