Political Currency

British politics has moved at a rapid pace the last week, with Andy Burnham securing his root to parliament, Wes Streeting reigniting Brexit debates, and a defiant No. 10 fighting on through all of it. Ed Balls and George Osborne examine the leadership race, the manoeuvres being made by Streeting to court the Labour faithful and how Burnham is having to campaign on two fronts. Why is the cabinet silent? Is Starmer right to cling on? Will the King of the North be coronated should he return to parliament? What if he loses? The pair then examine the economic prospectus of both Burnham and Streeting, contrasting it with the cost of living support announced by Rachel Reeves today. They detail the limitations of any government to combat inflation, the holes in plans both contenders have spoken of and the risk a governing party faces openly debating policy like this.Finally, they take a trip across the Atlantic to California and the final stages of the gubernatorial primary. George's mate Steve Hilton has maintained his frontrunner status amidst a split Democratic field, but can he actually win come November? The odds are stacked against him, but Ed and George caution not to count him out.We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:

Last week's local elections saw votes counted during the Friday to save costs, and inspired one listener to ask Ed Balls and George Osborne why that isn't always the case. He also wondered why we don't vote at weekends like other European countries. The pair explain the historical roots of the tradition and the benefits of weekday votes and overnight counts for general elections. Plus they recall their own experiences as commentators during the last 3 elections. They then address the divisive policies and language seen in the Greens and Reform campaigns, and whether this is a sign of the centre losing ground or an opportunity to seize. They also take a question from an Australian listener, who wonders if we're moving too fast in the energy transition.Finally, a listener returns to the assisted dying debate from a few weeks ago and proposes their own case for the legislation. We also hear the pair debating the possibility of immortality…We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:

Wes Streeting's resignation is the latest domino to fall amid the threat to Keir Starmer's premiership, in a chain reaction that could lead to months of chaos. Ed Balls and George Osborne evaluate where the government and Keir Starmer can go from here. Should he resign? And how would Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband, and the wildcard option of Al Carns, fare against him in a leadership contest? News of Streeting's departure came between our live YouTube stream and recording of this episode – so listen for Ed and George's instant reaction.Fresh from a trip to Canada, George suggests the success of Mark Carney, or Australia's Albert Albanese, could be a template used as a template for a Labour government to rebound, regardless of leader. Does it show Labour needs to take a bolder stance on issues like fossil fuels and immigration? And finally, as President Trump continues his consequential trip to Beijing, the pair assess how the China-US relations could be vital for Trump in this year's mid-terms. Does Trump need Xi more than he needs him? And are the two countries inseparable no matter the strength of their relationship? We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:

The fallout of the local elections was as many had predicted, but the chaotic aftermath demanded a reaction. Ed Balls and George Osborne went live on YouTube earlier today to give their thoughts on just how bad things are for Keir Starmer.They reflect on the heavy defeat Labour suffered on Thursday, and the prime minister's fightback. Why did he bring back Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman? Why did he stake things on today's speech with a King's Speech in only two days?The biggest question mark of all though, is Catherine West. The little known MP created an earthquake over the weekend by announcing she would challenge the PM if no one else would. She has now pivoted to calling for a timetable, but still has damaged Starmer, and placed all eyes on what Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting, and Angela Rayner do next…We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:

Fresh off his trip to the Crucible to see the snooker, Ed Balls brings a question for him and George Osborne to answer on just how similar politics and snooker are. Is it all about the long game? Or do you take the risky shot when the opportunity arises? Are the two even similar? And do Ed and George know enough about the sport to say for certain?Sunday Times columnist Charlotte Ivers then asks whether politicians are just copying TV shows like The Thick of It and The West Wing in their communications. George explains the truth in this, while Ed argues The West Wing displays an idealised version of politics and that the script writers often draw from the real life drama in politics. Former Tory Chairman Andrew Feldman and one of our listeners then ask a pair of questions related to the public acceptance of AI, with our own guru George explaining how companies can sell the public on the benefits of AI and bust some of the myths around job losses caused by AI.Finally, Ed and George answer the biggest question of all: do podcasts like this one influence voters? They explain how it's been seen to happen already in the US, what things might look like in the next general election, and even manage to discuss Celebrity Traitors…We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:

It's polling day, and the tensions have never been higher for Keir Starmer. The threat to his left, with the Greens, or to his right, with Reform, makes this a defining moment of his premiership. Ed Balls and George Osborne take this time to look at the future of the devolved governments, which could all be led by nationalist parties for the first time. Which parties will be willing to work together? Will there be another independence referendum? Is the UK at risk of breaking up?The war in Iran is still ongoing, despite Donald Trump still maintaining a peace deal is imminent. With the market shocks seen in recent days over the Strait of Hormuz and the status of peace talks being unclear, George wonders why Britain has been hit worse than any G7 economy. Ed explains why the Bank of England must keep a clear inflation target, and why he thinks they will cut interest rates despite what others have said.Finally, it's been nearly 10 years since the Brexit referendum but the debate rages on. Keir Starmer was at a meeting with European allies earlier this week and has signalled closer relations. Will Starmer take us back into the single market? Will the EU budget debates return? Could we even see another referendum? Ed and George explain how the government must navigate relations with Europe to stabilise the economy, while not repeating the mistakes of the 2019 election. We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:

Before getting into questions this week, Ed Balls and George Osborne take on the big talk around Westminster: should MPs be allowed to drink? They respond to the criticism by new Green MP Hannah Spencer, who said MPs smelling of alcohol while voting made her uneasy. Ed and George offer the pros and cons of this, and even how drinking in parliament getting out of hand may have led to Jeremy Corbyn…Is it in Kemi Badenoch's best interest for Keir Starmer to stay on? The pair explain why this mindset is too clever by half, and how opposition leaders should always focus on their message and expose a PM's weak points, rather than hope to gain by keeping a flawed leader in place. They then receive a pair of questions on AI, looking at the lack of training among certain industry leaders and the idea of British sovereignty on AI. George brings his expertise to explain why training is important and the limits for any country on sovereignty, while Ed illuminates us on some of his own musical AI discoveries.Finally, they answer just why cabinet ministers seem reluctant to lay out their own vision for government even when Starmer appears so weak. Is this a sign of No. 10 clamping down on ministers? The rise of soundbite social media? Or, does it demonstrate how no cabinet member is confident enough in their leadership ambitions to make a move? We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:

A dramatic week in UK politics has seen the successful state visit to the US by King Charles and another hit on Keir Starmer in the ongoing Mandelson scandal. Ed Balls and George Osborne break down all the moving parts of these events. Is the special relationship saved? Did Kemi Badenoch move too early against Starmer? And what does this all mean going into a seismic set of local elections?On said elections, the pair break down the vulnerable positions for both main parties. They argue Kemi Badenoch needs an ethical reset from the tumultuous Boris Johnson era if she hopes to fend off Reform and make serious gains for the Conservatives. On the Labour side, they believe Keir Starmer has not got a diagnosis for why Labour are unpopular, and this risks his position should any cabinet member decide to stick the knife in after the elections.Finally, they return to assisted dying to analyse why the bill stalled out in the Lords and debate just how it can come back. Is it a slow process to such a big reform? Or is it best to strike when the iron is hot, or risk losing this debate for a generation? The pair disagree on what exactly is the best route forward…We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:

Off the back of last week's EMQs, Tamara Finkelstein sends in a correction to the idea that UK schools don't prepare for attacks like those in the US. She highlights that Jewish schools have to prepare and feel threatened in this current environment. Ed Balls and George Osborne highlight the worrying trend of antisemitism in the UK and the need for public figures to actively combat it.Aldershot MP Alex Baker then chimes in with a proposal to adopt a multilateral defence, security and resilience bank, much like Mark Carney is championing in Canada. This poses a challenge for the pair, who recognise the necessity of improving defensive relations with our allies but see the economic challenges How do prime ministers prepare for PMQs? Is it usual for the opposition to send questions in advance, as Kemi Badenoch did last week? George explains the procedure and conventions in the chamber, and how the opposition aims to catch out PMs. And finally, pollsters from More in Common reached out following the discussion of ex-PMs, on the main show, with some fascinating insight into who the public most wants to hear from. Ed and George are included for good measure, and even rival podcasters get a mention…We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:

Another dramatic revelation in the Mandelson scandal has reignited the tensions around Keir Starmer's leadership and the future of his government. Ed Balls and George Osborne reflect on the latest developments, and look forward to how this will impact the local elections in just two weeks' time. The pair question the sacking of Olly Robbins, assess Kemi Badenoch's performance at PMQs, and look at the bleak tone of the cabinet. With an extension of the ceasefire in Iran, George and Ed debate the likelihood of a lasting peace agreement. George argues there may be a workable deal on the table, while Ed is more cautious saying Iran doesn't trust the Americans, and that it's unclear who they actually should be negotiating with.Ed and George's pal Kevin Warsh faced the Senate Banking Committee ahead of his approval as Fed Chair on Tuesday, with some particularly tough questioning from Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren. The pair discuss his political savvy in the hearing and, if confirmed, how he will navigate his relationship with Donald Trump when in post. We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:

Fresh off the back of our latest episodes Ed Balls and George Osborne get an answer to their queries around the curate eggs and a follow up to the Libya crisis series on age in politics. In politics, particularly the Tories, you're considered young at 40 or 50 while in tech it makes you ancient. Why is this? Youth is often seen as a negative in politics, but is there value to not being weighed down by your experiences? Then the pair answer a question from the Barclays Brief podcast on the gilt markets, and options open to Rachel Reeves should higher energy prices limit her fiscal headroom. They explain why her options are severely limited coming into the second half of this the parliament and what options are still available for her.Baroness Jo Valentine then asks a question around rail development at Heathrow should the third runway be developed. They point to past projects like the Millennium Dome and Olympic Park as pointers on what you should and shouldn't do, while exploring why planning often takes so long in Britain.Finally, they address a question on many people's minds: what happens if we're plunged into active war? They discuss whether the government should better prepare the public for this event, and what areas of weakness the government should address to better protect the public in future. We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

The Middle East conflict raged on during our Easter break and George Osborne comes back to us with news from Washington and word from friends in high places, like incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. He and Ed Balls discuss the failed peace talks from George's other mate, JD Vance, and where things go from here. They then weigh in on the UK's shifting tone towards the Trump administration, and why they're becoming more critical. It's aiding them for now, but will it come back to bite them? The ongoing defence spending dilemma also rears its head with Labour peer George Robertson openly critcising the Government. The pair predict this will come to be the biggest challenge for Rachel Reeves and the Treasury in this year's budget.Earlier this week the International Monetary Fund forecast that Britain would be one of the countries worst hit by the Iran war. Ed explains why he disagrees with this assessment, and how the Bank of England can avoid debilitating inflation. George cautions that Reeves is in a tough spot, and faces some unpopular choices should the IMF's forecast come to fruition. Finally, George sheds some light on emerging cybersecurity threats particularly Anthropic's Mythos model. Alarms are ringing in Washington over this model, with the new threats of AI on defence and security becoming clear. George highlights the risk and opportunity inherent in these technological innovations, and they call for regulation as these models become more and more advanced.We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

In another special ‘What If' edition of EMQs George Osborne and Ed Balls consider the would be worlds and outcomes, if just one historical event went another way. In a more theoretical ‘What If' they consider what would happen if MPs couldn't abstain and had to vote aye or nay on every bill. Ed believes this could lead to a breakdown in our system, while George thinks it could reprimand a mistake made by the recent Tory governments. An anonymous question from someone in government poses a radical change to our recent history: What if Trump became a unifying anti-gun and violence figure after the attempted assassination in 2024? This would have had massive implications for our current world, but would it be believable? George is sceptical, while Ed wonders if Trump would have gone on to a greater landslide victory or if the MAGA movement would have turned on him.Finally, a pair of EU related ‘What Ifs'. Had the Brexit results been flipped, who leads the country into 2020 and the pandemic? George? David Cameron? Or is it still Boris Johnson? Also, what if the Maastricht or Lisbon treaties had been put to the country as referendums? Would Brexit still have happened? Would we still be in the EU? Would it have saved or ended the premierships of John Major and Tony Blair?We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

How can it be ensured countries will face a better future after a large-scale military intervention? It's a question which applies to both politicians dealing with the war in Iran today, and for politicians dealing with the aftermath of Muammar Gaddafi's killing in 2011.In this third and final part of this series, Ed Balls, George Osborne, and Sir John Sawers reflect on the fallout of the 42-year regime in Libya coming to an end. Who was responsible for post-war failures? Was there a case for putting boots on the ground? And what were the unexpected repercussions for geopolitics?They also discuss their immediate reactions to Gaddafi's death and the shocking way in which he was killed.Ed and George then press Sir John on what this all could mean for the ongoing situation in Iran, plus what he really thinks of how Keir Starmer has handled it.Thanks for listening. To listen to all three parts of Inside the Room: The Libya Conflict now, join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. You will also get early and ad-free access to our regular episodes of EMQs. For even more perks, including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Planes are in the air and the military intervention in Libya has now begun. But how does the operation progress from here? And what actually happens in a war room?In the second part of this mini series, Ed Balls and George Osborne ask Sir John Sawers about how MI6 gathered intelligence to guide the path forwards. He tells the story of leaving William Hague "aghast" by securing a visa for the Libyan foreign minister, who he then flattered with dinner at one of the service's secure locations in return for crucial information… The pair also speak to former deputy national security adviser Hugh Powell about why David Cameron always felt that action was better than inaction, and hear from Cathy Ashton about why the fall of Tripoli was a moment of success for the PM and Nicolas Sarkozy.However, with Gaddafi still alive and the UN mandate not accounting for regime change, there was still reason to be apprehensive about the “huge challenge ahead”. Sawers and Powell discuss Gaddafi's skill of staying hidden, why MI6 doesn't actually have a “license to kill”, and their approaches to negotiations with the dictator in his final weeks – including asking Tony Blair for help.Thanks for listening. In our third episode we take you right behind the scenes of the day Gaddafi was killed, and ask who was responsible for the post-war failures… Can't wait? Subscribe now to get all three parts of Inside the Room: The Libya Conflict. You will also get access to our debrief episode The Inquiry, as well as early and ad-free access to our regular episodes of EMQs. For even more perks, including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

As renewed violence erupts across the Middle East, governments have been forced into crisis mode... but when is the right time to intervene, how involved should you get and when, if ever, is it time for 'boots on the ground'?It's these dilemmas and more that are currently facing Keir Starmer and other world leaders, but it's not the first time a UK government has had to find answers for such big questions about international intervention. Fifteen years ago the civil unrest of the Arab Spring spread to Libya. The violent crackdowns against anti-government protestors that followed sparked seven months of NATO military intervention and led to the killing of Muammar Gaddafi, putting an end to his 42-year dictatorship.In this special mini series, Ed Balls and George Osborne are joined by former MI6 Chief Sir John Sawers to discuss the key decisions, missteps, and aftermath of the Libya crisis. We take you inside the war rooms and hear unique insights from John, George and two other officials who saw key decisions being made first-hand: former EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Cathy Ashton, and deputy national security adviser to the coalition government, Hugh Powell. What can the wars of the past can teach us lessons for the wars of today?In part one, we look at how the UK government reacted to the escalating situation, why David Cameron and then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy pushed for military action, and the steps that led to the first bomb being dropped… and how it managed to surprise Britain.Thanks for listening. In our next episode we take you right behind the scenes of the military action and hear about all of the drama that ensued, including the moment Sir John Sawyers took an informant for a secret dinner… Can't wait? Subscribe now to get all three parts of Inside the Room: The Libya Conflict. You will also get access to our debrief episode The Inquiry, as well as early and ad-free access to our regular episodes of EMQs.

