Politics At Sam and Anne's

Another day and another podcast dominated by Peter Mandelson – but as the political pressure ramps up across parliament, how will No10 react and is the carnage over?In a frantic 24 hours, Lord Mandelson gave up his peerage and is facing a criminal investigation over alleged leaking of sensitive material to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.Facing a key Conservative vote in the commons later today can Keir Starmer bury his associations with Peter Mandelson and his decision to appoint him as the UK’s ambassador to the United States? Plus, Sam explains the significance of the battle ahead in parliament between the Prime Minister, his own MPs and opposition parties on whether he will be forced to disclose sensitive information.

Peter Mandelson is still the main topic for discussion on the podcast again – as Anne reports back from an event with the US ambassador to London.Sam and Anne both pick over Mandelson’s interview with the Times – where, beyond the photos at the Aga, he seems to hint that there’s still a way back to politics by saying “I want to be more of an outsider”.At last night's event, Anne picks up on U.S. reaction to the Mandelson saga – but there is a stark warning for transatlantic business relations.Plus, what does all this mean for the Prime Minister and his senior staff who appointed Mandelson to Ambassador?

As another large dossier of Epstein files comes into the public domain – Lord Peter Mandelson resigns his membership to the Labour party, claiming he “doesn’t want to cause further embarrassment” – but is that the end or only the beginning?Sam and Anne assess the political ramifications for Mr Mandelson and whether his links to the convicted paedophile – Jeffrey Epstein - will force him to give up his peerage.Elsewhere, the Prime Minister wades in on whether Andrew Mountbatten Windsor should testify in front of congress about his involvement with Epstein - how will that go down in the palace?

Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets China’s President Xi calling for a “more sophisticated relationship” - but can both nations achieve that amidst global uncertainty?Sam and Anne dive into the details, looking at who is on the trip and reflect on the “twists and turns” of the relations between the two nations.Back in London, is the assisted dying bill on its last legs with the clock ticking on the time to debate and scrutinise the legislation in the House of Lords. Plus, have the welfare reforms – led by Pat McFadden – been shelved for the foreseeable future?

As Keir Starmer touches down in Beijing – does the UK face a choice between a “golden age” or an “ice age” with its relationship with China?Sam and Anne assess:Will the Prime Minister have to pick a side between President Xi or President Trump?How will he present himself on the trip, pragmatist or optimist?Will alleged spying and hacking by the Chinese make a difference?Should Sir Keir be globetrotting whilst domestic issues pile up?Back in blighty, Sam has been on the ground in Manchester gathering reaction to the upcoming by election in Gorton and Denton – as some of the campaigns got started

As the Prime Minister prepares to fly off to China he leaves behind plenty of problems at home – including a snap by-election in Manchester – but what will he do about it?Sam is on his way to the North West to see if Keir Starmer can navigate this moment of jeopardy, as some parties launch their campaigns for the Gorton and Denton seat.Back in Westminster, the government makes a significant announcement on ground rents.Plus, we have some exclusive polling looking at who could be seen as potentially doing a better job than Keir Starmer as PM – shockingly there is only one name in the mix.

A row over blocking Andy Burnham sparks talk of a party civil war and damaged authority. Secret negotiations, an 8-1 internal vote and urgent by-election timing add drama. Big policy moves also feature, from sweeping policing reforms to a key decision on freezing ground rents. International trips and electoral threats round out the tense political picture.

After President Trump’s dramatic tariff climbdown at Davos, the Prime Minister and European leaders will be breathing a sigh of relief – but has it left more questions than answers and can the UK claim any credit for the change in position?Sam and Anne reflect on a month - primarily dominated by foreign issues and U-turns - and discuss whether if it was a missed opportunity for the government to push its priorities at home.The duo also ponder the view of business on Starmer’s premiership and if they are calling for a change in leadership. Plus, the peers in the Lords back a significant bill to ban social media for under 16s.

Donald Trump finally descends on Davos despite a delayed flight – and is set to dominate the day at the annual get-together of the global elite.Sam and Anne reflect on his mega press conference prior to his departure – where he criticised Keir Starmer on the Chagos deal once again – and ask whether the PM will be missed in the Swiss Alps.Anne has the latest on the ground, gathering intel from across the economic and political spectrum on Trump’s antics and the British position as well as the insane cost of a carafe of warm white wine.The duo also consider if there’s division or unity on a response to potential tariffs over Greenland.Plus, on the domestic front is yet another red-on-red battle about to commence?

Sam and Anne started this episode wonder if Starmer and Trump relations were showing signs of being back on track.And as they were recording – the latest Trump Truth Social post calls the UK Chagos Islands deal “an act of GREAT STUPIDITY”.A move that’ll dominate the day – Sam explains how it’ll land in Westminster and Anne explains what people will be saying at Davos. There’s also more u-turn talk after ministers confirm a consultation on banning social media for under-16s and Sam hears of possible changes to the plan to scale back jury trials.