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The Politics Show

The New Statesman

Helping you make sense of politics – every week.

Anoosh Chakelian and the New Statesman team bring you sharp reporting, clear analysis and thoughtful conversations to help you understand what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.

The New Statesman is Britain’s leading source of news and commentary on politics and culture with a progressive perspective. On The Politics Show, our journalists and expert guests cut through the noise of the headlines to explain the forces shaping our world. From the battles inside the Labour Party to the future of the Conservatives, from the rise of Reform UK to the debates that dominate Parliament, we provide the clarity you need to follow UK politics.

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▶︎ Kemi Badenoch isn't working | Cover Story with Tom McTague

▶︎ Do billionaires really benefit the UK?

▶︎ One year of Labour rule: can things still only get better?

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Hosts:

Anoosh Chakelian

Regular contributors and co-hosts:

Tom McTague, Editor-in-chief

Ailbhe Rea, Political editor

Production team:

Senior podcast producer: Catharine Hughes

Podcast and video producer: Rob Le Mare

Assistant producer: Biba Kang

Executive producer: Chris Stone

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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23 episodes
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Yesterday · 43 min
Are we living under “woke Blue Labour”?
Andy Burnham’s vision – to reground the Labour party in a sense of place, tradition and belonging – began over a decade ago, rising from the rubble of the Blair and Brown years. Off the back of the party’s 2010 defeat, figures now key to his government argued that Labour had become too centralised; too detached from working class voters. Now, Burnham wants to revive “community” as both a value and a means of reforming the UK. Is this the era of “Woke Blue Labour”? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by editor-in-chief Tom McTague. Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/08/are-we-living-under-woke-blue-labour LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Saturday · 37 min
Andy Burnham's North Sea drilling dilemma | Weekly roundup
Is supporting North Sea drilling an extremist position? Does Jeremy Clarkson have the right to ask benefit claimants for a thank you note? And should you grass on naughty neighbours breaking the hosepipe ban? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Oli Dugmore to discuss some of the biggest questions of the week. 📚 READ Supporting North Sea drilling is an extremist position https://www.newstatesman.com/comment/2026/07/north-sea-drilling-is-an-extremist-position The road to Nowhereville https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/07/the-road-to-nowhereville LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thursday · 29 min
Why did Kemi Badenoch allow an ex neo-Nazi to stand?
Why did Kemi Badenoch allow a man with a neo-Nazi past to stand as a council candidate? Is Andy Burnham running into his first bump in the road as Prime Minister over his pausing of the early release of prisoners scheme? And could Reform and Restore set aside their differences and form a pact? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political correspondent Ethan Croft. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 3 · 31 min
Is Zack Polanski too "online"?
For some time, Zack Polanski’s tenure as Green Party leader had been largely characterised as a success. But he’s been having a turbulent time in recent weeks. He was accused of inciting violence with an Instagram post, failed to steal the Manchester mayoralty from Labour, and the party is becoming increasingly divided on the subject of defence of spending. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political correspondent Megan Kenyon to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 1 · 34 min
Chris Philp goes GONZO in the English Channel | Weekly roundup
The best day of Andy Burnham's life, Chris Philp goes gonzo in the Channel, and more climate change denial in a burning country. Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up some stories you might have missed this week. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 30 · 1 hr 12 min
The Burnham comms and policy blitz
Andy Burnham’s policy and comms blitz powers on - he is setting out his intentions early, and with a very different style than his predecessor. Meanwhile, on his second week, his government is fully appointed, but the fallout is still rumbling away in the background. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 29 · 17 min
Can the UK turn its life sciences strengths into global leadership?
This New Statesman podcast episode has been fully funded by argenx and features an edited panel discussion recorded at the New Statesman’s Igniting Growth Conference. The UK has world-leading science, research and regulatory expertise, but too often struggles to turn those strengths into investment, innovation and better patient access. Can it turn its life sciences strengths into global leadership? Chaired by New Statesman policy correspondent Samir Jeraj, the panel brings together Dame Chi Onwurah MP, Naomi Weir from the CBI, David Knechtel from argenx UK and Ireland, and Clare Pelham from the Epilepsy Society. Our panel discusses why the UK’s scientific and regulatory strengths are not consistently translating into growth and patient access, as well as the commercial pressures affecting confidence in the sector. They talk about the need for more joined-up delivery across government, the NHS and industry, how innovation can reach patients, and what must change for the Life Sciences Sector Plan to deliver. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 25 · 32 min
Gary Lineker wants to pay more tax. What's stopping him?
Anoosh and Will are back for their weekly politics round up, this week includes: the tired spectacle of a new prime minister, Wes Streeting's hot mic moment, Gary Lineker's plea for higher taxes, and the ongoing saga of Stella Creasy's parakeet misidentification. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 23 · 44 min
Burnham's cabinet
It’s day 4 of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s premiership. His cabinet is now appointed - With some notable appointments to the top jobs, plenty of reshuffling, and some loyal Starmer-ites out. The PM has also begun to announce his measures to tackle the cost of living, from bus fares to energy bills, and a big clear target from the off: end rough sleeping. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 20 · 32 min