Fellow ex-MP and former health minister Steve Brine sends in a question asking Ed Balls and George Osborne how we judge the performance of a health secretary, and in particular Wes Streeting. They lay out the historical challenges of the role, and where Streeting has risen or succumbed to them thus far.A colleague of Ed's from King's College then asks how useful it is for benefits to be so conditional, in particular for care leavers. They debate the fairness in having conditional benefits systems, and why people are more sympathetic to care leavers than other disadvantaged groups. They then discuss the perks of pedestrianising Bruton, George's stomping ground, in a manner similar to Paris. Would George lead the campaign to see this through? Or is it an enticing but unrealistic idea? Finally, a former Tory parliamentary candidate raises his concerns around Nick Timothy's controversial comments on a Ramadan event in London. They discuss the dangerous direction these comments represent for both the Tories, and British politics more widely. We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.This podcast is sponsored by Chip. Join 400,000 customers building long term wealth. T&Cs apply, you must be a new Chip customer, over 18, a UK tax resident, and it's app only. Chip is a trading name of Chip Financial Limited. Savings products are provided by Clearbank and are protected up to the FSCS limit. When investing, your capital is at risk.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Nearly a month into the war in Iran, and the White House's objectives are no clearer. Donald Trump is sending conflicting signals - peace overtures in one moment, threats of further escalation in the next. The consequences of this instability is rippling far beyond the Middle East. Ed Balls and George Osborne examine what Trump actually wants, and what his mixed messages might mean for allies like Britain, struggling to keep track. At home, Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are on the backfoot. With the local elections just weeks away, and both Reform and the Greens on the rise, is the Prime Minister facing down an electoral battering at the polls? Is this the moment Labour's difficulties harden into something more lasting - could the May elections be a dress rehearsal for the next general election? Oh, and what on earth happened to Morgan McSweeney's phone?Finally, from political vulnerability, to political victory. Ed and George reflect on the one year anniversary of Mark Carney's premiership. How has he managed to turn around the fortunes of the Liberal Party in remarkably difficult circumstances - and what lessons Starmer and other leaders facing similar headwinds might take from his playbook. We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.This podcast is sponsored by Chip. Join 400,000 customers building long term wealth. Also Chip have agreed that just for our listeners, for your first £10,000 deposited into Chip before midnight 20 March 2026, they'll give you a Fortnum & Mason hamper after holding it for 90 days - just head to getchip.uk/politicalcurrency.T&Cs apply, you must be a new Chip customer, over 18, a UK tax resident, and it's app only. Chip is a trading name of Chip Financial Limited. Savings products are provided by Clearbank and are protected up to the FSCS limit. When investing, your capital is at risk.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Fresh off regaling us with his tales in a Silicon Valley robotaxi, George Osborne is asked if they're bound for London and what risks they may pose, in this week's EMQs. Ed Balls echoes some of our listener's concerns, but George argues this is no different than other tech evolutions like Uber.The pair are then asked why Britain often appears reactive and not proactive for big economic shocks like the wars in Ukraine or Iran. Is this emblematic of problems within the Treasury? Problems in government? Or, an uncharitable read of tough political circumstances.Finally, an anonymous police officer asks if the Home Office should focus more on retaining experienced officers, rather than recruitments and mergers, to improve services. He also poses a possible solution to this problem - should the police be permitted to take industrial action? Ed and George debate the merits of recruitment drives and what endemic issues need solving to help improve the police. We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.This podcast is sponsored by Chip. Join 400,000 customers building long term wealth. Also Chip have agreed that just for our listeners, for your first £10,000 deposited into Chip before midnight 20 March 2026, they'll give you a Fortnum & Mason hamper after holding it for 90 days - just head to getchip.uk/politicalcurrency.T&Cs apply, you must be a new Chip customer, over 18, a UK tax resident, and it's app only. Chip is a trading name of Chip Financial Limited. Savings products are provided by Clearbank and are protected up to the FSCS limit. When investing, your capital is at risk.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

