The Standard

It’s the day after Rishi Sunak sacked Nadhim Zahawi as Conservative Party chairman for a “serious breach of the ministerial code” as an ethics investigation ruled ex-Chancellor Zahawi failed to declare an HMRC probe into his tax affairs.Now the PM’s battling a ratings slump just over three months into the top job.According to exclusive Ipsos polling for the Evening Standard, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer overtakes Sunak voters’ “most capable prime minister”.The Leader podcast is joined by Dr Grace Lordan, a labour economist at the London School of Economics, and Evening Standard political editor Nic Cecil, to discuss Sunak’s polling disaster, his latest inflation strategy, Zahawi’s mega tax bill and just what is the Duchy of Lancaster? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marvin Berglas founded Marvin's Magic in the UK 35 years ago. It's now in 60 international markets. This is a bonus episode cut down from our How to be a CEO podcast, to listen to the full episode click here.In this episode:The story of how they got into FAO Schwarz in New York’s Rockefeller PlazaTheir role in innovating "retail theatre" and experiential shopping How QVC and TV shopping revolutionised their business modelFor the latest business news head to www.standard.co.uk/business Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has given a speech outlining his plans for UK economic growth - but it’s got many people asking where is the detail? Mr Hunt said reducing inflation is the priority over tax cuts, that he intends to utilise opportunities from Brexit and increase investment outside of London.In part one, David Bond, the Evening Standard’s deputy political editor, looks at how the first economic speech since the Autumn Statement has gone down with Conservatives as well as the general public. In part two, Jonathan Portes, professor of Economics and Public Policy at King’s College London, gives his analysis on the government's vision for UK economic growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A major review has been ordered of passenger safety and the number of train services at London Bridge station, after dangerous levels of overcrowding left commuters in fear of being crushed.Passengers reported people being "kettled," having panic attacks and needing assistance to get out by station staff.In part one, Ross Lydall, the Evening Standard’s City Hall Editor & Transport Editor, discusses why this happened and how big of an issue overcrowding is in general for London stations.  In part two, we look at Hackney’s controversial plans to ban most vehicles from 75 percent of its roads in a major expansion of ‘Low Traffic Neighbourhoods’ with our political reporter, Rachael Burford.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pressure is growing on Nadhim Zahawi - and the Prime Minister - over calls for the Conservative party chairman to step aside. Mr Zahawi’s political life is hanging in the balance amid claims over his tax affairs. Rishi Sunak faced tough questions over the controversy at PMQs - but the Prime Minister says the investigation he’s ordered from ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, will provide the answers. The Evening Standard’s deputy political editor, David Bond, discusses the ramifications for Mr Zahawi and the Tory party. In part two, Katie Strick, our commissioning editor and senior feature writer, looks at his life and career to date. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has issued a high air pollution alert for the capital and urged people to “be careful”. Londoners have been told to avoid unnecessary journeys in a bid to help lessen pollution levels. It comes after the Mayor has faced criticism over his plans to widen the Ultra Low Emission Zone across the whole of the capital. In part one, Frank Kelly is professor of community health and policy and Head of the Environmental Research Group at Imperial College London explains what the alert means and how concerned we should be moving forward.In part two, we look at the criticisms of Ulez with Ross Lydall, the Evening Standard’s City Hall Editor & Transport Editor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ambulance workers are striking again - for the third time in five weeks - as the dispute over pay and staffing rumbles on. In part one, we speak to London paramedic and Unison representative, Steve Johnson, about why they are striking for the third time in five weeks - and their plans for any possible future action.In part two, the Evening Standard’s health reporter, Daniel Keane, explains how the latest strikes from health workers will impact our struggling NHS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Hitchcox is the founder and chairman of Yoo, a global real-estate and development company, and the world’s largest non-hotel residential brand. He's also one of those behind a £1bn regeneration of Olympia in London.In this episode we talk about:How he's inspired by "things that I need and the things that I want"Why he created the enormous Lakes estate in the Cotswolds His plans for Olympia in LondonThe post-pandemic ‘restaurant renaissance’Listen to the full How To Be A CEO episode and others here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this month’s special ‘Let Girls Learn’ episode, we’re talking about periods in El Salvador.Menstruation is viewed here as a subject only for women, it’s seen as dirty and believed that when someone is experiencing one, they should hide themselves away. Local journalist, Julia Gavarrete, takes us to ‘the Power of the Red Butterflies’ project in Chalatenango, where they are aiming to dispel myths around female bodies. In the Evening Standard’s #LetGirlsLearn series, we’re aiming to shine a light on innovations and solutions that are helping girls to fulfil their right to education and healthy, productive futures around the globe.You can find out more online at www.standard.co.uk/optimist/let-girls-learn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The mystery and search continues for 35-year-old former It-girl and aristocrat Constance Marten, her partner Mark Gordon and their newborn baby who've been missing since January 7th. It emerged this week that Gordon is a convicted sex offender who spent 20 years in US jail. Manchester Police are leading the investigation into their disappearance. Katie Strick, the Evening Standard’s feature writer explains the build-up to their disappearance and the questions surrounding it. Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.