Coffee House Shots
2,109 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★ - 134 ratingsInstant political analysis from the Spectator's top team of writers, including Fraser Nelson, Isabel Hardman, Katy Balls, James Heale and many others.
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Episodes
What wasn't included in Labour's manifesto
June 13, 2024 16:39 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBKeir Starmer launched Labour's manifesto today, but how much did we actually learn about their plans for government? And with no rabbits pulled out of the proverbial hat, how do they plan to achieve growth? Kate Andrews and Starmer's biographer Tom Baldwin joined Katy Balls to discuss. Tom also provided some insight into Angela Rayner's election bus, including a surprising admission about a lettuce... Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Join the Coffee House Shots team for a post-election live r...
Sunak vs Starmer – who came out on top?
June 12, 2024 21:49 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBKaty Balls and Kate Andrews speak to Natasha Feroze after the Battle for No.10 leadership interviews. The two leaders gave their pitch to a live audience and viewers at home. But who came out on top?
Why are Tories talking about a Labour Super Majority?
June 12, 2024 14:01 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBGrant Shapps has been speaking to media this morning and warning that a Labour landslide would be 'very bad news' for the country. Is the acknowledgement that Labour could seriously damage the Tories a slip of the tongue, or a new strategy for the Tories? Elsewhere, the interview that Rishi Sunak left D Day commemorations for is airing tonight. In a controversial moment, when asked what he had to go without as a child, he says Sky TV... Megan McElroy speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls...
Is Sunak's cautious manifesto a mistake?
June 11, 2024 13:38 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBConservatives hoping to turn their fortunes around with the publication of the party's manifesto have been disappointed. The document contained little by way of surprises or rabbits, and despite Sunak's pledge that the Conservatives are the party of tax cutting, the new costings show that the tax burden will continue to rise. Katy Balls talks to James Heale and Kate Andrews. Join the Coffee House Shots team for a live recording on Thursday 11 July. Get tickets at spectator.co.uk/live. Prod...
Why has Douglas Ross resigned as Scottish Tory leader?
June 10, 2024 11:38 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBJust when you thought this election campaign couldn’t get any more tumultuous, Douglas Ross has announced he will resign as Scottish Conservative leader. He had lost the support of his colleagues – particularly those in Holyrood – following his decision to effectively take over a Westminster colleague’s constituency when that MP was seriously ill in hospital. Why now? Michael Simmons speaks to Isabel Hardman and Katy Balls. The Spectator will be hosting a special Live edition of Coffee ...
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 09/06/2024
June 09, 2024 16:04 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBIsabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Mel Stride defends the prime minister after his D-Day gaffe. Farage criticises Sunak, and Amber Rudd criticises Farage. Meanwhile, Labour's Shabana Mahmood and the SNP's Stephen Flynn speak about their own parties' priorities. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.
Nigel Farage's Conservative manifesto
June 08, 2024 11:11 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBLast night, leaders and senior representatives from seven political parties went head to head in the latest TV debate. But who came out on top? Katy Balls speaks to James Heale and Fraser Nelson.
Will Labour's manifesto contain a surprise?
June 07, 2024 15:17 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBOvernight, details of Labour's manifesto were leaked. There are several new policies, but how surprising are they, and how will they land with voters? Elsewhere, Rishi Sunak has denied he planned to skip D Day events altogether since our episode this morning. Can the row get any worse? James Heale speaks to Isabel Hardman and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair.
Why did Sunak leave the D-Day commemorations early?
June 07, 2024 08:30 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBIt's yet another gaffe for Rishi Sunak. At yesterday’s D Day anniversary celebrations when it came time for official photographs with Joe Biden, Olaf Scholz and Emmanuel Macron, it was Lord Cameron, not Rishi Sunak, who did the honours for Britain. With the prime minister reportedly leaving early to do a pre-recorded political interview with ITV. He has since apologised, but can he bounce back from this one? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Oscar Edmon...
Has there been a CCHQ candidates stitch up?