The war in the middle east has entered its third week. Tensions rose overnight when Israel hit a natural gas field in Iran, and Iran retaliated by bombing gas facilities in Qatar. The result was oil prices skyrocketing. Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss what appears to be a communication breakdown between Israel and the US, and question whether they are aligned in their respective endgames. Earlier this week the Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave the Mais lecture at the Bayes Business School. She said fiscal devolution, closer relations with Europe, AI and innovation would bring growth in the UK. But was the speech too partisan and lacking economic theory?And, Angela Rayner is back - delivering a speech criticising the government's proposed immigration reforms. Is she planning to stick the knife in Keir Starmer, à la Michael Heseltine and Margaret Thatcher, and if so - does she have the right qualifications to lead the country? Ed and George look at past transitions mid-government for Labour and more widely, and examine how Rayner's strengths and weaknesses may impact her chances at No. 10.We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.This podcast is sponsored by Chip. Join 400,000 customers building long term wealth. Also Chip have agreed that just for our listeners, for your first £10,000 deposited into Chip before midnight 20 March 2026, they'll give you a Fortnum & Mason hamper after holding it for 90 days - just head to getchip.uk/politicalcurrency.T&Cs apply, you must be a new Chip customer, over 18, a UK tax resident, and it's app only. Chip is a trading name of Chip Financial Limited. Savings products are provided by Clearbank and are protected up to the FSCS limit. When investing, your capital is at risk.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

The saga of Gordon the chicken continues this week with Beatrice Gove, Michael's daughter, sending in a question to tell us more about the incident. Ed Balls and George Osborne then answer her question about polling showing Labour and Reform out in front as the parties most trusted by business. Is this a concern for Keir Starmer? What does it mean when business starts gravitating towards opposition parties? The pair then consider the great cultural exchanges across British history, in light of the Bayeux Tapestry coming to the British Museum this year. The examples range from Beatlemania all the way to K-Pop. Do these moments help strengthen bonds between countries? What impact do shared cultural experiences have on our diplomatic relations around the world?They then debate the fairness of Shaban Mahmood's proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain, and the potential consequences of being less stringent on high-earning workers as compared to low-earners. Finally, a listener stuck in Dubai enquires about what goes on behind the scenes during crises and whether negative comments from the likes of Ed Davey in response to the ex-pats was misjudged. They cite past examples from Afghanistan to Libya, how governments handled those situations behind the scenes, and when the right time to make large scale interventions like that are necessary. We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.This podcast is sponsored by Chip. Join 400,000 customers building long term wealth. Also Chip have agreed that just for our listeners, for your first £10,000 deposited into Chip before midnight 20 March 2026, they'll give you a Fortnum & Mason hamper after holding it for 90 days - just head to getchip.uk/politicalcurrency.T&Cs apply, you must be a new Chip customer, over 18, a UK tax resident, and it's app only. Chip is a trading name of Chip Financial Limited. Savings products are provided by Clearbank and are protected up to the FSCS limit. When investing, your capital is at risk.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

After weeks of speculation we finally saw the first release of the files concerning Peter Mandelson's appointment and sacking as US Ambassador. Ed Balls and George Osborne delve into the revelations within the files, and whether any of the new information damages the government or prime minister. Was there a smoking gun in the files? Is the worst information now out there? Or, are there more damaging revelations to come?Then, they return to the Iran conflict and reassess what Trump's strategy is. Can he declare victory now and avoid risking his reputation? Or has this war created problems he can't outrun? They also discuss the emerging energy crisis, and whether central banks should cut, hold, or raise interest rates in light of the conflict. Finally, with Tony Blair saying the government should have followed America into Iran, Gordon Brown weighing in on Mandelson, and Boris Johnson pushing for boots on the ground in Ukraine, we've seen an increasing number of interventions by ex-PMs. Is this a new trend? If so, what are these ex-PMs hoping to achieve? How effective are their interventions in shifting government policy?We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.This podcast is sponsored by Chip. Join 400,000 customers building long term wealth. Also Chip have agreed that just for our listeners, for your first £10,000 deposited into Chip before midnight 20 March 2026, they'll give you a Fortnum & Mason hamper after holding it for 90 days - just head to getchip.uk/politicalcurrency.T&Cs apply, you must be a new Chip customer, over 18, a UK tax resident, and it's app only. Chip is a trading name of Chip Financial Limited. Savings products are provided by Clearbank and are protected up to the FSCS limit. When investing, your capital is at risk.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Fresh off the absolute victory for the Greens in Gorton and Denton, Ed Balls and George Osborne debate whether the betting markets - which accurately predicted the results - are reliable forecasters in elections in this week's EMQs. George ponders if, unlike official polling, it might be possible to influence the odds in your favour? Fellow ex-MP Gyles Brandreth asks the brutally honest question: did their careers peak when they were politicians? Despite all their success in podcasting and elsewhere, was being in government the best days of their lives? The pair debate the idea which ends up causing them to reminisce about Michael Gove's dog and a chicken named Gordon.Finally, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith asks the best way a mayor can promote growth in their region, particularly one as rural as his. After offering David some useful ideas, the pair wander down a Wuthering Heights tangent and Ed gifts listeners with his slightly dubious Kate Bush impression. David also asks Ed for some personal advice on being a public figure with a stammer. We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.This podcast is sponsored by Chip. Join 400,000 customers building long term wealth. Also Chip have agreed that just for our listeners, for your first £10,000 deposited into Chip before midnight 20 March 2026, they'll give you a Fortnum & Mason hamper after holding it for 90 days - just head to getchip.uk/politicalcurrency.T&Cs apply, you must be a new Chip customer, over 18, a UK tax resident, and it's app only. Chip is a trading name of Chip Financial Limited. Savings products are provided by Clearbank and are protected up to the FSCS limit. When investing, your capital is at risk.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

