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
Who's to blame for Boris's fall?
August 03, 2022 15:11 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBOn today's podcast, Katy Balls and James Forsyth discuss a sticking point for Rishi Sunak as he meets the membership – that he led a 'coup' to overthrow Boris Johnson. Whilst travelling the country, can he persuade the membership otherwise? Also today, a new YouGov poll of Conservative members gives Liz Truss a 34-point lead ahead of Rishi Sunak. Is there enough time for him to turn the tide? How many Tory members have already made up their minds? And finally, is GCHQ at risk of being hack...
Has Liz Truss had her first stumble?
August 02, 2022 13:38 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBLiz Truss has U-turned on a public worker pay plan announced just last night – the idea being that pay would reflect the cost of living in regional areas. What made her backtrack on the announcement? And how damaging has this been to her campaign? 'Any discussion of lowering pay right now is politically intolerable. Timing matters a lot here' - Kate Andrews. Also on the podcast, Kate and James discuss the political tensions behind 'fat cat' pay and windfall taxes on the day BP announce its...
Has Keir Starmer lost control over strikes?
August 01, 2022 11:52 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBThis morning, Lisa Nandy defied party orders by joining a picket line in Wigan to support striking BT and Openreach staff. This comes after last week, Keir Starmer sacked Sam Tarry MP, who went on an unauthorised media round at an RMT picket line. Similarly, Labour’s biggest union, Unite, threatened to pull all funding from the party over the Labour leader's refusal to back strike action. Is Keir Starmer losing control over his party? Also on the podcast, what's the latest on the Liz Truss ...
Andrew Neil vs Rishi Sunak. What happened?
July 29, 2022 19:51 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBRishi Sunak sat down this evening for a 30-minute interview with Andrew Neil. They covered the economy, the NHS, immigration and the former chancellor's personal finances. Sunak knew he was taking a risk in sitting down with Neil. Was it worth it? Max Jeffery speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews. Produced by Max Jeffery.
Is Truss unstoppable?
July 29, 2022 12:18 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBLiz Truss and Rishi Sunak were in Leeds yesterday for the first of the leadership hustings in front of Tory members. Truss put in an assured performance, while Sunak had to defend his announcement that he would cut VAT on energy bills, after saying that tax cuts would be 'immoral'. With little time left for the former chancellor to turn things around, is Truss unstoppable? Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Produced by Max Jeffery.
Labour's trade union troubles
July 28, 2022 16:48 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBYou can always count on Labour to descend into civil war while the media is focused on the Conservative party's in-fighting. After Keir Starmer fired a junior shadow transport minister, Sam Tarry, earlier this week for his involvement in the strike action, the left of the party has hit back, raising questions over Keir Starmer's leadership and the raison d'etre of the Labour party itself. Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Kate Andrews about the best line for Starmer to take, as this will n...
Has Rishi U-turned on tax cuts?
July 27, 2022 16:01 - 10 minutes - 9.26 MBHaving spent the last four debates suggesting that tax cuts are irresponsible and immoral, Rishi Sunak says he will cut VAT on energy bills if he becomes the next prime minister. Those defending him have suggested that this particular tax cut is temporary, it is funded and will help ease the cost of living crisis. Are they right? Katy Balls is joined by Kate Andrews. Produced by Natasha Feroze.
Has Rishi u-turned on tax cuts?
July 27, 2022 16:01 - 10 minutes - 9.26 MBRishi Sunak has proposed a VAT cut on energy bills should he become the next Prime Minister. Having spent the last four debates suggesting that tax cuts are irresponsible and immoral, this new policy announcement has opened him up to a lot of criticism. Those defending him have suggested that this particular tax cut is temporary, it is funded and will help ease the cost of living crisis. Are they right? Katy Balls is joined by Kate Andrews. Produced by Natasha Feroze
Can Rishi turn things around?