June 06, 2024 12:01 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBConservative grassroots are up in arms over the installment of Tory party chairman, Richard Holden, as the candidate for Basildon and Billericay, a safe seat. The local association was given a shortlist of one by CCHQ. Katy Balls talks to James Heale and commentator and Conservative peer, Paul Goodman. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Who won the first leaders' debate?
June 05, 2024 16:36 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBLast night, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer went head-to-head in the first TV debate of the campaign. They clashed on a variety of topics, including housing, the NHS, and immigration. But who came out on top? Katy Balls speaks to Kate Andrews and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Megan McElroy.
What would it take for Sunak to have a breakthrough?
June 04, 2024 14:43 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBSome Conservatives have put their hopes on tonight's TV debate as a breakthrough moment for the lacklustre and disorganised Tory campaign, but will it really be a gamechanger? James Heale talks to Isabel Hardman about why she's sceptical, and to the pollster Chris Hopkins at Savanta about why the Tories just aren't closing that poll gap. Produced by Megan McElroy and Cindy Yu.
Could Farage crush the Tories?
June 03, 2024 18:29 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBThis afternoon a wildcard was thrown into the election – the return of Nigel Farage. He will be standing for the Reform party at Clacton, the one parliamentary seat that Ukip had held. What will this mean for the Conservatives? James Heale talks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Cindy Yu.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 02/06/2024
June 02, 2024 16:41 - 15 minutes - 14 MBIsabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Division in the Labour Party as Keir Starmer belatedly approves Diane Abbott as a candidate, while others in Labour claim they were offered seats in the House of Lords to stand aside for different candidates. Meanwhile, Victoria Atkins talks up her Pharmacy First initiative, Yvette Cooper wants migration to come down (we're not sure by how much), Green co-leader Adrian Ramsay is asked about meat rationing, and Trump's...
Can Keir handle Trump?
June 01, 2024 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBThe news that Donald Trump has been convicted of 34 felonies meant that the Labour leader faced questions about the former president on Friday morning, rather than the Diane Abbott selection storm. On his visit to Scotland, Starmer told the BBC that a Labour government would be willing to work with ‘whoever’ was elected in November’s presidential contest. But how would Starmer deal with Trump? James Heale speaks to Kate Andrews and Freddy Gray.
Can Keir Starmer control the Labour left?
May 31, 2024 06:00 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBKeir Starmer has began a purge of pre-existing candidates and MPs who risk frustrating their election campaign. There is an ongoing row about whether Diane Abbott, the former shadow home secretary, will be barred from standing. Angela Rayner has now weighed in saying she 'sees no reason why Diane Abbott can't stand for Labour'. Could this become a problem for Keir Starmer? James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Paul Goodman. Produced by Natasha Feroze and Oscar Edmondson.
Starmer purges the Corbynites
May 30, 2024 11:30 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBKeir Starmer is now putting the final touches to this with a last minute purge of pre-existing candidates and MPs who risk frustrating their election campaign. There is an ongoing row about whether Diane Abbott, the former shadow home secretary, will be barred from standing, but who else might join her? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Is Diane Abbott in or out?
May 29, 2024 12:15 - 10 minutes - 9.72 MBThe drama in Westminster never seems to end. Last night the Times reported that the Labour party would not allow veteran MP Diane Abbott to represent the party at the upcoming general election. Abbott has reportedly been given the Labour whip back as a middle way, causing something of a backlash. Seeking to clarify the situation, Keir Starmer has today insisted that, 'no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbot' and that 'she is a member of the parliamentary Labour party.' What's going on?...
Who's winning the TikTok election battle?
May 28, 2024 14:43 - 11 minutes - 11 MBDays into the election campaign and parties are scrambling to get their message out on social media. With both Labour and the Conservatives joining TikTok, who has a stronger message? Katy Balls speaks to Sean Topham, co-founder of Topham Guerin who ran the Conservative's 2019 social media campaign.