After weeks of warnings from George Osborne and Ed Balls, Donald Trump has rolled the dice and launched Operation Epic Fury and Operation Rising Lion against Iran. The strikes sent shockwaves around the world, with many wondering what Trump's real motivations were. Why did Trump act now? What is his endgame? And what could the domestic and geopolitical consequences be?Ed and George unpack the strategic calculations behind the decision, from Middle East security to access to oil, and discuss the geopolitical fallout that may follow.The conflict in Iran has also brought about the starkest moment of disagreement between UK and US since the Vietnam war. Keir Starmer refused to follow the US and Israel, but how much was that position based on internal disagreements within Labour and the long political shadow of the Iraq War?Finally, the pair turn to Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement. Did the Chancellor miss the mark? With defence spending pressures rising and unresolved questions around student loans, they ask if the statement was unusually partisan despite delivering few major policy changes.We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

On the heels of the AI Impact Summit, former advisor to Nick Clegg and author Verity Harding asks how Ed Balls and George Osborne's experiences of the dot com bubble and rise of social media can inform the current government's approach to AI. They also discuss whether AI is heading for its own Dot Com crash.And, what's in a Department Name? More than you'd think apparently. The pair get surprisingly passionate about the joys of a government department rebrand - reminiscing on the coalitions unpicking of the Whitehall reorganisation done by New Labour. Ed is still bitterly disappointed at the abandonment of the DCSF.And, turning to the appointment of Antonia Romeo as Cabinet Secretary - and the wave of misogynistic commentary that followed - Ed and George ask, given her obvious qualifications, why didn't Keir Starmer appoint her sooner? Finally, former civil servant Tamara Finkelstein asks why investment into UK deep tech startups is so lacking, and what can be done to close the gap with the US? Ed and George pose a challenge to the government to address this issue sooner rather than later.We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

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Should a government hold a referendum on tax? A civil servant messages in to pose this idea to Ed Balls and George Osborne on this week's EMQs. The two debate the merits of holding any referendum, reminisce on how easily they become about more than their central question, and ponder whether tax policy is suited to the form of a referendum. Former MP Luke Hall asks the pair about charities funding and tax changes, and George relays the surprising difficulty he found in crafting the appropriate policy for this sector whilst Chancellor. And, is Peter Mandelson leaking information to Jeffrey Epstein a betrayal to the Labour party on the scale of the SDP forming in ‘81 or Ramsay MacDonald's National government? Or, is it something even greater? Ed explains the ways that the Mandelson scandal is uniquely perfidious.Finally, is the shelf life for a British politician shorter than the rest of the world? Why is it so rare to see someone re-enter the Commons after leaving? Ed and George weigh up the reasons for greater churn in British political life than in other democracies. We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

We're one week from the Gorton and Denton by-election, which could prove another brutal blow to Keir Starmer's already unstable premiership. Could Reform gain another MP or will this be the Green Party's first by-election victory? And is a Labour hold out of the question? Ed Balls and George Osborne explore the state of play for the parties, including the U-turn on postponing 30 local elections, the Labour Together scandal, and Reform unveiling their ‘shadow cabinet'. Then, following last weekend's Munich Security Conference, the pair turn their attention to further calls for Europe to increase defence spending. The question for the UK is: can the Treasury afford the proposed 3% defence spending by the end of the parliament? And would the British public accept spending cuts needed to hit that target? Finally, George gives the inside scoop on the AI Impact Summit in India. He explains what opportunities and concerns are being addressed by world leaders, as well as why it represents an achievement for Britain.We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Is it in the best interest of opposition leaders to see weak Prime Ministers resign? In this week's EMQs Ed and George debate whether it benefits the opposition to depose a vulnerable Prime Minister. What are the consequences if their successor is a better leader? What comes first for the Leader of the Opposition - the country, or the party? And - can just anyone become Prime Minister? Do party leaders need to be MPs or might Britain see its own Mark Carney emerge? The pair discuss historical examples in favour of and against this notion and how it could happen again. They then weigh up an even bigger question: has the podcast turned them into influencers? With so many high profile people in the political world tuning in, are they taking notes on what Ed and George say?Finally, Sky News political reporter Ben Bloch chimes in with a response to our question last week about what would happen in the event a PM was incapacitated. He consulted the Labour Party rule book, and it got him wondering if Britain should adopt a US style line of succession for government. Is it time to codify the unwritten rules?We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Keir Starmer's standing has gone from bad to worse this week, with the Peter Mandelson scandal giving way to a series of resignations in No. 10 and the Scottish Labour leader openly calling for Starmer to go. Ed Balls and George Osborne look at what might be Starmer's worst week yet, and assess if he can survive or if we're reliving the final days of Boris Johnson, and Theresa May.Away from Westminster, the Munich Security Conference begins this weekend, which means we're one year on from JD Vance's consequential address in which he claimed the greatest threat to the continent came from within. Has that speech set the tone for the Trump administration's relationship with Europe? What reverberations has that had for the UK? How will European leaders manage in a world without America as a reliable ally? Finally, they tackle one of the great debates in British politics: what do you do about the Palace of Westminster? The British parliament has been crumbling for decades and the dilemma of how to fix a working government building has been a live issue since Ed and George first the Commons. As the issue is delayed, the costs continue to rise. They ponder the solution to this while reminiscing about crumbling offices, leaks and mice running across their feet. Is it in the British public's interest to spend billions refurbishing the Palace of Westminster? We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question. Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

