Best of the Spectator

A close look at the crisis around Keir Starmer and whether he can survive growing rebellion within his party. Possible successors are weighed up, from Andy Burnham’s route back to Parliament to Wes Streeting’s polarising support. The discussion covers factional warfare, tactical NEC moves, risks of by-elections and the economic fallout of leadership uncertainty.

A behind-the-scenes look at the Kennedy Center's transformation and the political forces shaping it. Discussion of fundraising practices and VIP access that raised early alarms. Debate over plans like a national talent show and sudden renaming controversies. Conversation about congressional protection and fears the center could become an instrument of partisan display.

Lisa Haseldine, journalist on health and social issues, reads and discusses a feature on the crisis in UK maternity services. She covers neonatal tragedies, rising maternal harm, staffing shortages and a postcode lottery of care. The conversation touches on financial costs, calls for reform and whether change will actually happen.

They map out the mechanics of mounting a Labour leadership coup and the tactical risks of pledges that please members but repel national voters. They weigh how promises might unsettle markets and the need for coherent policy. They debate whether Britain has had enough of experts and argue for parliamentary debate over blind deference to technocracy.

Maurice Glasman, Labour peer and founder of Blue Labour, argues the party has been colonised by middle-class progressives. He critiques Starmer's procedural approach and questions whether Labour will reclaim its working-class traditions. The conversation covers potential leaders, migration tensions, strategic choices between compromise or a bolder direction, and signs of a brewing revolt within the party.

Alice Loxton, historian and author, brings cultural and historical perspective. Lionel Barber, former Financial Times editor, analyses centrism and leadership. Tim Shipman, political editor, dissects Labour’s electoral pressures. They debate whether Labour may shift left, the collapse of the political centre, Starmer’s leadership challenges, and King Charles’s diplomatic visit to Washington.

Karen V. Kukil, editor and literary scholar who has worked on Plath’s journals, and Amanda Golden, co-editor and curator of Plath’s papers, discuss the new variorum. They cover Plath’s juvenilia and how early notebooks reshape her development. They explore manuscript ordering, paper and dating methods, the Plath–Hughes creative partnership, and shifts in colour, sexuality and late imagery.

Discussion of the Golders Green attack and whether antisemitism in Britain has reached crisis levels. Exploration of Islamist extremism, hard-left anti‑Zionism and far‑right threats as drivers of violence. Debate over political responses, missed opportunities and controversial party figures. Conversation on migration, integration, youthful Muslim identities and the rising role of Islamist politics in the Palestinian cause.

Matt Goodwin, academic on populism, and Danny Kruger, commentator on culture and welfare, represent Reform UK; Claire Coutinho, former minister, and Nick Timothy, ex-political adviser, speak for the Conservatives. They spar over who speaks for the right. Short, punchy clashes cover populism versus policy detail, electoral strategy, welfare reform, national security and the future shape of conservative politics.

Martin Vander Weyer, a financial and industry commentator, reads on Andy Haldane, UK steel, tariffs and housing. Freddy Gray, a US-focused reporter, recounts diplomatic gaffes, Washington power plays and cultural moments stateside. Arabella Byrne, a society and culture writer, riffs on whippets as class signifiers and their surprising social history.