The Dunkirk Strategy
May 28, 2024 08:57 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBThe Conservatives have unveiled a new pensions policy: the 'Triple Lock Plus'. What does it mean and what's the thinking behind it? Will it help shore up the Tories' core vote? Katy Balls and Focaldata's James Kanagasooriam join Natasha Feroze to discuss. Produced by Natasha Feroze and Patrick Gibbons.
Does Keir Starmer have enough to say?
May 27, 2024 12:51 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBKeir Starmer set out his first major speech to kick of Labour's general election campaign. The Labour leader prioritised national security, a strong economy and the borders. But with a 'policy light' campaign – has he done enough? Kate Andrews speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson.
Sunak: let’s bring back national service
May 26, 2024 09:00 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBThe first big new policy announcement of the election campaign is in from the Tories, and it’s likely to be a talker. Where Keir Starmer appears to be opting for a ‘ming vase’ strategy – trying not to rock the boat ahead of polling day – the Tories are leaning towards the opposite. At 20 points behind in the polls, aides believe they need headline-grabbing, bold policies in order to get the public’s attention. The first of which is the return of mandatory national service. What's the thinkin...
What does a July election mean for the SNP?
May 25, 2024 14:00 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBWe have spoken a lot on the podcast this week about how a July election could be disastrous for the Conservatives, but what about the SNP? With arrests, investigations, resignations and a recent leadership change, it looks as though a snap election couldn't come at a worse time for the Scottish nationalists. Katy Balls speaks to Lucy Dunn and Fergus Mutch, former head of communications for the SNP.
Where has Rishi Sunak gone?
May 25, 2024 10:03 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBIt's day four of the election campaign, and some people are asking 'where is Rishi Sunak?' Elsewhere, Michael Gove has joined the growing Tory exodus and announced he won't be standing for re-election. Megan McElroy speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls. Produced by Megan McElroy.
What‘s behind the Tory exodus?
May 25, 2024 10:03 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBIt's day four of the election campaign, and Michael Gove has joined the growing Tory exodus and announced he's standing down at the election. What's behind his decision, and how will it affect Rishi Sunak? Megan McElroy speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls. Produced by Megan McElroy.
Is the Labour lead as big as it seems?
May 24, 2024 08:57 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBBoth major party leaders are hitting the road today and campaigning in Scotland, which will be a major battleground in the coming election. Labour looks comfortably in the lead, but is that number accurate to what's happening on the ground? Cindy Yu and Katy Balls talk to Focaldata's James Kanagasooriam about their latest analysis. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Why has the election been called now?
May 23, 2024 15:04 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBLess than 24 hours after Rishi Sunak's surprise election announcement, we look ahead to the parties' campaigns. What has been the fall out? How have Labour responded to the shock news? And why didn't Rishi have an umbrella? James Heale is joined by Isabel Hardman and former Labour adviser John McTernan to discuss. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
Sunak's biggest gamble yet: a July election
May 22, 2024 18:04 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBRishi Sunak has called a general election on July 4. A new parliament will be summoned on 9 July and the state opening will be on 17 July. Is a summer election a wise decision? Katy Balls and James Heale discuss from parliament. Produced by Natasha Feroze.
Is an election about to be called?
May 22, 2024 13:39 - 10 minutes - 9.66 MBWestminster is awash with rumours today that the Prime Minister is about to call an election. On this episode, Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about where this speculation is coming from and how seriously to take them. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Is there finally good news for the government?
May 21, 2024 15:49 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBThe IMF has upgraded the 2024 economic forecast for the UK. What does this mean for the government and could more good news follow this week? And, with speeches on tax, benefit crackdowns and tackling anti-semitism, what should we make of all this political activity? Will we see the return of 'the hot lectern guy'? Kate Andrews and James Heale join Katy Balls to discuss. Produced by Patrick Gibbons
Infected blood scandal was ‘no accident’, says report
May 20, 2024 16:30 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBThe Infected Blood Inquiry has finally concluded after a five-year investigation. This lunchtime, the inquiry’s chair Sir Brian Langstaff said thousands of deaths could have been prevented and the ‘worst ever’ NHS scandal, which saw thousands of Britons between 1970 and 1998 become infected by contaminated blood, could ‘largely, though not entirely, have been avoided’. Will the NHS change after change after this latest scandal? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 19/05/2024
May 19, 2024 13:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBIsabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Grant Shapps talks about defence spending and the infected blood scandal. Wes Streeting is asked about Starmer's new pledges. And Piers Morgan denies knowing anything about phone hacking. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.