What would happen if Keir Starmer were incapacitated? Who would be acting prime minister - David Lammy, Lucy Powell, or someone else entirely? And how does scandals and replacing cabinet ministers work with no clear line of succession? Ed and George debate the uncertainties of the parliamentary system in this week's EMQs. They also look at the burgeoning crisis around student loan repayments, reflecting on their own roles in governments that helped get us here, and and on the consequences of successive governments ignoring an issue of such magnitude. A civil servant asks just what MPs mean when they talk about ‘civil service reform', and the reveal why ministers are always complaining about it. Finally, one of Ed's former students puts them to the test - why do new MPs not receive training on essential policy areas when they arrive in Westminster. They use the experience of new MP Jake Richards and compare it to their own from 20 years ago.We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

In this episode we discuss details from the Epstein files, with references to sexual exploitation and some strong language.We begin this week with the growing political fallout from the Epstein files, following the release of thousands of emails by the US Department of Justice detailing Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The revelations have prompted comparisons with the Profumo affair and raised serious questions about judgment, power, and trust at the heart of British politics. Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss their shock at the extent of the released emails , how it has reignited scrutiny of Keir Starmer's decision-making, and whether this crisis could bring the Prime Minister down.Epstein's connections with British elites goes beyond Westminster however. His well documented friendship with the former Prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has once again put the Royal Family under pressure. How can King Charles deal with a scandal of this magnitude? And for others implicated in these files, like the Clintons and Donald Trump, what might follow?Overshadowed in the noise of the Epstein files was the long-awaited appointment of Jerome Powell's successor as chair of the Federal Reserve, and it was announced last week that Kevin Warsh was Trump's pick. Ed and George reflect on their personal interactions with Warsh. What kind of Central Banker will he be? How will he differ from Powell? And, how might he handle political pressure from Trump's White House? We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question. Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks, including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Are Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman's defections a blessing in disguise for Kemi Badenoch? In this week's EMQs, Ed Balls and George Osborne explain the pros and cons of the Tories losing MPs from the right of the party, and how Badenoch can take advantage of Labour's unpopularity. Then, the pair consider whether the UK could adopt a US style primary system for candidates and explain how they got selected for their seats in parliament. They also confront the surprising fact that no prime minister has come to power and been ejected through a General Election since the 1970s and answer whether Britain is actually a democracy?They then answer if any British politician is capable of inspiring people the way Mark Carney did at Davos. George and Ed use their past experiences writing and delivering speeches to debate whether Carney's speech was inspiring because of what was written, or how and where it was said.We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question. Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

It's official: we are the champions. Fresh from two wins at last night's Political Podcast Awards, a victorious Ed Balls and George Osborne look at two fairly drastic political recalibrations at home and abroad. Keir Starmer flew to China this week, amidst renewed tensions over his leadership, marking the first prime minister to visit the country in 8 years. Ed and George question why Number 10 played down this significant geopolitical moment, and how it reflects the tension surrounding Starmer leadership. They also look at Andy Burnham's failed return to Westminster and Kemi Badenoch's threats to her left and right.Meanwhile, in the United States, Donald Trump is forced to de-escalate his position on immigration following multiple fatal shootings on the streets of Minnesota. Has the White House lost control of the narrative? And if so, what does this tell us about the limits of a hardline on the politics of immigration?Also, the pair highlight a new Institute for Fiscal Studies paper, which looks into how the house price boom and intergenerational wealth is affecting home ownership and social mobility in the UK today. What impact is this having on people's life chances? And is the Labour government able to tackle it in light of its watered down planning reforms?We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question. Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Why didn't Nick Clegg become Chancellor of the Exchequer in the 2010 coalition government? Ed Balls and George Osborne take you inside the negotiations that formed the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition in this week's EMQs. They also discuss why Gordon Brown didn't make Ed chancellor, and whether it was the original sin of his premiership.They also discuss the role of academics in policy making, and why American scholars end up more favored than their British counterparts. And, how many U-turns can a government sustain? Ed and George look at the impact of U-turn politics on trust and authority, and discuss how the coalition survived the omnishambles budget? Finally, the pair consider whether MPs who defect - including recent high profile Tories like Robert Jenrick - should stand down to trigger by-elections. They explain where this has gone wrong historically, and the dangerous precedent it would set for future political rebellions in all major parties. We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Fresh off a week of anxiety and uncertainty, George Osborne reports to Ed Balls from Davos to give the inside track on what it was like to see Trump's address in person and the murmurs from the Alps about what the President really wants. The pair also look at the reactions from Keir Starmer, European allies, and the Mark Carney speech that got everyone talking. The pair then reflect on Robert Jenrick's sacking and defection to Reform one week on. Has he truly put national interest above personal interest? Should the two parties come to an agreement to reunite the right of British politics? And could the defection of other Tories such as Andrew Rosindell help Kemi Badenoch change the party for the better?Ed has also been on the European continent this week, visiting Versailles for the annual Franco-British Colloque. He speaks of his insights into growing acceptance of victory for the far-right National Rally in next year's presidential election, a rumoured Macron return in 2032, and the need, now more than ever, for a stronger relationship across the Channel.We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Thanks for being a valued member of our Kitchen Cabinet or a Gold subscriber. Remember Kitchen Cabinet members get exclusive access to live EMQs recordings, briefings from the team, and an exclusive Political Currency mug.Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Research: Sam BurtonProduction: Caillin McDaid, Caitlin Hanrahan & Sam Psyk. Video Editor: Avi AsherExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fellow ex-minister Edward Timpson sends in a question this week, asking Ed Balls and George Osborne how they stayed mentally and physically healthy during their time in government. The pair share their guide for what all ministers should do to remain fit in and out of office.Shevaun Haviland, Director General for the British Chambers of Commerce, then asks how the ongoing issues with business rates are solved permanently. George explains why this tax is one that causes issues for every government, and the problems inherent to reforming it. A listener sends in a question from Tokyo, allowing Ed and George to delve into the decades-long standstill of the Japanese economy and the cult-like following new prime minister Sanae Takaichi has gained. Finally, George explains why it's easier to make promises in opposition than stick to them in government, revisiting plans by the Tories to downsize government cars before the coalition, and why it didn't work out that way.We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question. Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