July 26, 2022 16:23 - 9 minutes - 8.79 MBYet another post debate poll, out today, shows that Tory members believe Liz Truss performed better in Monday evening's BBC debate. With the next week pivotal according to received wisdom (members are expected to vote soon after they receive their ballot papers), can Rishi Sunak turn things around in time? Katy Balls discusses with James Forsyth. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Truss vs Sunak: verdict on their first head to head
July 25, 2022 22:08 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MBFraser Nelson, James Forsyth, Isabel Hardman and Katy Balls give their analysis and snap reaction to Monday evening's first head-to-head debate between Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss. Was Rishi Sunak too aggressive? Or did Liz Truss's economic pledges get skewered? And ultimately, will this have changed any Conservative party member's mind?
Can the Tories come back together?
July 25, 2022 11:07 - 10 minutes - 9.66 MBThe Tory leadership contest is entering its third week, and becoming more bitter. Nadine Dorries, the culture secretary, today mocked Rishi Sunak for wearing a bespoke suit and Prada shoes while his rival Liz Truss would be travelling to the north of England wearing £4.50 earrings from Claire’s Accessories. ‘FFS Nadine! Muted.’ replied Tory MP Angela Richardson. Will whoever wins the contest be able to fix the party afterwards? Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman. Produced...
Why does Margaret Thatcher loom over the Tory leadership race?
July 23, 2022 09:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBIsabel Hardman speaks to Fraser Nelson, James Forsyth and Matthew Parris about the degree to which Margaret Thatcher still exerts a powerful influence over the 2022 Conservative leadership race, with both remaining candidates keen to invoke her legacy.
Why does Thatcher loom over the Tory leadership race?
July 23, 2022 09:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBIsabel Hardman speaks to Fraser Nelson, James Forsyth and Matthew Parris about the influence Margaret Thatcher exerts over the Conservative leadership race.
What do the polls tell us about Sunak vs Truss?
July 22, 2022 13:32 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBOver the next few weeks, Conservative party members will cast their votes on who they want to be the next Prime Minister. YouGov has released another poll suggesting that members have placed Liz Truss 24 points ahead of Rishi Sunak. 'This shows the difference between the parliamentary party from the membership at large' - Isabel Hardman. Ballots start to go out on the 1st of August, does Rishi Sunak have enough time to pull it back? Cindy Yu speaks to Isabel Hardman and James Forsyth.
Can Rishi catch up?
July 21, 2022 15:55 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBSo far, most polls of Tory members show that they'd prefer Liz Truss to Rishi Sunak when it comes to the next Conservative party leader. With ballots for the membership phase going out at the beginning of August, it's vitally important for Sunak to break through to members as soon as possible. Can he catch up? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Liz Truss vs Rishi Sunak: will the next phase be less rancorous?
July 20, 2022 16:37 - 10 minutes - 9.99 MBConservative MPs have chosen the final two candidates to be presented to the Tory membership in the final round of this leadership contest. Over the rest of the summer, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak will be travelling around the country to attend dozens of hustings with Tory members. Will this phase be less rancorous? Or will the divides between the two candidates only become more apparent? Isabel Hardman talks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Spectator Hustings: Penny Mordaunt, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss
July 19, 2022 19:01 - 1 hour - 57.6 MBOne of Penny Mordaunt, Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss will be Britain's next prime minister. What are the contenders' answers to the big questions facing Britain? Isabel Hardman spoke to Mordaunt (00:36), Sunak (21:17) and Truss (42:15).
Kemi out – are Tory MPs lending votes?
July 19, 2022 15:14 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBThere has been another elimination in the Tory leadership race. Break-out star Kemi Badenoch is out, with three remaining candidates left until tomorrow’s vote. Who will be the final two in the race? And are there signs of Tory MPs lending votes to manipulate the results? James Forsyth is joined by Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Cindy Yu and Natasha Feroze.
Can Truss catch up with Mordaunt?