The whips' office and their woes
May 18, 2024 09:00 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBThere have been two recent defections from the Conservatives to Labour. There's lots of chatter in parliament about a potential third defector. In this Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots, Katy Balls and James Heale hear from Gyles Brandreth, former MP and broadcaster. He takes us back to what it was like working in the whips' office in the 1990s, and ask if he thinks there are more defections to come. You can read Gyles' diary in The Spectator here: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/...
Can Hunt answer the Reagan question?
May 17, 2024 12:49 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBRonald Reagan famously asked voters: 'are you better off than you were four years ago?' At the next election, the Tories face a public thinking over the last fourteen years. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt gave a speech today defending the UK's record tax levels and attacking Labour's economic plans. But who should we trust more on tax? Fraser Nelson and James Heale join Katy Balls to discuss. Produced by Megan McElroy and Patrick Gibbons.
Has Starmer scaled down his pledges?
May 16, 2024 17:24 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBKeir Starmer has unveiled his six election pledges. In a nod to Tony Blair's 1997 election card, the Labour leader has announced key promises to the public should they win the election. How are the commitments being received, and what will the impact of his speech be? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Stephen Bush, Associate Editor at the Financial Times.
What's Keir Starmer's election plan?
May 16, 2024 17:24 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBKeir Starmer has unveiled his six election pledges. In a nod to Tony Blair's 1997 election card, the Labour leader has announced key promises to the public should they win the election. How are the commitments being received, and what will the impact of his speech be? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Stephen Bush, Associate Editor at the Financial Times.
Starmer fluffs his lines at PMQs
May 15, 2024 16:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBThere were no defections today at Prime Minister’s Questions, which probably put Keir Starmer in a slightly stronger position, ironically, given the fuss about Natalie Elphicke crossing the floor last week. The focus was on justice and both the PM and Starmer came up with some new attack lines, but the delivery was – in parts – decidedly lacking. Who came out on top? Cindy Yu speaks to Isabel Hardman and James Heale. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson.
Is Natalie Elphicke an unlikely hero?
May 14, 2024 16:57 - 15 minutes - 14 MBLucy Dunn speaks to Katy Balls and former Blair advisor John McTernan about the one vote that won plans to exclude MPs from parliament arrested on suspicion of serious sexual offence. After Keir Starmer faced criticism for allowing her into the party, could some of her greatest critics now see the perks? Also is Labour about the water down the plans for workers' rights?
Will Sunak's fighting talk work?
May 13, 2024 14:28 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBRishi Sunak delivered a pre-election speech this morning setting out the dividing lines at the next election: security with the Tories or risk with Labour. Will it be enough to shift the dial? And is the Natalie Elphicke defection still haunting Keir Starmer? Natasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 12/05/24
May 12, 2024 20:06 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBIsabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Natalie Elphicke's defection to Labour is another blow to the Tories, but could she prove more trouble than she's worth for Starmer? David Cameron says the UK will continue to provide arms to Israel, but Labour disagrees. And as Russian attacks gather pace in Ukraine, Cameron says Ukraine's allies will prevail if they work together. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.
Can John Swinney turn it around for the SNP?
May 11, 2024 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MBJohn Swinney, newly inaugurated First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the SNP, has been in the job for a week. What have we learnt since he took up the job, and can he turn things around for the party in time for a general election? James Heale speaks to Lucy Dunn and Fergus Mutch, former SNP adviser. Produced by Megan McElroy.
The UK leaves recession – but is it too late for the Tories?
May 10, 2024 11:04 - 10 minutes - 9.39 MBThe Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed this morning that the UK confined its technical recession to 2023. The economy grew by 0.6 per cent in the first three months of the year, thanks in large part to stronger-than-expected growth in March, which reached 0.4 per cent. But is the plan really working? Also on the podcast, Keir Starmer gave a speech in Dover this morning on Labour's plans to stop the boats. He also took the opportunity to unveil new Labour MP Natalie Elphicke. Is...
Can Lammy charm Trump?
May 09, 2024 16:11 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBThis week, shadow foreign secretary David Lammy is stateside, meeting with senior advisors to Donald Trump and hoping to charm them. Meanwhile, David Cameron gives his first set-piece policy speech. Who is the more credible statesman? Cindy Yu talks to James Heale and Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Why does Labour want Natalie Elphicke?
May 08, 2024 16:35 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBThe MP for Dover, Natalie Elphicke, has shocked MPs and pundits across the political spectrum by defecting to the Labour party today. In her resignation letter, she accused the Conservative party for having 'abandoned' the 'centre ground'. But for someone who has vocally criticised Labour in the past, how helpful is Elphicke's defection? Oscar Edmondson talks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Cindy Yu.
Will there really be a hung parliament?
May 07, 2024 12:27 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBIt's the first day back after the local elections. Following Thursday's results, some polling suggests that if the votes were replicated in a general election, there might be a hung parliament. Could this be a reality? The Spectator's James Heale and Katy Balls are joined by Chris Hopkins, Political Research Director at Savanta. Produced by Megan McElroy.
What does Andy Street's defeat mean for Rishi Sunak?
May 05, 2024 11:39 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBThe local elections results are in, and the Conservatives have lost more than 450 council seats. After a full recount, Labour’s Richard Parker beat Andy Street to become West Midlands mayor, with only around 1500 votes in it. What does his loss mean for Rishi Sunak, and where do the overall results leave him? Katy Balls and James Heale speak to Megan McElroy. Produced by Megan McElroy.
Have the Tories avoided a local election catastrophe?
May 03, 2024 13:45 - 9 minutes - 9.15 MBRishi Sunak can breathe a (small) sigh of relief. Ben Houchen, the so-called ‘patron saint of the red wall’, has won a third term as Tees Valley mayor. Houchen secured 53.6 per cent of the vote with Labour in second place with 41.3 per cent, despite some polls in advance suggesting it was neck-and-neck between the Tories and Labour. The Conservatives have undeniably had one of their worst nights for a generation, but are there some silver linings? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Frase...
Labour triumphs in Blackpool as Tories suffer heavy losses
May 03, 2024 07:47 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBIt's looking like the worst night for the Conservatives in 40 years. The prediction – that the Tories will lose about half of the council seats they are defending – looks on track so far. Labour comfortably won the Blackpool South by-election with a 26 per cent swing and it has also taken several key councils, including Rushmoor which has been Tory-run for the last 24 years. A Gaza backlash has seen Labour lose Oldham while the Conservatives have suffered a string of council losses, coming w...
Can Ben Houchen save Rishi Sunak?
May 01, 2024 16:11 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBTomorrow, voters go to the polls for the last set of local elections in this parliament, alongside 11 mayoral elections in England, 37 police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales plus the London Assembly elections. Could Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, help turn Rishi Sunak's fortunes around? You can read James Heale's assessment of the key battlegrounds here. Also on the podcast, a look at rumours that Labour are in talks to water down their employment policies. Lucy D...
Will the Tories' mental health focus backfire?
April 30, 2024 16:59 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MBAs figures now show there are 2.8 million people claiming out-of-work benefits, Rishi Sunak gave a speech looking at welfare reform. But with more and more people off work for mental health related issues, could the Tories’ focus backfire if the public think they’re trivialising mental health? Also on the podcast, a look ahead to the mayoral elections. James Heale discusses with Isabel Hardman and Luke Tryl, UK Director at More in Common. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.