Prime Minister Andy Burnham
Today, Keir Starmer made his way from No 10 to Buckingham Palace to officially resign as Prime Minister. He was closely followed by his replacement, Andy Burnham, who is currently in his first few hours in the job. Anoosh Chakelian is in Westminster with Ailbhe Rea to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 18 · 50 min
Starmer bows out
Keir Starmer has bowed out of his role as Prime Minister. At his final PMQs, an unusually convivial tone was struck. As Starmer's political career draws to a close, Will Dunn and Tom McTague discuss his tenure, his final week, and ponder his unpopularity. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 16 · 41 min
The transition begins
As Keir Starmer's premiership draws to a close, Andy Burnham is putting the finishing touches on his plan for power. Ailbhe Rea joins Tom McTague in the studio to discuss: Anne Widdecomb's role in British Politics Keir Starmer's final days as Prime Minister The people likely to be appointed in an Andy Burnham cabinet Why appointing Shabana Mahmood as Chancellor would go against Andy Burnham's own principles Why the briefing against Ed Miliband shows Burnham's plan to improve Number 10 culture will be an uphill battle 📚 READ Exclusive: Andy Burnham appoints Number 10 policy chief https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/07/exclusive-andy-burnham-appoints-number-10-policy-chief LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 14 · 22 min
How can the UK protect its Critical National Infrastructure from cyberattacks?
Cyberattacks on the UK’s critical national infrastructure are becoming faster and more sophisticated. What will it take to protect the systems and services that keep the country running? Host Zoë Grünewald is joined by Matt Western MP, Chair of the Joint Committee on National Security Strategy, and Chris Parker, Director of Government Strategy at Fortinet UK. Our panel discusses how ransomware, hostile state actors and AI-enabled attacks are changing the threat landscape facing the UK’s critical national infrastructure, as well as where regulation and governance may need to go further. They talk about the risks posed by legacy systems and cyber skills shortages, what effective resilience looks like in practice, and why closer cooperation between government and industry matters. This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by Fortinet. LINKS Fortinet 2026 Global Threat Landscape Report Fortinet 2026 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report Fortinet 2026 OT Report Government Cyber Action Plan UK Cyber Growth Action Plan LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 9 · 56 min
Farage's Clacton distraction
Nigel Farage, pollings' current front runner to win the next general election, has resigned as an MP. However, he plans to stand as a candidate in the by-election this move will trigger. Labour, the Lib Dems and the Tories have labelled this a “stunt” and won’t stand in the contest. Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is continuing to prepare for power… Tom McTague is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Ethan Croft to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 4 · 27 min
Nigel Farage has lost his aura
Nigel Farage loses his cool as he’s grilled on his £5 million “gift”, the “anti-woke” Davos and the elephant seal that’s terrorising Tasmania. Will and Anoosh round up the stories of the week. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/07/is-nigel-farage-losing-momentum LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 2 · 53 min
"Startlingly transactional" – Burnham prepares for power
Andy Burnham is preparing for power – which means horsetrading, negotiations and planning. Ailbhe Rea has been speaking to MPs and advisors inside the Labour party to find out what's really happening in Team Burnham, who's in line for the top jobs, and why some Labour MPs are giving Burnham "the ick". Plus: Reform say Nigel Farage is having a great time. Other sources say he’s struggling. What’s going on inside the “unofficial opposition”? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Ailbhe Rea. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 29 · 23 min
“Westminster is broken”: Andy Burnham sets out his leadership plan
This morning Andy Burnham delivered a speech criticising “Whitehall culture” and promising to rebalance resources between national and local governments. On course to enter Downing Street in as little as three weeks, the former Greater Manchester Mayor laid out his vision for a “Number 10 North”, promising “growth in every postcode”. But how will that work in practice? And how different is it from what’s been before? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 27 · 41 min
Does Britain want another general election? | Will and Anoosh
Keir Starmer’s turn at the resignation lectern, Peter Murrell’s £400,000 shopping spree and Will Dunn’s attempt at a “Man v Horse” race. Will and Anoosh discuss the stories of the week. READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/this-england/2026/06/one-small-step-for-man-much-further-for-a-horse LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 25 · 1 hr 6 min
A critical three weeks for Burnham
From a by-election victory in Wigan, to the resignation of Keir Starmer, to an Avanti West Coast train bound for London, tracked by news helicopters - Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster has been a remarkable spectacle. Whilst Burnham’s coup has overcome multiple challenges to get to this point, in many ways, the hard part is about to begin. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 22 · 56 min
Keir Starmer resigns: “He’s been chewed up and spat out”
This morning, Keir Starmer stood outside No 10 Downing Street and announced his resignation as Prime Minister - the sixth to leave office since the EU referendum, which was ten years ago this week. He will remain in office until Labour selects a new leader. The Prime Minister’s likely successor Andy Burnham is sworn in as an MP today after his decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election last week. Burnham has already announced his intention to stand as a leadership contender. How did the Prime Minister come to this momentous decision, and what happens next? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea and editor-in-chief Tom McTague. LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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