Westminster Insider

POLITICO

POLITICO’s weekly political series lifts the curtain on how Westminster really works, offering in-depth insight into the political issues which typically only get broad-brush treatment in the wider media.

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193 episodes
Updated July 3

Episodes193

Newest first

Oct 13, 2023 · 44 min
Is the Labour left finished in Britain?
With Labour Party leader Keir Starmer dragging his party onto the center ground, host Aggie Chambre asks what remains of the left in Britain — and what the future may hold for this increasingly marginalized group.
Oct 6, 2023 · 45 min
How did free-market think tanks take over Westminster?
One year on from Liz Truss’ chaotic premiership, host Ailbhe Rea takes on what remains a controversial topic: the role free-market think tanks really play in our politics.
Sep 29, 2023 · 44 min
What's the point of party conferences?
With Conservative Party conference about to commence, host Aggie Chambre asks the question on everyone's lips: What the hell is the point of the conference season anyway?
Sep 22, 2023 · 43 min
The Battle for Scotland
Host Ailbhe Rea hits the campaign trail in the greater Glasgow constituency of Rutherglen and Hamilton West.
Sep 15, 2023 · 46 min
Meet Robert Peston — ITV's political editor on friendship, loss and being the face of a crisis
This week host Aggie Chambre sits down with her old boss Robert Peston, the TV journalist who shot to fame during the last financial crash.
Sep 8, 2023 · 48 min
What ex-prime ministers do next
In the week we marked the first anniversary of Liz Truss taking office — and Boris Johnson leaving Downing Street — host Aggie Chambre explores what former prime ministers do next with their lives.
Sep 1, 2023 · 47 min
Back to school briefing: A whirlwind guide to UK politics this autumn
As MPs return to parliament after the summer break, host Ailbhe Rea and an array of expert guests provide an essential briefing on everything that’s coming up in British politics over the next few months.
Aug 25, 2023 · 41 min
I know what MPs did last summer
With Westminster largely empty during the summer recess, host Aggie Chambre heads out of London to watch MPs in different parts of the country meet the people who really matter — the voters.
Aug 18, 2023 · 1 min
Westminster Insider trailer
Westminster Insider will be back next Friday! Hosts Aggie Chambre and Ailbhe Rea chat about what to expect from season 11 of the weekly podcast from POLITICO.
Jul 7, 2023 · 43 min
The dark arts of politics
In the final episode of the season, host Aggie Chambre explores the clandestine operations, secretive briefing wars and campaign stunts that make up the darker side of politics — and asks if there is still a place for such activities in 2023.
Jun 30, 2023 · 49 min
The real Keir Starmer: Part II
In the second half of a two-part profile, hosts Ailbhe Rea and Aggie Chambre take a closer look at the man hoping to become Britain's next prime minister.
Jun 23, 2023 · 46 min
The real Keir Starmer: Part I
In the first part of a major profile of Labour leader Keir Starmer, podcast hosts Ailbhe Rea and Aggie Chambre take a deeper look at the man hoping to become Britain's next prime minister.
Jun 16, 2023 · 39 min
Harassment and bullying: What is wrong with British politics?
This week, host Aggie Chambre asks why we keep hearing new allegations of sexual misconduct and bullying in the British parliament, and asks what can be done to make it better.
Jun 9, 2023 · 41 min
Can Rishi Sunak ‘Stop the Boats’?
Host Ailbhe Rea explores how and why dealing with migrants crossing the English Channel has shot to the top of the prime minister’s to-do list — and what he’s actually doing about it.
Jun 2, 2023 · 45 min
Westminster WAGs: Who'd marry an MP?
Host Aggie Chambre speaks to Westminster spouses from across the political spectrum about the ups and downs of life married to a British MP.
May 26, 2023 · 49 min
The art of the political interview
POLITICO’s Ailbhe Rea takes us inside the art of the political interview.
May 19, 2023 · 37 min
Why the hell would you work for an MP?
In a special episode, host Aggie Chambre gathers a group of 20-something politicos who spent years working as aides and researchers for some of Britain's best-known politicians — and hears what working for an MP is really like.
Apr 7, 2023 · 1 hr 22 min
Inside the room: The Good Friday Agreement 25 years on
In a special anniversary episode 25 years on from the agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland, host Ailbhe Rea heads home to Belfast to retell the gripping story of how a historic compromise was reached.
Mar 31, 2023 · 45 min
How to become an MP
In the week Jeremy Corbyn was blocked from running again as a Labour MP, host Aggie Chambre takes a look at the secretive world of MPs' selections — and learns how insidery cliques, funding and old-school sexism can all be barriers to entry.
Mar 24, 2023 · 47 min
Meet Rachel Reeves — Britain's next chancellor?
Westminster Insider profiles the woman who could be running Britain alongside Keir Starmer in a year's time. Host Ailbhe Rea sits down with Labour Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves.