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Andy Burnham apologised for Labour’s delayed call for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying the party had not got its response right. He stopped short of describing events on the ground as genocide. The podcast revisits an edited conversation between Guardian political editor Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey, originally published on 9 July.

Reform UK is facing internal difficulties as Nigel Farage announces new immigration plans while reigniting his dispute with Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe. The party's problems are compounded by an investigation into deputy leader Richard Tice by the parliamentary standards watchdog, raising questions about whether the immigration proposals are intended to divert attention from the party's internal turmoil.

The podcast examines Nigel Farage’s proposal for Reform UK to call in the navy to address small-boat crossings in the English Channel, questioning whether the policy is intended to divert attention from the party’s internal problems. It also considers Andy Burnham’s devolution plans and whether they could represent the most significant restructuring of the UK state since the Second World War, alongside reporting on Richard Tice’s investigation by Parliament’s standards watchdog.

Andy Burnham's proposal for a national care service and the possibility of higher taxes to fund social care are discussed, including his effort to build cross-party support with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Reform UK's Robert Jenrick has characterized the plan as a proposed “death tax,” a claim examined in the discussion. The podcast also considers criticism of Green Party leader Zack Polanski over his social media activity and whether he is too focused on online politics.

Andy Burnham welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the UK for his first major international meeting as prime minister. The visit signals Burnham’s intention to preserve the UK’s close relationship with Ukraine, while the video considers whether his energy and charm will translate effectively to the international stage.

The podcast examines Andy Burnham’s prospective meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the UK’s pledge of continued support for Ukraine. It also assesses Burnham’s plans to address major domestic challenges, particularly social care, and questions how effectively he could deliver meaningful change.

Donald Trump has announced a landmark nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia while pursuing efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. The discussion examines what the agreement contains, why it matters for US-Saudi and Gulf politics, and the domestic political challenges it may face in Congress and beyond.

Donald Trump has announced a landmark nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia while continuing efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Jonathan Freedland and Robert Jimison examine what the agreement contains, why the administration pursued it, how it may affect regional security, and the political challenges it could face in the United States and across the Gulf.

Andy Burnham’s first week in office has featured cost-of-living measures and the abandonment of several major Keir Starmer policies. The podcast examines the motivations behind his rapid policy shift and considers criticism from former Starmer ministers, who question both the funding and the ambition of Burnham’s plans.

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey examine whether Andy Burnham’s cabinet can deliver a promised “circuit breaker” for Britain and implement urgently needed changes. The discussion considers how the new prime minister intends to govern differently and which ministers will help shape his agenda, against the backdrop of the UK’s rapid succession of leaders since 2016.

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss Andy Burnham’s imminent appointment as UK prime minister and the uncertainty over his cabinet, particularly whether Shabana Mahmood or Ed Miliband will become chancellor. They examine the likely priorities awaiting Burnham and what is known about his plans for governing.

Following the murder of Ann Widdecombe, Reform UK members have accused House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle of failing to provide sufficient security support for Reform MPs. Zia Yusuf and Richard Tice framed the dispute as a conflict between Reform UK and the political establishment, echoing arguments previously made by Nigel Farage. Hoyle's team rejected the claims and responded angrily.

Reform UK has criticised Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, arguing that its MPs are not receiving adequate security following the reported murder of Ann Widdecombe. Pippa Crerar explains what Hoyle’s team has told her, while the podcast examines the resulting dispute over MPs’ safety.

With three weeks remaining before the Makerfield byelection, Pippa Crerar follows Andy Burnham on the campaign trail in Wigan and Leigh, speaking with voters and outlining the full list of competing candidates across multiple parties.

Andy Burnham apologises for Labour’s slow call for a Gaza ceasefire and urges increased pressure on the Israeli government, including halting trade with illegal settlements. He notes growing indications of possible war crimes but stresses that international courts must make such determinations. The episode also covers the political fallout from Nigel Farage’s sudden resignation and references related investigations and reporting on Reform UK.

