Political Currency

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.