Daily Politics from the New Statesman
The New Statesman
Helping you make sense of politics – every weekday.Anoosh Chakelian, Oli Dugmore 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 Daily 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 ChakelianOli DugmoreRegular contributors and co-hosts:Tom McTague, Editor-in-chiefWill Lloyd, Deputy editorAndrew Marr, Political editorGeorge Eaton, Senior editor, politicsHannah Barnes, Associate editorRachel Cunliffe, Associate political editorWill Dunn, Business editorMegan Gibson, Foreign editorKatie Stallard, Global affairs editorTanjil Rashid, Culture editorKate Mossman, Senior writerProduction team:Senior podcast producer: Catharine HughesVideo producer: Rob Le MareAssistant producer: Biba KangExecutive producer: Chris Stone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 12, 2026 • 28min
Exclusive investigation: England's maternity scandal
Hannah Barnes, investigations editor at the New Statesman who leads major probes into public services and maternity safety, discusses a deep investigation into University Hospitals Sussex. She outlines the scale of potentially avoidable baby deaths. She highlights repeated clinical and cultural failures, ignored warnings, stalled inquiries, legal costs, and advice for pregnant women.
Feb 11, 2026 • 29min
Is the Labour party having an ideological crisis?
They discuss the departure of a key Number 10 adviser and what it means for the prime minister's future. They explore tensions between blue Labour instincts and more centrist, Blairite approaches. They map debates over patriotism, immigration, economic direction and who shapes modern political narratives. They consider why parties reject powerful advisers without a clear mandate.
Feb 10, 2026 • 28min
Keir Starmer is safe - but for how long?
A breakdown of the uproar around the Mandelson scandal and the shock resignation that followed. Discussion of why cabinet figures rallied and what a lack of an obvious successor means. Explores leaked messages, the threat those disclosures pose, and how internal party dynamics and by-election math could reshape the near future.
Feb 9, 2026 • 23min
Starmer's top two aides quit
Alva Ray, political editor and Westminster correspondent, analyzes the sudden resignations at Number 10 and the ripple effects on Labour’s inner circle. She unpacks Tim Allan’s influence on messaging. She explores links to Morgan McSweeney’s exit, possible successors for key roles, and whether these departures signal continuity or crisis.
Feb 7, 2026 • 38min
Elon Musk asked to attend Epstein's "wildest party"
They dig into newly revealed Epstein files and a string of emails involving a billionaire. Discussion jumps to powerful political figures tied to scandal and what that means for the establishment. There are lighter culture beats too, from a cheeky celebrity-as-mascot story to a woman repeatedly stealing chocolate. Political decisions, infrastructure woes, and a controversial memoir event also feature.
Feb 6, 2026 • 38min
What did Starmer already know about Mandelson and Epstein?
Jim Pickard, deputy political editor at the Financial Times and long-term investigator of the Mandelson–Epstein story, joins to unpack his reporting. He describes how DOJ files and tips exposed payments and flights, what privileged government information was allegedly shared, and why earlier reporting failed to stick. The conversation explores political fallout, corruption mechanics, and Mandelson's influence.
Feb 5, 2026 • 19min
Labour MPs are turning on Starmer over Mandelson
Megan Kenyon, political correspondent at the New Statesman who covers Labour and Westminster, walks through the Mandelson–Epstein controversy. She describes how Commons pressure forced document releases. She outlines who knew what in vetting papers. She explains rising backbench anger, Angela Rayner’s intervention, and whether MPs can organize a rebellion.
Feb 4, 2026 • 25min
Will Mandelson be Starmer's downfall?
Alva Ray, political editor and investigative reporter at the New Statesman, breaks down the Mandelson appointment and its fallout. She outlines revelations from PMQs, how Mandelson reached the Washington shortlist, and what due diligence uncovered. Short, sharp takes on party reactions, Mandelson’s influence on Starmer’s team, and who might pay the political price.
Feb 3, 2026 • 36min
Mandelson’s leaks to Epstein “a disgrace”
Dan Neidle, investigative journalist and tax lawyer, digs into millions of Epstein files and highlights explosive communications involving Peter Mandelson. He traces alleged leaks of UK government tax plans, discusses links between Mandelson and Wall Street, and outlines how Epstein traded access and influence. The conversation explores possible legal consequences and what further revelations might surface.
14 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 26min
Revealed: Jeffrey Epstein's direct line to Downing St
A deep dive into new files linking a senior politician to Jeffrey Epstein and how that access reached government corridors. Rapidly forwarded memos and leaked emails are unpacked. Conversations probe financial ties, lobbying links, and why elite networks kept associating with Epstein. The political fallout, vetting failures, and potential misconduct probes are examined.
