Political Fix
598 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★ - 61 ratingsThe Financial Times takes you into the corridors of power to unwrap, analyse and debate British politics with a regular lineup of FT correspondents and informed commentators. New episodes available every Friday.
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Episodes
Is Rishi Sunak’s net zero U-turn a vote-winner?
September 22, 2023 14:07 - 32 minutes - 44.1 MBRishi Sunak sparked a fierce backlash from eco-minded Tories, as well as fury from industry, over his rowback on net zero policies. But will his gamble pay off with voters? Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Robert Shrimsley and George Parker to discuss how it plays in electoral terms. The FT’s Jim Pickard meanwhile delves into the details of the impact on electric vehicles and the auto sector. Plus, the gang examines Keir Starmer’s major intervention on relations with the EU. Follow Lucy on...
Keir Starmer's small boats gamble
September 15, 2023 14:22 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBThe Labour leader Keir Starmer is attempting to seize the initiative on dealing with clandestine immigration. Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Stephen Bush and Miranda Green to examine his plan to strike a returns deal with the EU. Plus, political editor George Parker joins the pod to chew over his recent interview with Tony Blair, and the fallout from allegations of Chinese espionage in Westminster. Follow Lucy on X, formerly Twitter: @LOS_Fisher Read a transcript of this episode on FT.c...
The weight of the UK’s concrete crisis
September 07, 2023 17:49 - 27 minutes - 25 MBAs hundreds of schoolchildren are forced out of their classrooms by unsafe buildings, the FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and columnist Stephen Bush to discuss the government’s handling of the crumbling concrete crisis. Plus, the FT’s William Wallis is in Birmingham to assess the damage to the city’s services as the country’s biggest local authority declares itself bankrupt, and Lucy, Stephen and Robert consider the winners and lose...
Political Fix special: Live at the FT Weekend Festival
September 05, 2023 14:09 - 46 minutes - 106 MBFT Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher hosts a panel of Michael Gove, secretary of state for levelling up, FT deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and Stephen Bush, FT columnist and writer of the Inside Politics newsletter. They discuss government policy on education, housing, the environment and next year’s electoral prospects. Want more? Get the FT’s award-winning Inside Politics newsletter free for 90 days here Follow Lucy on X, formerly known as Twitter, @LOS_Fisher Presented by Lucy Fish...
PM rewards loyalists in mini-shuffle
September 01, 2023 13:45 - 27 minutes - 62.7 MBRishi Sunak has prepared for the new political term with a mini-shuffle, promoting his closest political ally Claire Coutinho to energy secretary and Grant Shapps to defence secretary. What do the limited changes say about the PM’s grip on his party? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Stephen Bush and political correspondent Anna Gross to analyse the shake-up. Plus, what, if anything, did James Cleverly’s visit to China achieve? And Lucy is also joined by the FT’s p...
Could a reshuffle revitalise Sunak’s government?
August 25, 2023 13:23 - 35 minutes - 49.3 MBIt’s almost time to wave goodbye to the summer, but is Rishi Sunak also poised to bid farewell to some of his ministers? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Stephen Bush and political editor George Parker to discuss a cabinet shake up. Plus, the FT’s US political correspondent Lauren Fedor beams in from Washington to analyse the status of Donald Trump’s political campaign and legal cases, considering the implications for the UK of the result of next year’s race for t...
Britain’s intergenerational unfairness: reality or myth?
August 18, 2023 14:01 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MBIt’s been a week of results: economic data that lays the path for a steep rise in the state pension, followed by A-Level results that saw tens of thousands of pupils miss out on top grades. Is it a good time to be old and a tough time to be young? The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by columnists Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to consider the question. Plus, the FT’s Ireland correspondent Jude Webber analyses the deepening crisis caused by the data breach at the Police Service of Northern Ireland...
The Tories’ battle over asylum seekers
August 11, 2023 13:17 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MBAfter months of delay and safety concerns, the first asylum seekers were marched up the gangplank of the Bibby Stockholm barge this week. If they don’t like the vessel, they can ‘f*** off back to France’, was the eyebrow-raising verdict of Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson. The senior Tory MP made a second startling statement: a public admission the government has ‘failed’ on migration. Lucy Fisher is joined by FT columnists Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green to rake through the facts. They ...