July 18, 2022 20:05 - 10 minutes - 10 MBTom Tugendhat has been knocked out of the Tory leadership race. With Rishi Sunak leading the pack, and Liz Truss, Penny Mordaunt and Kemi Badenoch in a cluster behind, who will come out on top? Max Jeffery speaks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
What's behind the leadership debate boycott?
July 18, 2022 11:54 - 15 minutes - 14 MBThis morning, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss pulled out of the Sky News leadership debate, scheduled for tomorrow evening. What does this say for public scrutiny in Britain? 'I’m afraid to say if you want to be Prime Minister you need to be able to fight anywhere, any place, anytime' - Fraser Nelson. This evening, candidates will be whittled down to four remaining prospective leaders. Who do we expect to be knocked out and where will their votes go? Tune in again tonight for a second Coffee Hou...
Who won the second leadership debate?
July 17, 2022 20:13 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBIsabel Hardman, James Forsyth and Katy Balls pick through tonight’s ITV debate with the five candidates for Prime Minister.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 17/07/22
July 17, 2022 14:23 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBIsabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday's political shows. Featured today are Penny Mordaunt, Suella Braverman, Iain Duncan Smith, Dominic Raab and Bridget Phillipson.
Tory leadership debate – who won?
July 15, 2022 21:16 - 15 minutes - 14.8 MBIn the first televised Tory leadership debate, the five remaining candidates set out their stalls on trust in politics, tax cuts and the NHS ahead of the next round of voting on Monday. How did each candidate fare tonight? Katy Balls speaks to Isabel Hardman and James Forsyth.
How many MPs can Truss take from Braverman?
July 15, 2022 12:02 - 10 minutes - 9.33 MBThe ERG's favoured candidate, Suella Braverman, dropped out of the Tory leadership race last night. This morning, ERG chair Mark Francois said that he wanted the 60-strong group to now back Liz Truss. Will they? And looking ahead to tonight's Channel 4 debate, why does the format most benefit Kemi Badenoch? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Produced by Max Jeffery.
Can Penny Mordaunt hack the top job?
July 14, 2022 16:02 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBThe Tory briefing war continues to get underway, with David Frost launching a vicious broadside at Penny Mordaunt on talkRadio this morning. 'She wasn't fully accountable or visible. Sometimes I didn't even know where she was', Lord Frost said. On the episode, Cindy Yu talks to Isabel Hardman and James Forsyth about the latest round of the leadership ballot, where Suella Braverman has been culled, and look ahead to the weekend consisting of two TV debates, which present a make-or-break oppo...
Hunt and Zahawi out: who will mop up their supporters?
July 13, 2022 18:07 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBThe first ballot of the Tory leadership contest is now over, with Jeremy Hunt and Nadhim Zahawi knocked out as they weren't able to meet the 30 votes required in this round (on 18 votes, Hunt actually lost two supporters from yesterday's nomination round). The question of who their supporters fold in behind next is the biggest for the next 24 hours. On the podcast, Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls about the big night ahead for the remaining six leadership contenders, as well as...
Can Penny Mordaunt win it?
July 13, 2022 13:19 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBToday all candidates need 30 nominations to make it through to the next round. One dark horse in the race is Penny Mordaunt who is seen as Labour's greatest threat. This morning she held her official campaign launch in at Westminster's Cinnamon Club - promising to 'fix a broken Whitehall'. But will she be able to see off her rivals in the Tory leadership race? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
Can the leadership candidates take the heat?
July 12, 2022 13:13 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBAppropriately matched to the summer heatwave, the Tory leadership contest is hotting up. Whilst Grant Shapps has just pulled out and decided to back Rishi Sunak, candidates must secure nominations from at least 20 MPs by this evening to enter the contest. Who will go through to the next round? And are they ready to be Prime Minister? James Forsyth speaks to Katy Balls.
Who will win over the Tory right?
