Westminster Insider

Jack Blanchard, POLITICO Playbook editor with US cabinet insights; Mark Paul, Irish Times correspondent who explains Ireland’s citizens’ assemblies; Lauren Edwards, Australia-born Labour MP who discusses compulsory voting. They explore compulsory voting and flexible voting, Italy’s 15-day polling blackout and quieter campaigns, how citizens’ assemblies work in Ireland, and US-style cabinet appointments versus frequent UK reshuffles.

Dawn Butler, Labour MP concerned about AI bias in healthcare. Kanishka Narayan, the UK’s first AI Minister balancing growth and safety. They discuss MPs using AI for speeches and casework. They debate risks like bias, deepfakes and rapid policy shifts. Short, punchy conversations on political reactions and the race to regulate while harnessing AI's economic promise.

On May 7, Labour faces losing some of its oldest heartlands. In Wales, the party has dominated elections for 104 years, but is, according to polls, fighting for third or fourth place against powerful forces on the left and right – Plaid Cymru and Reform. Host Sascha O'Sullivan and POLITICO's political editor Dan Bloom took the train to Newport and drove through South Wales, where the fight is fiercest, to find out how the parties are vying for the top spot in the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament. They spoke to first minister Eluned Morgan as she launched the Welsh Labour campaign in Newport Market. And newly-appointed Welsh leader of Reform Dan Thomas explained why the party there differs from the one led by Nigel Farage. Westminster Insider speaks to Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth about how the party has ditched their message on independence in a bid to scoop up voters on the left disillusioned with Labour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexandra Meakin, a politics lecturer and parliamentary restoration researcher, explains why the Palace of Westminster needs urgent work. She tours crumbling basements, outlines fire, asbestos and wiring risks, and contrasts full decant versus piecemeal fixes. The discussion covers costs, heritage debates, calls to temporarily move out, and lessons from Canada on large-scale rebuilds.

The Green Party have won their very first by-election. Westminster Insider Host Sascha O’Sullivan goes inside the Greens’ effort to win the seat, and finds out how the battle for this seat will inform the three-way fights between the Greens, Labour and Reform UK. She speaks to Hannah Spencer on the election trail – and on the night itself. And she speaks to the other candidates, Angeliki Stogia for Labour and Matt Goodwin for Reform to find out what worked – and what didn’t. As Labour licks its wounds, director of the Labour Growth Group Mark McVitie talks Sascha through how the party machine have been thinking about the Greens and what needs to change. Pollster and director of More in Common Luke Tryl examines what the curious combination of voters can tell us about the future fights Labour will shake out. And deputy political editor of the Spectator James Heale explains why Reform’s Matt Goodwin didn’t win here in Gorton and Denton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lee Cain, former Number 10 communications director, offers sharp takes on media and messaging. Katie Perrior, ex-Downing Street communications lead, explains modern media pressures on government. David Runciman, political historian, examines shifting nature of leadership and global political instability. They discuss media-driven churn, digital fragmentation, civil service limits and what leaders need to survive in today’s landscape.

As Keir Starmer flies to Germany for the Munich Security Conference, Westminster Insider Host Sascha O'Sullivan finds out if the Prime Minister's time abroad has damaged him here at home – and if it has, if it's been worth it.  Sascha spoke to half a dozen current or former Labour advisors or government insiders about Starmer's approach to foreign policy. With the help of POLITICO Foreign and Defense Correspondent Esther Webber, she pieces together Starmer's legacy on the world stage.  Olivia O'Sullivan, director of UK in a Changing World at Chatham House, says the Prime Minister has managed to secure "the least worst option" with Donald Trump.  And Peter Ricketts, former head of the U.K.'s diplomatic service, said the shift towards “a hyper-personalized world” demands Starmer’s presence. “Unless you are in the room with Donald Trump, you're not influencing him," Ricketts added. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bloom, POLITICO political editor who covers dramatic Westminster moments, walks through a turbulent week around Keir Starmer. He outlines signs of plotting and the mechanics of a parliamentary challenge. Short takes cover past coups, timing and succession, the role of party rules and membership, and who might be poised to step up next.

Dan Bloom is a POLITICO political editor with insights on UK elections, while Jack Blanchard, managing editor based in D.C., analyzes the implications of U.S. politics. They discuss critical May elections in Scotland and Wales that may pose risks for Labour. Blanchard dives into Trump's America and the charged midterms ahead. Russia expert Mark Galeotti outlines battlefield dynamics in Ukraine and prospects for peace in 2026. Expect discussions about Hungary's elections, Middle East ceasefires, and thrilling future events like the FIFA World Cup.

Chris Morris, Chief Executive of Full Fact, dives into the murky waters of political truth and deception. He discusses how distinguishing lies from half-truths presents a challenge, especially as politicians often cloak facts in compelling narratives. The conversation highlights the notable case of Rachel Reeves and the budget controversy, scrutinizing whether her statements were spin or outright lies. Morris also reflects on Boris Johnson's storytelling tactics and how politicians' narratives tend to breed public skepticism, complicating the search for truth.