Rishi Sunak’s dash for oil and gas
August 03, 2023 20:38 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBRishi Sunak calculates that by portraying himself as “on the side” of motorists and adopting a “pragmatic and proportionate” approach to climate change, he’s aligning himself with the views of middle Britain. Is he right? The FT’s Lucy Fisher weighs up the question with columnists Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush. They also consider the Labour party’s chances in a key autumn by-election in its former stronghold of Scotland. Plus, Lucy and political editor George Parker unpick what it will t...
The end of the green consensus?
July 28, 2023 15:18 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MBRishi Sunak has signalled he plans to soften his eco policies to avoid heaping extra “hassle” and expense on the British public. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Robert Shrimsley and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to examine the government’s shifting approach to net zero. They also dissect Nigel Farage’s battle with Coutts bank, while public policy editor Peter Foster discusses the graduates suing UK universities for damages over Covid disruption. Follow Lucy on Twitter @LO...
By-elections special: Tories face double blow, but avoid 3-0 drubbing
July 21, 2023 16:15 - 25 minutes - 35.1 MBThe Conservatives faced a rout in both Selby and Somerton, but is their narrow win in Uxbridge enough to lift the party’s mood? Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s political editor George Parker and columnists Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to fillet the results of this week’s hat trick of by-elections. Plus, since it’s the end of term, the panel offers its political report cards. Want more? Read for free: UK Conservatives lose two seats after big by-election swings to Labour and Lib Dems T...
Are the Tories stuck in a 'doom loop'?
July 14, 2023 15:01 - 31 minutes - 43.3 MBMiranda Green is joined by FT columnists Stephen Bush and Robert Shrimsley to ask whether there’s any way out of the economic and political "doom loop" afflicting Rishi Sunak’s government. Plus, the FT’s political editor George Parker discusses UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s plans to boost growth. And with three by-elections coming up, the FT’s Anna Gross reports on the mood in Somerset, where the Liberal Democrats hope to win. Follow Miranda on Twitter @greenmiranda Read a transcript of thi...
Keir Starmer’s bid to smash the class ceiling
July 07, 2023 16:54 - 27 minutes - 38 MBAs Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer sketches out his vision for education, the FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnists Stephen Bush and Robert Shrimsley to discuss how to boost vocational training. Plus, the NHS reaches 75 - but is there much to celebrate? The FT’s global health editor Sarah Neville gives the service a health check. And will Threads overtake Twitter as the premier social network for political chat? Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_Fisher Want more? Badly run...
The crisis facing the UK water industry
June 30, 2023 13:30 - 31 minutes - 43 MBPressure is growing on the UK’s water sector, as swelling debt threatens to overwhelm Thames Water and other companies. What is the remedy for the country’s sewage and water woes? Lucy Fisher discusses the options with the FT’s infrastructure correspondent Gill Plimmer. Plus the FT’s Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green discuss the Court of Appeal ruling against the government’s plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. And with by-elections approaching, Lucy visits Boris Johnson’s former const...
Inflation pain: who will UK voters blame?
June 23, 2023 14:15 - 27 minutes - 62.1 MBSoaring interest rates are alarming mortgage holders and could derail the UK government’s strategy for re-election. This week Lucy Fisher is joined by regular FT panellists Stephen Bush and George Parker to assess the political fallout from the latest rate rise. Plus the FT’s economics editor Chris Giles considers whether the Bank of England deserves criticism, while consumer editor Claer Barrett assesses the damage to Britons’ finances. Follow Lucy on Twitter @LOS_Fisher Read a transcript...
The damning verdict on Boris Johnson
June 16, 2023 15:52 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBThe blistering report into Boris Johnson’s behaviour by the House of Commons privileges committee casts doubt over his political future. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by FT columnists Stephen Bush and Miranda Green to discuss the committee’s brutal conclusions — and where the former prime minister goes next. Plus, the FT’s Scotland correspondent Lukanyo Mnyanda joins Lucy from Edinburgh for an update on the turmoil engulfing the ruling Scottish National Party. Follow Lucy ...