July 11, 2022 13:03 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBLiz Truss has today announced her candidacy for the Tory leadership. With Kemi Badenoch and Suella Braverman already looking to win votes from MPs on the right of the Conservative party, and with Jacob Rees-Mogg and Priti Patel also considering a run for the top job, who will become the candidate of the Tory right? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Produced by Max Jeffery.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 10/07/22
July 10, 2022 13:43 - 9 minutes - 8.32 MBIsabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday morning's political shows as the Conservative leadership race kicks off, featuring interviews with Sajid Javid, Jeremy Hunt, Grant Shapps, Yvette Cooper, David Davis and Tom Tugendhat.
What is Boris Johnson's legacy?
July 09, 2022 09:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBJames Forsyth speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls about what Boris Johnson has achieved and if he will leave a significant imprint as a result of his time in office.
Who wants to replace Boris?
July 08, 2022 13:34 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBThe Tory leadership race has begun. Some candidates, like Steve Baker and Suella Braverman, have already declared that they will be running. Others, like Nadhim Zahawi, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, are expected to announce their candidacy in the coming days. What are their platforms? How many MPs will hopefuls need to have supporting them to make it onto the ballot? What should the party look for in a new leader? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Produced by Max Jeffery.
Boris resigns. What next?
July 07, 2022 09:56 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBAfter fighting words briefed out to the papers overnight, this morning, the Prime Minister has finally decided to resign. A statement is expected today. On the episode, Katy Balls discusses with Isabel Hardman and Fraser Nelson whether he should have gone sooner (and the implications for the post-politics speaking circuit) and the leadership race that is about to start. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Boris refuses to resign – what next?
July 06, 2022 20:45 - 10 minutes - 9.79 MBDespite mass resignations and calls from newly appointed ministers to resign, Boris has dug his heels in and refused to leave. What will be his next moves? And are the rumours of a snap general election really on the cards? Isabel Hardman speaks to James Forsyth.
Is the end nigh for Boris?
July 06, 2022 16:04 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBAs several cabinet ministers have resigned, is it hours, days, weeks or months before Boris Johnson is kicked out? James Forsyth joins Katy Balls from the roof of Parliament.
Sunak and Javid resign. Now what?
July 05, 2022 18:26 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBRishi Sunak and Sajid Javid have resigned from government. In letters to the Prime Minister this evening, Sunak said the government 'cannot continue like this', while Javid told the PM that 'the situation will not change under your leadership.' Will more ministers now resign? And is this the end of Boris Johnson's premiership? Isabel Hardman speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Have Tory MPs reached breaking point?
July 05, 2022 11:32 - 9 minutes - 8.84 MBBoris Johnson was briefed 'in person' on a formal Whitehall complaint into Chris Pincher, a former Foreign Office official said today, despite No. 10 saying yesterday that the Prime Minister was unaware of specific allegations against the MP. With the government having to explain itself once again, how much more will Tory MPs take? Max Jeffery speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Subscribe to Isabel Hardman's Evening Blend newsletter at www.spectator.co.uk/evening-blend
What did Boris know about Chris Pincher?
July 04, 2022 16:49 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBBoris Johnson knew of media reports about Chris Pincher's conduct when he invited him to join the government, it emerged today. How serious a crisis is this for the government? And as the Prime Minister today returned from three international summits, was he able to put his domestic problems behind him in the Commons? Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 03/07/22
July 03, 2022 13:55 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBIsabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Today's podcast features Thérèse Coffey, Jonathan Reynolds, Andy Burnham, Dr Jenny Harries and Lord Richard Dannatt.
Will Nicola Sturgeon get her way?
July 02, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 9.91 MBIsabel Hardman speaks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson about Nicola Sturgeon’s latest plans to hold a referendum on Scottish independence on 19th October 2023, and whether they will even get off the ground.
Has Tory sleaze hit a new low?
July 01, 2022 12:50 - 15 minutes - 14 MBLast night Chris Pincher resigned from his role in the government - after 'drinking far too much' and 'embarrassing himself'. Witnesses reportedly saw the deputy chief whip 'groping' men at the Carlton Club in London. Also on the podcast, today is the 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to China. Can the government keep its promise to protect Hong Kong? Cindy Yu is joined by Isabel Hardman and James Forsyth.
