Politics At Sam and Anne's

As Labour sinks to record lows in the latest YouGov poll, and the Chancellor wrestles with how to fill a £20billion budget gap, Keir Starmer’s government faces fresh pressure on migration, the economy and trust.  Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy break down the day’s biggest stories in British politics. 

A bruising weekend for Keir Starmer: Labour loses its stronghold Caerphilly seat to Plaid Cymru in a by-election and faces fallout from the mistaken release and chaotic recapture of a convicted sex offender. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack what went wrong, as a damning report on the asylum system slams the Home Office. Plus, Lucy Powell makes her debut as Labour’s new deputy leader Chancellor Rachel Reeves has left the country to try to push through a Gulf trade deal. Will she be successful?

Could ‘Maga-fication’ change the course of British politics?  Anne has been speaking to former Conservative Prime Minister, Liz Truss, who outlines several perceived problems in the country – from lack of growth to higher taxes.  The duo also discuss her comments about what the Tories really stands for and the threat from Reform UK as the party grapples for prominence in the polls. 

With growing signs that Britain’s top civil servant will leave No10 in the coming weeks – some ask, does the Prime Minister have a problem with people?  Sam and Anne discuss the potential impact of Chris Wormald departure from the government machine and whether there could be more exits on the horizon.  Plus, the Home Secretary warns that the national inquiry into grooming gangs will leave “no hiding place” after several individuals quit the inquiry panel. 

What is parliament’s role in what happens to Prince Andrew from here?With Virginia Giuffre’s book released today and new reports that he’s not paid rent on the Royal Lodge in Windsor for two decades – Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss how uncomfortable Westminster might be feeling about the former trade envoy.  Outside of London, how are the parties feeling about this week’s Senedd by-election in Caerphilly?  Plus, in our weekly check-in on polling, are the Greens cutting through with the voters and could that be encouraging Keir Starmer to change his plans for the COP summit in Brazil?  There’s a full list of candidates standing in the Senedd by-election in Caerphilly here: https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/my-council/voting-and-elections/forthcoming-elections-2025/election-notices/senedd-by-election-caerphilly-constituency   

The week kicks off with a rare Monday morning cabinet meeting – but have the government managed to shake off all the stories about China?  With Anne still in Washington, she has the latest gossip on the race to replace Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the U.S. - as the job advert goes live.  Back in Westminster, all eyes on the Lords as the Planning and Infrastructure bill returns, but will it help or hinder the Rachel Reeves’ quest for growth?  Plus, are the UK going to follow Canada with a new pension and insurers partnership? 

Following Sam's scoop that the chancellor is considering tax rises and spending cuts in the budget – who is she actually targeting to fill the black hole?Anne has the latest from the US as she travels with Rachel Reeves to Washington.The duo also chat about Ms Reeves's economic position, her language and the likelihood of her ever getting out of the dreaded 'doom loop.'Elsewhere, the prime minister publishes three witness statements by the deputy national security advisor in an attempt to end the China spy row, but has it left more questions than answers?

The Chancellor tells Sam – on the record – that she is considering tax rises and spending cuts ahead of a critical autumn budget.  In an exclusive interview – her first since being briefed by the OBR on the size of the black hole – Rachel Reeves discusses whether there is a way out or if she’s stuck in a ‘doom loop’.  As she meets with economic leaders at the IMF in Washington – the duo consider the political ramifications and options on the table for her to plug the £20-30 billion gap in the public finances. 

On the day, the government wants to talk about cutting ‘burdensome bureaucracy’ in the planning system – China is the story it can’t shake off again.  Sam and Anne go over the fresh warning about “significant threat” posed by Chinese hackers and how they contributed to a record number of serious online attacks.  And there’s more to say about the collapse of the China spy trial.Ministers are sure Jonathan Powell had no role in the case being dropped – but could the PM’s national security adviser walk regardless?  It’s also Polling Tuesday on the podcast – did the party conferences shift the dial on anything with voters? Did the Tories see any traction for their promise to scrap stamp duty?  Plus, why politicians should keep their voice down on the tube

As Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are exchanged on one of the most significant days for peace in the Middle East – what role did Britain play in the peace plan?  With the Prime Minister in Egypt for the summit of peace – Sam and Anne assess if Keir Starmer can take any credit or whether he is there for the photo opportunity after criticism from international allies.   Back in Westminster, the duo unpick the background to the China spy row as an angry shouting match erupts across SW1.