Stephen Bush

In this insightful discussion, Anna Gross, FT politics correspondent, Stephen Bush, political columnist, and Chris Giles, FT economics commentator, delve into the tumultuous year for the Labour party under Keir Starmer. They explore Starmer's plummeting popularity, the impact of budget leaks, and how trust in government has waned. The panel also analyzes fiscal strategies and the political fallout from the budget, including the potential for a leadership challenge and the rise of Reform UK. Join them as they assess the future of UK politics in a year of chaos.

Ed Luce, FT US national editor who interviewed Donald Trump. Stephen Bush, political columnist on party strategy. Anna Gross, FT political correspondent on Labour and the Greens. George Parker, FT political editor on UK party dynamics. They debate Angela Rayner’s ambitions, her City talks and tax row. They weigh whether Labour could shift left, the Greens’ rise and electoral risks. Ed Luce also recounts his call with Trump.

Stephen Bush, political columnist and newsletter writer offering tactical electoral analysis. Robert Shrimsley, FT chief political commentator with sharp opinionated takes. Anna Gross, FT political correspondent reporting from Reform UK events. They dissect Farage’s shadow cabinet rollout, the party’s theatrical rallies and tactical signalling. They debate electability risks and the Gorton and Denton by-election as a key test.

Games are supposed to be fun — so what happens when the logic of games, points and competition escapes the playground and starts reshaping everyday life? The novelist and games-writer Naomi Alderman and her guests explore how the joy of play collides with the pressures of a gamified society.Philosopher C Thi Nguyen introduces The Score, his examination of how ranking systems and numerical targets can both sharpen and warp our values, revealing how life becomes less playful when everything is reduced to points.Journalist and critic Keza MacDonald discusses Super Nintendo, her cultural history of the iconic console, tracing how its games, aesthetics and innovations transformed the medium and helped define what play means for generations of players.The Financial Times' commentator Stephen Bush examines the growing role of games and game like incentives in public life, exploring how the techniques of play — from reward structures to competitive framing — are reshaping political behaviour and communication.Producer: Katy Hickman

Join award-winning journalist Pilita Clark and political analyst Stephen Bush as they delve into the art of schmoozing and networking. They discuss key strategies for engaging in small talk within diplomatic circles and highlight the importance of authentic connections in politics and journalism. Learn how to gracefully exit conversations, balancing personal disclosures with professional etiquette. Their insights remind us that even the best networkers face challenges, making these tips invaluable for anyone looking to enhance their professional interactions.

Mhairi Black, former MP known for sharp wit and local pride, and Stephen Bush, political commentator and analyst. They spar over Keir Starmer’s survival and rumoured coups. They riff on Olympic dramas and a Norwegian athlete’s confession. They close with a debate about whether the UK is actually getting sunnier.

Lucy Fisher chats with Stephen Bush, an insightful political correspondent, George Parker, a British politics expert, and Chris Giles, an economics commentator. They analyze Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement, revealing deep cuts to welfare spending that risk pushing 250,000 people into poverty, including many children. The trio discusses looming fiscal challenges, the potential fallout from Trump's trade war on the UK economy, and the tumultuous relationship between the Treasury and the Office for Budget Responsibility in navigating these issues.

In this engaging discussion, Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley, and Anna Gross delve into Keir Starmer’s ambitious 'Project Chainsaw,' aimed at reforming the NHS amidst a backdrop of political tension. They dissect the controversial abolition of NHS England and its implications for public services. The trio also explores the brewing Labour rebellion over welfare cuts and the pressures mounting from within the party. With insights into the challenges of welfare reform and the complexities of navigating public sentiment, this conversation is packed with crucial political analysis.

In a gripping discussion, Jim Pickard, Deputy Political Editor at the Financial Times, Stephen Bush, a sharp political columnist, and Robert Shrimsley, the Chief Political Commentator, delve into the fallout of Robert Jenrick’s defection to Reform UK. They dissect whether Kemi Badenoch's swift dismissal of Jenrick showcased strength or hasty decision-making. The panel also explores the implications for the Conservative Party, the brewing rivalry with Reform, and the challenges facing right-wing voters ahead of upcoming elections.

This week, Adam Kay, a former doctor turned comedian, shares hilarious insights on NHS funding proposals, sparking laughs about creative fundraising ideas. Zoe Lyons brings the heat with a comedic take on an espionage case involving China, shaking up political sensitivities. Science-savvy Ria Lina addresses alarming flood risks projected by 2050. Political journalist Stephen Bush weighs in on Labour's tax dilemmas amidst inflation forecasts, prompting a lively discussion on the economy's future.