Politics At Sam and Anne's

After months of heated and passionate debate across the country and in the Houses of Parliament, is the assisted dying bill about to fall?Sam exclusively reveals that the government will not give additional time for the bill in the Lords – leaving little time to get it through before the end of the parliamentary session.Ahead of the spring forecast, the duo pore over policy areas pushing for further cash - especially student loans and defence - despite Rachel Reeves insisting this isn’t a moment for increased spending.Plus, does the United States have the final say on whether the UK should sell off the Chagos Islands?

A tight by-election in Gorton and Denton is framed as a major test for Keir Starmer’s government. Voter mood on the ground, local splits and Reform energy are explored. The fallout from Peter Mandelson’s arrest and questions for the Metropolitan Police are examined. Campaign tactics, tactical messaging and the practicalities of turnout and candidate lists are also discussed.

Peter Mandelson is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a seismic moment in British politics - but will the pain of Epstein files continue to haunt Keir Starmer’s government over the coming days, weeks and months?With an active police investigation and limited scope of what he can reveal, the Prime Minister will face tough questions over his decision to appoint Mr Mandelson as the UK’s top man in Washington. Sam and Anne consider: Will the arrest impact the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election? Will the Liberal Democrats use the humble address to force the government to release documents on the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a trade envoy? Away from the Mandelson affair, on the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, allies from the coalition of the willing meet with President Zelenskyy. Plus, has more money been found to help tackle the courts backlog and will it make a difference?

A royal arrest and a new cabinet secretary welcome the Prime Minister back from recess week but with a crucial by-election and significant white paper on special educational needs, can the government get things back on track?Sam and Anne examine the details of SEND white paper in England, looking at the challenges facing the reforms and whether the system, and its costs, are spiralling out of control?Will the government learn from previous rebellions to get tricky legislation through, or will this be another example of trouble down the tracks?Elsewhere, is the newly appointed head of the civil service – Antonia Romeo – already under pressure over an alleged cover up?Plus, are certain government departments already talking about a potential reshuffle?

In a special recess week edition of Politics at Sam and Anne, the pair look at who could replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.Anne – who's in Munich – tells Sam how the Europeans view the Starmer government and if his vision of closer ties with Europe aligns with his EU counterparts.Back home, is the Peter Mandelson affair ramping up with a possible police interview under caution within the next 14 days?Plus, Nigel Farage will announce part of Reform UK’s shadow cabinet next week, but who will make the cut?

As the parliamentary recess approaches, questions are still being asked about the PM’s judgement – but will the break give him a chance for yet another reset?After a further week of jeopardy for the Starmer premiership, Sam has the inside view from Downing Street following several senior departures from No10.The pair also consider just how close the Prime Minister was to standing down – and what price might he have to pay for the support of cabinet colleagues as well as his former deputy, Angela Rayner.Plus, a bombshell Sky News interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe - where he claimed Britain had been “colonised by immigrants” - has led to criticism and condemnation from across the political divide.

Like MPs, Sam and Anne are staggering through until recess. It’s only Wednesday but they have the latest on Labour psychodramas.Today – who was it calling Anas Sarwar before his presser on Monday? The new suggestion is that it was Angela Rayner.But lots of eyes are still on Wes Streeting, who continues to deny that he isn’t backing Keir Starmer.Elsewhere, Labour suspend Keir Starmer’s former chief of communications – Matthew Doyle – over alleged links to a convicted sex offender.Plus, is the civil service about to get its first female leader?

After a helter-skelter 24 hours - with calls for the PM to quit and another senior resignation from the heart of No10 – has Keir Starmer done enough to convince his party he is the man for the future, or has he simply just bought time?Sam and Anne reflect on a tumultuous day in Westminster and look ahead to challenges facing the Prime Minister in the coming weeks and months.Away from the psychodrama, the duo consider where this leaves Wes Streeting after he voluntarily shared his messages and WhatsApp’s with Peter Mandelson – it could lead to a spicy cabinet meeting.Elsewhere, could Unite the Union disaffiliate themselves with the Labour party over concerns that they are not delivering for workers or industries?Plus, Sam shines the light on the challenges around special educational needs provision.

The Prime Minister starts the week without his right-hand man – Morgan McSweeney – following his resignation over the appointment of Peter Mandelson but, has that secured Keir Starmer’s survival?Sam and Anne mop up the reaction from Labour circles and break down a crucial 24 hours for the PM as he faces the markets. Will his own MPs restore confidence in his premiership after he addresses the Parliamentary Labour party?The duo also consider the psychodrama and positions of the Prime Minister’s potential challengers and whether any of them are in a more positive position as the new week starts.

Tense fallout from revelations about Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein and what that means for Keir Starmer's grip on power. Heated Commons scenes and MPs expressing fury and disbelief. Debates over disclosure, vetting, and whether investigations will be delayed by police. Political manoeuvring around by-elections and leadership prospects adds extra drama.