Rishi Sunak and the 'real good' special relationship
June 09, 2023 17:00 - 30 minutes - 42.4 MBRishi Sunak and Joe Biden have agreed a new ‘Atlantic declaration’ to improve UK trade ties with the US. What does it tell us about the bilateral relationship now? Lucy Fisher is joined by FT columnist Miranda Green and UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley to weigh up the prime minister’s Washington trip. Plus, the FT’s political editor George Parker drops in from DC and Lucy is joined by chief political correspondent, Jim Pickard, to discuss the way Keir Starmer has reshaped the ...
The Boris Johnson WhatsApp psychodrama
June 02, 2023 15:03 - 32 minutes - 44 MBRishi Sunak’s government is heading to court to challenge the Covid inquiry’s right to demand ministers’ unredacted messages, following a row over Boris Johnson’s WhatsApp messages. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by columnist Miranda Green and UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley to discuss the saga. Plus, the FT’s global health editor Sarah Neville tells Lucy why more staff alone won’t solve the NHS’s problems. And the panel members reveal their musical tastes - ...
Rishi Sunak’s immigration conundrum
May 26, 2023 17:32 - 32 minutes - 44.6 MBPrime Minister Rishi Sunak has said net migration is too high following data showing that it hit a record last year, but he insists it’s not out of control. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher digs into the political debate over immigration with columnist Stephen Bush and chief political commentator Rober Shrimsley. Also, what to make of the Cabinet Office referring Boris Johnson to the police over further potential breaches of coronavirus regulations? Plus, Northern England correspondent ...
Does Rishi Sunak have an industrial strategy?
May 19, 2023 17:27 - 27 minutes - 37.6 MBCritics claim the Tories lack an industrial strategy and three former business secretaries have said that this fails to prepare Britain for the future. George Parker, the FT’s political editor, hears from Greg Clark, one of those former ministers, and industry correspondent Sylvia Pfeiffer. Plus, Labour leader Keir Starmer’s recent speeches reveal much about the conservatism of the country - an issue that will be key in the general election expected next year. Chief political commentator Rob...
Inflation and migration: Sunak’s problematic pledges
May 14, 2023 16:00 - 29 minutes - 40.9 MBCutting inflation and stopping small-boat migration are two of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s five core priorities, but there's no let-up in inflation or unhappiness with the government's policy on asylum seekers. George Parker, the FT’s political editor, discusses with economics correspondent Delphine Strauss and economics editor Chris Giles how far off target the government is. Plus, the UK’s stretched public finances are braced for a hit of up to £10bn in compensation claims for those affec...
Local elections: How bad was it for the Conservatives?
May 05, 2023 17:52 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MBFor Prime Minister Rishi Sunak the results were ‘disappointing’, Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer claimed his party was heading for power and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey wore a ‘Cheshire cat’ grin. What do this week’s local elections in England show about the likely direction of the next general election? Host George Parker discusses with columnist Stephen Bush, Northern England correspondent Jennifer Williams and the FT’s new Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher. Presented by George Parker. Produced by A...
Wooing business: will it work?
April 28, 2023 17:23 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBRishi Sunak has launched a charm offensive to win back the support of business while Labour wines and dines the financial community. Are their efforts to connect with corporate Britain convincing? Host George Parker discusses with the FT’s markets editor Katie Martin and deputy political editor, Jim Pickard. Plus, we look ahead to next week’s local elections. George and political correspondent Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe compare notes on the mood they found on the doorsteps around the country a...
Is a Labour win over the Conservatives inevitable in 2024?
April 21, 2023 18:32 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MBThis week we’re bringing you an extended edition of the podcast recorded during a webinar from the FT Live events team. Host Miranda Green is joined by FT columnist Stephen Bush, the FT’s public policy editor Peter Foster and Jane Green, professor of political science at Nuffield College, University of Oxford, to answer subscribers’ questions on factors that will shape the outcome of 2024’s UK general election. How much will Brexit matter, who will be more convincing on law and order and imm...
Biden in Belfast: did the US president snub Sunak?
April 14, 2023 17:13 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBJoe Biden’s visit to Northern Ireland was designed to mark the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. But it was brief compared with his stay in the Republic of Ireland. Did the US president's presence help or hinder the prime minister’s efforts to restart power-sharing self-government in the Northern Ireland Assembly? Host Miranda Green discusses US-UK relations with Ireland correspondent Jude Webber and the FT’s chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley. Plus, sewage again and everyw...