Nigel Farage faces scrutiny after reports that George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster, provided financial support for his staffing and security in 2024, following an earlier undeclared £5m gift from Christopher Harborne. The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner is investigating whether rules were broken, while Farage denies wrongdoing and claims he is being targeted.

Nigel Farage faces scrutiny over financial dealings after revelations that he accepted money from convicted felon George Cottrell and previously received an undisclosed gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, prompting an investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner. Farage maintains the funds were for personal use and denies breaking rules as questions continue over his position and the future direction of Reform UK.

Accusations that Keir Starmer has left Andy Burnham facing a £4.7bn defence funding shortfall prompt questions about how a future Labour government would handle the issue. The defence investment plan includes a £15bn boost but relies on future budget decisions, leading Burnham allies to call it an unexploded bomb. Hosts Kiran Stacey and Jessica Elgot examine the political implications and respond to listener questions about Labour strategy and Burnham’s position.

Andy Burnham’s first major speech as MP for Makerfield called the Westminster system broken and outlined plans for a “No 10 North,” major council housebuilding, and widespread economic growth, setting out his wider ambitions for devolution and the UK economy.

Andy Burnham outlines proposals for a No 10 in the North and plans to devolve power to boost investment in neglected towns, drawing comparisons to past levelling-up efforts and prompting questions about the potential for meaningful change.

Marks the 10th anniversary of the Brexit vote with interviews reflecting on the decision and its impact.

Discussion of Andy Burnham’s unchallenged leadership bid and the positioning of Labour MPs seeking roles in his prospective cabinet, exploring who is likely to influence him and what these dynamics suggest about his leadership style.

Keir Starmer announces his resignation as UK prime minister and Labour leader less than two years after winning a large election majority, prompting questions over who will replace him, with Andy Burnham emerging as a potential uncontested successor.

Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster as an MP after winning the Makerfield byelection positions him as a potential challenger to Keir Starmer. The discussion focuses on what political change under Burnham could look like and the implications of his decisive win over Reform UK.

Keir Starmer’s plan to ban social media use for under-16s would restrict access to major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, X, Snapchat, YouTube and Facebook. The episode also discusses preparations for the upcoming Makerfield byelection and the possibility of an Andy Burnham victory.

More than 1,000 pages of communications related to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US reveal his criticism of Keir Starmer and his strong interest in becoming Oxford University chancellor, while the contentious vetting file from his ambassadorial appointment is missing. Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey outline the significance of the released material and its political implications.

Discussion addresses questions on the Makerfield byelection, leadership comparisons between Andy Burnham and Keir Starmer, the significance of the contest for Reform UK and Labour, and the prospects of the UK rejoining the EU, with hosts responding to audience messages.

Pippa Crerar interviews Wes Streeting shortly after his resignation as health secretary, exploring his views on Andy Burnham, Labour’s missteps and his leadership ambitions, with an invitation for listeners to send questions for future episodes.

Andy Burnham faces scrutiny over past remarks on rejoining the EU as he seeks a return to Westminster, particularly in Makerfield, which strongly supported Brexit. Wes Streeting’s intention to run in any leadership contest raises further questions about Keir Starmer’s position.

Andy Burnham plans a return to Westminster after Labour MP Josh Simons offered to vacate his Makerfield seat, amid a turbulent day in UK politics marked by health secretary Wes Streeting’s resignation and Angela Rayner being cleared by HMRC. The developments raise questions for Keir Starmer and the Labour Party’s leadership at a sensitive political moment.

Keir Starmer attempts to avoid a leadership challenge as speeches and public comments from senior Labour figures intensify internal pressure, with growing numbers of MPs calling for his resignation but no formal challenge emerging.

Local and devolved election results show significant gains for Reform UK and Green victories in London while Labour experiences major losses. Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to set a timeline for stepping down but maintains he will not resign.