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
Jun 13, 2024 • 57min
Labour’s Straitjacket Manifesto
Keir Starmer's manifesto launch sparks debate on potential Labour government impact, financial constraints, and Tory challenges. Rishi Sunak's media missteps raise questions about his future. Hunter Biden's legal troubles and their implication on the White House race are discussed.
Jun 11, 2024 • 31min
ELECTION EXTRA: Manifestos, Macron and Money Problems
The podcast delves into the conservative election campaign turmoil, manifestos of major parties, and the implications of Macron calling a snap election in France. It discusses the challenges faced by Rishi Sunak, the significance of manifesto promises, and the rise of far-right parties in the European elections.
Jun 10, 2024 • 34min
EMQs: Punches, Paxman, and Parachuted Candidates
Former British politicians Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss the current political climate and the demise of long-form interviews. They also delve into Labour's candidates and reminisce about past interactions like John Prescott's egg incident. Plus, they touch on the consequences of disrespectful behavior in politics, highlighted by Nigel Farage's milkshake incident.
Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 3min
Tax, Lies and Leaders on Tour
Former politicians Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss the impact of Rishi Sunak's tax claim on the election. They reflect on campaign strategies, including insights from George's experience. The duo also delve into post-election budget expectations and examine the credibility of tax policies in the current political landscape.
Jun 4, 2024 • 24min
Election Hot Take: Can Sunak save his campaign?
George Osborne discusses Tory MPs' resignation, a possible inheritance tax play. Labour's Angela Rayner defends Diane Abbott, TV debate expectations. Exploring power dynamics, polarizing figures, and potential game-changing events in the upcoming election.
Jun 3, 2024 • 33min
EMQs: Paddleboards, power stances and private schools
From paddleboarding blunders to power stances, the hosts delve into cringey political stunts. They debate Labour's tax on private schools and discuss the market impact of the election. Rumors swirl about Michael Gove's potential move to Strictly. Catch their extra hot takes on Tuesdays!
May 30, 2024 • 55min
Is Rishi Sunak's election gamble paying off?
Rishi Sunak's election gamble, trouble in the Labour Party, George Osborne's warning about Nigel Farage, and the excitement of the upcoming election are discussed in this episode.
May 27, 2024 • 30min
EMQs: Election Questions Special
Former British politicians Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss election fever, voter turnout, potential outcomes, attack lines on Keir Starmer, and the impact of the Liberal Democrats. They reflect on campaign strategies, economic growth, regional leadership, and ministerial selection, with insights into treasury minister appointments and the dynamics of the upcoming election.
May 23, 2024 • 56min
Things Can Only Get Worse: Sunak’s Snap Election
Discussion on the surprise early general election called by Rishi Sunak, analyzing key battlegrounds and policy issues. Insights into Number 10's strategy, seats to watch, and Westminster's preparation. Speculation on potential outcomes, challenges for Labour and Conservatives, and impact on election night plans.
May 20, 2024 • 36min
EMQs: Truss, treasury officials and techxit?
Author Will Hutton and Westminster Insider Sascha O’Sullivan discuss the loss of tech experts to the West Coast, Ed Balls and George Osborne's responsibility for economic crises, finding silver linings in Truss's approach, and the impact of mayors in Bristol.
