Politics from the New Statesman
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 Politics, 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.--START HERE:▶︎ 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?--LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download and subscribe in the New Statesman app to enjoy all our episodes without the ads.--MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question - we answer them on the podcast every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter in your inbox every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday--Hosts:Anoosh ChakelianRegular contributors and co-hosts:Tom McTague, Editor-in-chiefAilbhe Rea, Political editorProduction team:Senior podcast producer: Catharine HughesPodcast and video producer: Rob Le MareAssistant producer: Biba KangExecutive producer: Chris Stone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 15, 2025 • 19min
What Wes Streeting should do next
Ailbhe Ray, a political editor adept in Labour Party dynamics, and Luke O'Reilly, a news editor with deep Westminster insights, join to dissect strategies for Labour rebels aiming to challenge Keir Starmer. They debate whether rebels should wait until May elections to build alliances and consider personalities like Ed Miliband as contenders. The discussion covers the role of the party chair, contrasting Labour and Tory mechanics, and cautions against political chaos, emphasizing the need for stable governance amid ongoing speculation.
Nov 14, 2025 • 28min
Why is Rachel Reeves U-turning on income tax?
Ailbhe Rea, a savvy political editor and policy commentator, joins sketchwriter Will Dunn for a lively discussion about Labour's sudden U-turn on income tax. They delve into how this shift aims to avoid backlash from MPs and voters during tough polling times. The pair explore the implications of breaking manifesto promises, political trust, and potential stealth tax strategies. They also contemplate whether Labour should tackle unpopular decisions and assess if the current financial predicament is self-inflicted or a result of external pressures.
8 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 34min
There’s no “fundamental institutional bias” at the BBC | Lewis Goodall interview
Lewis Goodall, an author and political journalist known for his work on BBC Newsnight, shares fascinating insights on the recent chaos within the BBC following Tim Davie's resignation. He discusses the question of institutional bias, asserting that editorial choices reflect establishment consensus rather than a straightforward left-right divide. Goodall also analyzes the implications of the Panorama Trump edit and stresses the need for the BBC to adapt in today's media landscape. Beyond the BBC, he provides keen commentary on Labour's leadership challenges, urging a bold response to criticism.
Nov 12, 2025 • 35min
Mutiny in the Labour Party
Ailbhe Rea, the new political editor at the New Statesman, dives into the turmoil within the Labour Party. With polling hitting a historic low of 17%, she discusses the brewing leadership crisis, drawing parallels to Boris Johnson’s fall. MPs express growing discontent with Keir Starmer, fueled by policy missteps and internal briefings that spotlight potential challengers like Wes Streeting. Rea explores how these dynamics are reshaping the political landscape, hinting at an impending leadership shuffle.
Nov 11, 2025 • 37min
Will world leaders ever fix climate change?
Rachel Kyte, the UK's Special Climate Envoy, and Christiana Figueres, former UNFCCC Executive Secretary, dive into the pressing climate crisis. They discuss the grim reality that limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees is now seen as 'virtually impossible.' Kyte highlights the consequences of U.S. absence in climate talks and the importance of renewables. Figueres emphasizes the need for real-world evidence to drive action, warning of devastating outcomes for vulnerable islands and the historical significance of COP30 in shaping future climate strategies.
6 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 29min
Crisis at the BBC
Hannah Barnes, a former BBC journalist with 15 years of experience, sheds light on the recent leadership resignations at the BBC, sparked by controversies surrounding a misleadingly edited Panorama documentary about Donald Trump. She discusses the BBC's public-service mission, the critical role of its World Service, and the implications of the Prescott memo on bias and journalistic integrity. Barnes explains how centralization efforts contributed to editorial failures and analyzes whether the new leadership can restore public trust.
Nov 8, 2025 • 26min
Has Labour let down millennials?
Did Labour fail millennials? The hosts dive into how Labour's policies might have misread public needs and the challenges of taxation. They explore potential tax hikes, including income tax versus national insurance. With alternative revenue ideas on the table, they discuss what Labour's actual offerings are for younger voters, like renters' rights. The conversation takes a dramatic turn when they ponder what would happen to the Commonwealth if Britain cut ties with the monarchy, including possible options for a new head of state.
Nov 7, 2025 • 30min
Steve Reed's £7bn affordable housing fund | Exclusive interview
In an exclusive interview, Steve Reed, the British Housing Secretary, discusses a groundbreaking £7bn allocation aimed at creating social and affordable homes across six mayoral combined authorities. He highlights the severe challenges younger people face in homeownership and the need for council housing reform. Reed also addresses plans to abolish Section 21 evictions and urges for more social housing to alleviate pressure on private rents. He emphasizes the importance of tenant empowerment and local governance in improving housing conditions.
Nov 6, 2025 • 25min
What Labour must learn from Zohran Mamdani
In this engaging discussion, George Eaton, a seasoned political commentator, and Megan Kenyon, a dedicated journalist, analyze Zohran Mamdani’s recent election as New York's socialist Mayor. They explore the millennial appeal of Mamdani's campaign and how Labour figures have reacted to his win. The conversation delves into lessons for British politics regarding social media authenticity and the importance of speaking in one's voice. They also compare Mamdani with Zack Polanski of the Greens, highlighting the challenges facing progressive politicians today.
Nov 5, 2025 • 34min
Britain’s next maternity scandal
Investigations editor Hannah Barnes, a leading voice on maternity care, dives into a troubling probe at Oxford University Hospitals. She discusses the alarming failures, including the locking down of non-medical cesarean requests and the dubious OxGRIP scan policy. Personal stories like Alice Topping’s stillbirth highlight systemic issues in UK maternity services. With data revealing avoidable deaths and cultural attitudes complicating care, Barnes calls for accountability and reform in a healthcare system that has prioritized reputation over patient safety.