Is the privileges committee a kangaroo court?
June 30, 2022 13:20 - 10 minutes - 9.85 MBAfter an eight-day world tour, Boris Johnson is back on British soil to come face-to-face with Tory MPs for the first time since the hammering by-election defeat. Meanwhile, the privileges committee begins with Harriet Harman as its chair. Critics have suggested this inquiry into whether The Prime Minister misled parliament over partygate risks becoming a 'kangaroo court'. Will this give Downing Street the chance to disregard the outcome of the inquiry? Also on the podcast, food tariffs ...
Does Nicola Sturgeon really want an independence referendum?
June 29, 2022 16:24 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBThe campaign for a second independence referendum is well and truly on, as Nicola Sturgeon tours the airwaves this week. But can the SNP will Indyref2 into existence, given Boris Johnson is very unlikely to allow it? Natasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth on the podcast, in which James suggests that, perhaps, Sturgeon doesn't even want an independence referendum right now.
Why did Tory rebels abstain from the NI Protocol Bill?
June 28, 2022 12:41 - 9 minutes - 9.18 MBThe Northern Ireland Protocol Bill passed its second reading last night with a majority of 74 votes. A number of Tory rebels voiced their opposition to the bill including former Prime Minister, Theresa May, Simon Hoare and Andrew Mitchell. However, despite vocal opposition, not one Tory MP voted against the bill – opting to abstain instead. Did the Whips office play a part in this? Also on the podcast, Nicola Sturgeon unveils her plans to have a second independence referendum, with or witho...
Is Boris being too bullish?
June 27, 2022 10:20 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBAfter a bruising few days, Boris Johnson remains bullish suggesting his intentions to stay in Downing Street for a third term. Is this rattling Tory MPs? Also on the podcast, a Cabinet reshuffle may be approaching. Who is under threat and why? Isabel Hardman is joined by Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Produced by Natasha Feroze.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 26/06/22
June 26, 2022 14:27 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBIsabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows, with Brandon Lewis, David Lammy, João Vale de Almeida and Sir Ed Davey.
Will 2024 see an avalanche of tactical voting?
June 25, 2022 09:00 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBIsabel Hardman talks to James Forsyth and James Johnson of the J.L. Partners polling company, about how much the Conservative party has to fear from tactical votes at the next election.
Is Boris Johnson heading for a 1997 moment?
June 24, 2022 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.57 MBIn a major blow, the Conservatives have lost two seats in the Tiverton and Wakefield by-elections. Immediately after, the Conservative party chairman, Oliver Dowden resigned citing 'a deeply personal decision' following a 'run of very poor results for our party'. The Lib Dems overturned a huge Tory majority in Tiverton and Honiton, Devon, their third by-election victory over Boris Johnson's party in a year. What does this suggest about the public mood towards their current government? ‘At...
Can the government prevent a 'bummer summer'?
June 23, 2022 17:10 - 10 minutes - 9.39 MBToday, British Airways staff have voted have a strike of their own, adding to the government's woes as rail workers continue to strike throughout this week. On the podcast, James Forsyth adopts a term from the Americans and asks: can the government prevent a 'bummer summer', where nothing quite works? Cindy Yu also talks to Katy Balls, who gives the low down on the risks the Prime Minister is taking on with his eight days foreign trip at a time of two by-elections back home. Produced by Cin...
Are the latest inflation figures worrying for the government?
June 22, 2022 16:15 - 9 minutes - 8.69 MBThe inflation figures released today suggest that inflation has risen at the highest rate in 40 years. Now at 9.1 per cent, some may say this is good news because the rate at which inflation is increasing has in fact slowed down. However, on the podcast, our economics editor, Kate Andrews suggests we are nowhere near the peak yet. How worried should the government be over these figures? Also on the podcast, the strikes took centre stage at PMQs today, how much trouble is Keir Starmer in wit...