Is ‘Fortress UK' a vote-winner?
April 06, 2023 16:29 - 28 minutes - 38.5 MBGetting out of the UK - and indeed getting in - is becoming more difficult. Host Miranda Green unpicks home secretary Suella Braverman’s tough talk on British borders with FT columnist Stephen Bush and Rhys Clyne, the Institute for Government’s home affairs expert. Plus: this week marked the death of Nigel Lawson, one of the most consequential and longest-serving British chancellors of the 20th century. Miranda discusses his highs and lows with FT economics editor Chris Giles and Patience Wh...
Have the UK’s green plans hit a red light?
April 03, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36 MBThe UK government unveiled a new net zero plan this week after the High Court ruled last year that existing plans were not enough for the UK to reach net zero targets. So is the new plan up to scratch? Host George Parker discusses with the deputy political editor Jim Pickard and climate reporter Camilla Hodgson. Plus, campaigning has kicked off for the May local elections. Labour and the Liberal Democrats have been out on the road but where were the Conservatives? Deputy opinion editor Miran...
Rishi Sunak and the rout of Tory Eurosceptics
March 24, 2023 18:14 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MBBoris Johnson testified for his political life this week but was it enough to save his political career? George Parker discusses the former prime minister's future with the FT’s political commentator Stephen Bush and political correspondent Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe. Plus, while the Tory Eurosceptics may have been crushed after Rishi Sunak won a vote on a new post-Brexit deal for Northern Ireland, the Democratic Unionist party is still saying it won’t return to power-sharing in Stormont. The ...
Are Jeremy Hunt’s plans really a ‘Budget for growth’?
March 17, 2023 15:07 - 29 minutes - 39.9 MBWhy was the chancellor buoyed by forecasts that the UK would avoid a technical recession when the economy is still set to shrink? We dissect the economic and political implications of Jeremy Hunt’s Budget, including his giveaway on pension limits - set to benefit the country’s richest - which Labour seized on as helping the wrong people. Presented by George Parker, with economics editor Chris Giles, political columnist Stephen Bush, consumer editor Claer Barrett and special guest Torsten ...
Rishi Sunak tackles the small-boat crossings
March 11, 2023 05:00 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBEven the Home Secretary Suella Braverman admitted there were questions over the legality of the tough new legislation introduced in the House of Commons this week. Others criticised it for being inhumane. We discuss the language and strategy of the policy and ask, is it workable? Plus, the UK-France summit in Paris shines a spotlight on the warmth between Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron and the two countries’ post-Brexit relationship. Presented by George Parker, with deputy opinion editor M...
Has Rishi Sunak’s NI deal silenced Tory Eurosceptics?
March 03, 2023 17:37 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBBoris Johnson may have criticised the prime minister’s deal on post-Brexit trading in Northern Ireland but a number of formerly staunch Eurosceptic rebels — including Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker — have enthused about Sunak’s success. How is the PM going to manage dissent within his own ranks, or is Eurosceptic opposition crumbling? Plus, what the deal on the new-look protocol - aka the Windsor framework - means in practice for business. Presented by George Parker, with political c...
Northern Ireland: Rishi Sunak’s big test
February 24, 2023 17:21 - 23 minutes - 32 MBA deal to resolve the bitter dispute over post-Brexit trade in Northern Ireland was due this week but the UK prime minister appears to have a fight on his hands to stop it unravelling as he faces opposition from Tory Eurosceptics and the Democratic Unionist party. Is Sunak facing a moment of truth on his authority? Plus, a new report revealed the dire state of Britain’s public services and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer laid out his five “missions” to sort out the country. Presented by Geor...
What Nicola Sturgeon’s exit means for UK politics
February 17, 2023 18:37 - 24 minutes - 33.2 MBScotland’s first minister announced this week that she was stepping down after eight years in office. What does her resignation mean for the Scottish National party and Scotland’s independence campaign? We discuss the country’s future. Plus, presenter George Parker talks to Douglas Alexander, former Labour cabinet minister, about his Scottish Labour comeback and his party’s prospects. With Scottish correspondent Lukanyo Mnyanda and special guest constitutional expert Professor Nicola McEwen...
