Polly Toynbee

Gaby Hinsliff and Polly Toynbee, insightful Guardian columnists, dive into the seismic shifts in UK politics following the rise of Reform UK. They discuss how traditional party support is crumbling, particularly for the Tories and Labour, while exploring the drivers behind voter dissatisfaction. The conversation highlights the pressing need for politicians to connect with public concerns, especially around housing and immigration, and the call for more relatable political narratives. Optimism for reform emerges amid these changing dynamics.

After the resignation of Liz Truss the UK will soon have its third prime minister this year. Britain has long been considered a politically stable nation. So has something changed? The governing Conservative Party is divided on many issues, including the country’s future direction post-Brexit. The opposition Labour Party has also struggled to accommodate different views on economic and social policy. Meanwhile the two-party system is being challenged by shifting demographics, a rural-urban divide and strengthening support for Scottish nationalists. So what lies at the heart of the turmoil in the British political system and where does it go from here?Ritula Shah is joined by a panel of expert guests.Professor Tim Bale - Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London and author of the upcoming book The Conservative Party After Brexit: Turmoil and Transformation.Polly Toynbee - Guardian columnist and co-author of The Lost Decade: 2010–2020, and What Lies Ahead for Britain.Sir John Curtice - Professor of Politics at the University of Strathclyde and a leading expert on public opinion.Also featuring:David Blunkett (Lord Blunkett) - Former UK Home Secretary in Tony Blair's Labour government.Producers: Paul Schuster and Ellen Otzen.

Polly Toynbee, Guardian columnist known for progressive commentary; Tom Baldwin, former Labour communications chief and Starmer biographer; Luke Tryl, public-opinion expert at More in Common. They debate Starmer’s survival, the public sense that politics is rigged, risks of removing a leader, who might replace him, and how a successor could avoid contagion while appealing to disillusioned voters.

Stella Creasy, Labour MP for Walthamstow and advocate for scrapping the two-child limit, joins Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee to tackle pressing political issues. They delve into Nigel Farage's challenges to Labour, especially regarding the two-child benefit cap and its link to rising child poverty. The discussion highlights the disconnect between policymakers and everyday family struggles. They explore Labour's struggles to counter Farage's populism and the need for reform to uplift communities while handling financial pressures on public services.

Kim Leadbeater, a Labour MP, discusses her private member’s bill on assisted dying for terminally ill adults. Polly Toynbee, a Guardian columnist and long-time supporter of legislative change, joins the conversation to explore the ethical dilemmas and societal implications of the proposed law. They highlight the urgency for reform, the need for public engagement, and share poignant personal stories illustrating the suffering faced by patients. The dialogue emphasizes the balance between individual autonomy and broader healthcare considerations.