Political Currency
Persephonica
Ed Balls and George Osborne take us behind closed doors into the rooms where decisions are made. Having battled it out across the despatch box, the former Chancellor and shadow chancellor now meet in the studio to discuss the decisions that affect the nation’s pockets. Our frenemies have the knowledge and experience to explain how good politics follows the economics - and expose how the powerful become powerless when faced with market forces and political currents they can’t control. Join us every Thursday.Send your messages or voice notes to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukFind us on social media @polcurrencyPolitical Currency is a Persephonica production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 5, 2024 • 45min
Inside Starmer’s No. 10
Discussions on cabinet appointments and dynamics in No. 10 Downing Street. Analysis of the impact of Keir Starmer's landslide victory and the downfall of Tory and SNP. Insights on the challenges and future prospects for the major parties post-election.
Jul 3, 2024 • 50min
What REALLY happens on polling day?
Mel Stride from the Conservative party concedes early before polling day, raising questions on voter impact. Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss potential Tory voter turnout. Insight into candidates' activities 48 hours before election night. Conversations on election dynamics, seat details, early results, and polling data analysis. Behind-the-scenes of party leaders and campaigners preparing for the big day. Emotions and logistics of polling day for politicians, focusing on Labour leaders Reeves and Starmer. Transition from opposition leader to Prime Minister discussed. Subscriber special upcoming for post-election coverage and speculations on outcomes.
Jul 2, 2024 • 39min
Can Starmer work with Trump and Le Pen?
As polls near, the podcast discusses the unpredictability of elections, drawing parallels to football. They analyze Labour's campaign dynamics, alliances in the political landscape, and challenges facing a new government in the UK. The episode explores constructing more prison spaces, cabinet challenges, and potential transitions. Additionally, it touches on benefits of subscribing, Sunglass Hut, and Acast advertising.
Jun 30, 2024 • 30min
EMQs: Is Rishi California Dreamin’?
Chancellor's potential move to California post-election, impact of polling on campaigns, deep dive into cost of living crisis, analysis of Labour's campaign lead, Ed Miliband's absence, behind-the-scenes of overnight TV programs and ITV election night coverage
Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 1min
Is Labour's honeymoon already over?
Former Labour politician Ed Balls discusses Keir Starmer's debate performance, financial challenges, and internal party tensions. Also, insights on Labour's unity vs Conservative disunity, impact of a Labour supermajority on markets, and Starmer's political journey.
Jun 25, 2024 • 40min
ELECTION EXTRA: Farage’s Russian gambit
Nigel Farage faces backlash for stating West provoked Russia, while Conservative Party struggles. George Osborne reflects on Northern Powerhouse. Podcast discusses supermajorities in elections, political fallout, and criticism towards Farage's NATO comments.
Jun 23, 2024 • 38min
EMQs: Political porkies and party people
Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron discusses potential Conservative leadership, postal votes, and ultimate political party invites. The podcast also explores the reliability of polls, counting postal votes, and challenges in Labour's planning reform manifesto.
Jun 20, 2024 • 60min
Will Starmer be a one-term wonder?
Former Chancellor George Osborne warns Labour leader Keir Starmer to offer more to avoid one-term wonder status. Topics include inflation hitting target, election strategies, and debate on two-child limit policy. Ed suggests planning for first year in office.
Jun 18, 2024 • 34min
ELECTION EXTRA: Should Sunak fight dirty?
Discussion on Rishi Sunak's struggling campaign, the potential for negative attacks on Keir Starmer, absence of certain MPs from media, Rachel Reeves' business outreach, and insights into Labour Party's media strategies and economic policies.
Jun 16, 2024 • 31min
EMQs: How an ex-PM leaves No. 10
Former UK Chancellor George Osborne and ex-Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls discuss tackling childhood obesity, protest voting, lack of women in campaigns. They share insights on being kicked out of Number 10 and political souvenirs left behind. Engaging banter on weddings, cupcakes, and mugs showcases their camaraderie.