Sunak and the backseat former PMs
February 11, 2023 05:00 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MBLiz Truss and Boris Johnson have both been intervening this week. Could they challenge Rishi Sunak? We discuss how much of a threat to him they are. Plus, we delve into the cabinet and Whitehall shake-ups. An industrial strategy was dropped while areas like energy security and technology became priorities. Is this more than a change of labels? Presented by George Parker, with deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, columnist Robert Shrimsley and special guests Conservative MP Greg Clark and Ha...
Rishi Sunak’s first 100 days
February 04, 2023 05:00 - 28 minutes - 39.3 MBAfter a week that’s seen mass strikes and a growing number of bullying allegations against his deputy Dominic Raab, we discuss how Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has fared during his first 100 days in office. Plus, we delve into the government’s approach to net zero and the pressure Sunak is under to ditch the ‘green crap’. Presented by George Parker, with deputy political editor Jim Pickard, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and columnists Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush. Produced by Anna ...
Zahawi £5mn tax scandal tests Sunak
January 28, 2023 05:00 - 25 minutes - 35.6 MBLabour’s Sir Keir Starmer attacked Rishi Sunak as ‘weak’ as calls escalated for the Tory party chair Nadhim Zahawi to be sacked over his £5mn settlement with Inland Revenue. How much is the row damaging the PM’s credibility and his vows to clean up parliamentary standards? Plus, as Sunak and his cabinet met for an awayday at Chequers to map out strategy, we discuss the challenge of his rocky ‘narrow path’ to election victory. Presented by George Parker, with deputy political editor Jim Pick...
What Keir Starmer did at Davos
January 21, 2023 05:00 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MBSir Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves gave a pre-Davos interview to the FT before setting off to woo the global elite in Switzerland at the World Economic Forum in a remarkable turnround in Labour sentiment. Why were they going, with what message, while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak chose to go to Morecambe instead? And what do the financial titans make of the UK’s prospects? Plus, we discuss the UK’s controversial plans for a bonfire of more than 4,000 EU rules that would put hu...
A rumbustious start to 2023
January 14, 2023 05:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBRishi Sunak and Keir Starmer clash at PMQs as they set out their plans for a year that could shape the outcome of the general election. The prime minister faces industrial unrest, demands to solve the Northern Ireland standoff and the ever-present threat of a resurgent Boris Johnson, and can the Labour leader show he has any answers? Plus, we look at the outlook for business and the economy. Presented by George Parker, with columnists Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush, chief UK business cor...
2022 year in review
December 17, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 95.3 MBIn our final episode of 2022, we look back on an especially turbulent year in Westminster - from partygate to Chris Pincher, Ukraine to market meltdown, Boris Johnson to Rishi Sunak, Kwasi Kwarteng and Jeremy Hunt. We reflect on the most significant events, what we got right and wrong at the time, and what British politics will bring in 2023. This marks Sebastian Payne's last episode presenting the podcast, but we will be back in the new year with a new host. Presented by Sebastian Pay...
Sunak versus the strikes
December 10, 2022 05:00 - 35 minutes - 49.3 MBRishi Sunak confronted a growing wave of industrial unrest facing the UK with tough new proposals for anti-strike laws, but will they work? We explore how the prime minister is handling the challenges of the winter ahead and whether we’re any closer to a “Sunakism”. Plus, we discuss the Edinburgh Reforms of financial services and whether they will boost growth and help the City of London flourish after Brexit. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with chief UK political columnist Robert Shrim...
Winter of discontent
December 03, 2022 05:00 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MBBritain is seeing a swelling wave of industrial action this winter, from nurses to rail workers. Is the country facing a de facto general strike and is there an economic landing zone for the government and workers? We discuss what the different unions want. Plus, we examine Sir Keir Starmer's strategy for attacking Rishi Sunak - does it amount to class war, or just expose the prime minister's weaknesses? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with chief political correspondent Jim Pickard, economic...
Sunak’s short honeymoon
November 26, 2022 05:00 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MBRishi Sunak's authority with Tory MPs is waning and he is now facing policy battles on almost every front. We analyse which fights the new prime minister can win and which aren’t worth engaging in, and whether the Conservative party is serious about the next election. Plus, we look at the Tory and Labour wooing of business at this week’s CBI conference and if Sir Keir Starmer is doing enough on immigration to win enterprise over. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with columnist and associa...
