Best of the Spectator

James Macintyre, author and political historian who wrote Power With Purpose about Gordon Brown, discusses Brown’s evolving reputation and why now is the moment to reassess him. He covers Brown’s fraught ties with Peter Mandelson, shifting relations with Tony Blair, Brown’s views on Keir Starmer and Labour today, and how his moral ambitions sat alongside controversial operatives.

Tim Shipman, veteran political editor known for insider reporting; Guto Harri, former Downing Street communications chief; Toby Young, columnist and commentator. They unpack how Keir Starmer’s leadership unravelled, the claustrophobic Downing Street culture, possible Labour successors, Kemi Badenoch’s resurgence, royal transparency after Epstein files, toy-collecting adults, a new Wuthering Heights take, and the politics of hair.

Eric Schlosser, investigative journalist and author of Fast Food Nation, discusses the 25th‑anniversary reissue and why the book still matters. He explores Sinclair's influence, the slaughterhouse metaphor, marketing to children, supply‑chain consolidation, shocking production details, worker injuries, and whether anything has truly improved.

A fast-paced political breakdown of trouble inside Labour and whether Keir Starmer’s authority is crumbling. They probe the fallout from the Mandelson files and a rebellion in Scotland. Discussion turns to rival figures like Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner and the chances of internal revolt reshaping the party. There is sharp focus on patterns of blame, judgment and potential leadership change.

The midterm elections in November is shaping up to be one of the most expensive elections yet. Freddy Gray and Ryan Girdusky, author of National Populist Substack to discuss how inflation, crime, and immigration are shaping voter patterns, whether the Trump coalition remains as strong as he claims, and what impact Trump's recent focus on international affairs will have with his American voter base. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A sudden chief of staff resignation and the scramble to fill a powerful political role dominate the conversation. They explore how internal advisers shaped a major election win and sparked parliamentary anger. New joint appointments, gender optics and possible successors are debated. The political fallout, by-election risks and whether the leader can survive the crisis are teased out.

Rachel Johnson, journalist and author, shares a cringe-worthy tale from Dame Jilly Cooper's memorial. Matt Ridley, science writer, challenges climate narratives with a take on thriving polar bears. Piers Morgan, broadcaster and columnist, recounts his hip replacement and an exchange with Donald Trump. Melanie McDonagh reflects on the longevity of electronic correspondence.

Sean Thomas, writer on technology and culture, explains Maltbook and Claudebot and describes how autonomous AI agents formed a lobster-based religion. He explores why bots mirror human religiosity and whether AI could seem magical enough to inspire worship. The conversation also touches on AI offering solace and the possibility of near-term AGI reshaping belief and society.

Jonathan Hinder, Labour backbench MP known for blue Labour views and constituency focus, talks candidly about party strategy and leadership security. He critiques the Mandelson appointment and calls for humility. He warns local elections will be tough, urges a pro-working-class economic agenda, pragmatic energy policy, and tougher, controlled migration measures as a route back.

Sarah Vine, opinionated Daily Mail columnist on culture and politics. Lara Brown, Spectator commissioning editor who covers tech and interviews key figures. Tim Shipman, political editor known for reporting on UK politics. They debate Britain’s readiness for an AI revolution, AI’s social and regulatory costs, Peter Thiel’s theological tech views, the Mandelson controversy and press revelations.