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
Jan 31, 2026 • 27min
Did China hack the British government?
They discuss alleged state-sponsored Chinese hacks targeting phones of senior UK aides. A campaigning photo blunder and Reform party chaos earn ridicule. Party tensions swirl over Andy Burnham and internal Labour decisions. Local NIMBY battles block new homes and celebrity objections to flats spark debate. Leaked corporate projects at Amazon and Anthropic raise tech controversy.
Jan 30, 2026 • 28min
Student loans: Should graduates sue the government?
A deep dive into Britain’s student loan crisis and whether graduates have grounds to sue over mis-sold debt. A clear rundown of how loan policy and fees went off track. An exploration of Blue Labour and its influence on current Labour politics. A concise tour of other Labour factions and how informal networks shape MPs. A look at Nigel Farage’s political instincts and why local government reorganisation matters.
Jan 29, 2026 • 29min
Can Plaid Cymru defeat Reform again?
Rhun Ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru and Welsh politician, discusses Plaid’s surprise Caerphilly win and why voters are shifting away from Labour. He outlines campaign strategy and a 100-day government plan. He also covers policing devolution, protecting the Welsh language, and how Plaid would counter Reform while preferring progressive partnerships.
Jan 28, 2026 • 27min
Do leasehold reforms go far enough?
Will Dunn, journalist specialising in political and housing issues, explains why leasehold reform matters to millions. He outlines ground rent caps, bans on new leasehold flats, and the political and legal hurdles that make change slow. The conversation explores marriage value, building-safety costs, and whether proposed measures will hold up against vested interests.
Jan 27, 2026 • 29min
Shabana Mahmood's new police force
Tom McTague, editor-in-chief and political journalist, gives a sharp mini bio and takes on Shabana Mahmood’s sweeping policing reforms. He breaks down the scale of restructuring, the push for facial recognition and AI, and Mahmood’s Blue Labour instincts and Blairite technocratic style. Short, punchy discussion of her record, tactical positioning and how these plans fit into modern Labour politics.
Jan 26, 2026 • 32min
Burnham blocked, Braverman defects
Alva Ray, political editor and analyst who decodes UK party manoeuvres. She unpacks Suella Braverman's defection to Reform and how that reshapes the party's image. She explains Labour’s decision to block Andy Burnham from returning and the strategic trade-offs around potential by-elections. Short, sharp takes on party messaging, leadership pressure, and tactical timing.
4 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 26min
Trump’s stand-up routine in Davos
A wild week in geopolitics gets a close read, from a bizarre Davos speech full of gaffes and TV-showmanship to satirical takes on a fake 'board of peace'. British political visits and contrasts with US culture are discussed. Lighter culture moments include a Beckham family kerfuffle and viral memes. Local planning battles and housing headaches around London round out the roundup.
Jan 23, 2026 • 29min
What happens when an MP defects?
Listeners' questions drive a deep dive into Robert Jenrick's dramatic defection and the leaked draft that sparked it. They explore whether aides follow MPs who switch parties and how parliamentary colleagues reacted. The discussion covers Reform's hopes to supplant the Conservatives, internal economic tensions, and how the party mixes populism with Thatcherite ideas. Cannabis legalization and its fiscal and policing trade-offs also come up.
Jan 22, 2026 • 27min
Is this Andy Burnham’s moment?
Joining the discussion is Alva Ray, a political editor and insightful contributor on Labour Party dynamics. They dive into the implications of Andrew Gwynne's resignation, opening the door for Andy Burnham's potential return to Westminster. Alva highlights the timing pressures and electoral strategies necessary for Burnham in upcoming by-elections. The duo also considers the role of the Labour NEC in candidate approvals and the influence of unions on Burnham's campaign. Will Burnham's absence from Westminster impact his ambitions, or is this his moment to shine?
Jan 21, 2026 • 25min
The UK must crawl back to Europe
Tom McTague, Editor-in-chief and political journalist, joins to discuss the UK's geopolitical dilemma amidst US tensions. They explore whether Trump’s tariffs could force Keir Starmer to seek closer ties with the EU. McTague argues that the UK’s strategy must balance its US relationships with EU dependencies, especially regarding Ukraine. The podcast dives into Labour's internal debates about Europe, revealing Starmer’s cautious approach and the looming electoral risks if Brexit is reopened. Will the UK find a 'best of both worlds' solution?