Jeremy Hunt’s sombre Autumn Statement
November 19, 2022 06:00 - 39 minutes - 54 MBThe chancellor unveiled a £55bn plan for fiscal tightening this week, with the biggest drop in living standards for 70 years. We unpack all of the fiscal forecasts, tax rises, spending cuts and how Rishi Sunak can navigate the tricky politics. Plus, we also examine whether Hunt has shot Labour’s fox and what alternatives the party might put forward. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Chris Giles, Jim Pickard and special guest Carys Roberts of the IPPR think-tank. Produced by...
Farewell Sir Gavin, for the third time
November 12, 2022 05:00 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MBRishi Sunak forced Sir Gavin Williamson out from his government this week, the third time the former cabinet minister has been made to quit. Why did Sunak hire the controversial former chief whip in the first place? And what does his departure say about the prime minister's judgment? Plus, we look ahead to next week's Autumn Statement and where the Treasury's tax and spend axe will fall. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with chief UK political commentator Robert Shrimsley, deputy opinion edit...
Pressure grows on the home secretary?
November 05, 2022 00:05 - 35 minutes - 48 MBWe ask whether the home secretary Suella Braverman can survive in her post with attacks on multiple fronts. Does she have a plan for dealing with backlogged asylum claims? Can she be trusted with national security? And does she have the confidence of prime minister Rishi Sunak? Plus, the curious and hilarious case of Matt Hancock, the former health secretary who has decided to make good use of his constituents' time by going on the reality show 'I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' Is...
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
October 29, 2022 04:00 - 40 minutes - 54.9 MBAfter another turbulent week and the potential return of Boris Johnson. Rishi Sunak became Britain's latest prime minister - its first non-white leader and the youngest in modern history. We discuss how he triumphed in the leadership contest, how Johnson failed to gain momentum, the make-up of Sunak's first cabinet and the options for filling the fiscal blackhole left by “Trussonomics”. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with political editor George Parker, chief political correspondent Robert S...
How the stopwatch began on Truss’ time in Downing Street
October 21, 2022 17:46 - 37 minutes - 51.7 MBWe look back on what can only be described as a total bonkers week in Westminster: how Liz Truss became the shortest and one of the worst prime ministers in British history, the very sticky end, and crucially what happens next - including the question on everyone’s lips: will Boris Johnson return? Our political editor George Parker and associate editor Camilla Cavendish will be unpacking it all with special guest Paul Goodman, editor of the Conservative Home website. Produced by Howie Shann...
A new chancellor and another U-turn for Truss
October 14, 2022 19:40 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBA tumultuous week and a dramatic Friday as Liz Truss was forced to reverse on tax cuts again and sacked Kwasi Kwarteng. Doubts are growing over whether she can survive as prime minister. Presented by Sebastian Payne with political editor George Parker, economics editor Chris Giles and associate editor Camilla Cavendish. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Howie Shannon. The sound engineers were Breen Turner and Jan Sigsworth. -Read the latest on https://www.ft.com/world/uk -Follow @Seb Payne ...
Truss vs the ‘anti-growth’ coalition
October 08, 2022 04:00 - 37 minutes - 51.5 MBLiz Truss endured one of the most traumatic Conservative party conferences in living memory, with open revolt from her cabinet and MPs. Can the new prime minister survive and where does her economic reform agenda go next? Plus we discuss whether business is moving its opinions sharply towards Labour with the potential of the party's return to government in sight. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with political editor George Parker, associate editor Stephen Bush, chief political correspondent ...
Kwasi Kwarteng’s market meltdown
September 30, 2022 15:17 - 39 minutes - 53.8 MBMarkets showed their dismay and the pound crashed to its lowest levels ever as Prime Minister Liz Truss and chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng struggled to defend their economic strategy. Where does the crisis go next? Political editor George Parker and economics editor Chris Giles make sense of it all. We also look back on the Labour party conference in Liverpool and discuss whether Sir Keir Starmer’s party is preparing to return to power. Chief political correspondent Jim Pickard and northern corre...