The dramatic news of Robert Jenrick's sacking and rumoured plot to defect to Reform broke mid-record this week, meaning Ed Balls and George Osborne give a live reaction to the news. Has Kemi Badenoch secured her leadership or is this the next Tory psychodrama? And, could Nigel Farage be inviting the biggest threat to his leadership by accepting Jenrick? The pair look at the ongoing protests in Iran, and Donald Trump's changing stance on whether American forces will be deployed in the region. They also look at how Labour should respond, and question the silence from certain political voices on the left. After a roundup of U-turns last week the Labour government has delivered yet another rollback with their mandatory Digital ID cards. Why can't the government, in Wes Streeting's words, get it right the first time? And finally, the ongoing feud between Fed Chair Jerome Powell and Trump turned from a cold war to a hot one last weekend, with a criminal investigation into Powell being launched and the Fed releasing a response. Ed and George examine the possible repercussions of this, and the threats Trump's demands of the Fed pose. We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question. Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

In the first EMQs of 2026 Ed Balls and George Osborne answer the most important question for any politician: what was your snakiest move? The pair share each of their proudest (and least proud) moments of cunning, as well as some hard-won advice on when being snakey can pay off. They then turn to a question missed from our last ‘What If' episode from Australian cabinet member Chris Bowen, who wonders what would happen if John Smith had lived. What would have become of Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, and, most importantly, Ed?George's old Downing Street colleague Craig Oliver also asks a question concerning the gap between establishment and public opinion on AI which allows George to flex his new OpenAI knowledge. Finally, they answer the question on everyone's minds: what was their favourite song from the Eras Tour? We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question. Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

2026 has begun dramatically, with Donald Trump ordering an attack on Venezuela, plus has had aggressive rhetoric against Greenland and other parts of Latin America. Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss how leaders in Europe should respond. Why has the US set their sights on securing Greenland? Is Keir Starmer's careful response the right approach? And just how much is Trump being motivated by oil?As Donald Trump sets the tone internationally, Keir Starmer is under pressure to make his latest domestic relaunch cut through. By focusing on the cost of living, can the government tap into one of the British public's key policy concerns? Or is this mission too broad, and a hostage to fate?Finally, the pair examine whether Labour is becoming the U-turn government… From farmer's inheritance tax, to a potential U-turn on pubs' business rates, is it a timely course correction? Or does it give the impression that the government doesn't know what they are doing?We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

What if the Brexit vote was flipped? Would George Osborne actually be our… former Prime Minister? And what would have happened during the Covid-19 outbreak in that case?George Osborne and Ed Balls are back with another ‘What if' episode, thinking about some of the most consequential sliding doors moments in modern politics. Looking further back, what if it was actually Neil Kinnock who had won the 1992 election? How might Black Wednesday have played out under a Labour government? Finally, they imagine a showdown between Obama and Trump for a third term in 2028. Can Trump really stand constitutionally? Would it be wise for the Democrats to run Obama or is there a better candidate to beat Trump? Thanks for listening. Remember Kitchen Cabinet members get exclusive access to live EMQs recordings, briefings from the team, and an exclusive Political Currency mug.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson joins George Osborne on the podcast this week for a special conversation, giving him another sit down with a rising cabinet member after his interview with Wes Streeting in the summer. The pair talk about the challenges of entering government and whether Labour (or any party) still prioritises education, education, education. They debate the effectiveness of scrapping the two-child benefit cap versus reviving plans like Sure Start, and what to expect from the education department in 2026. They also talk about Phillipson's deputy leadership campaign, how she felt about being ‘No. 10's candidate', and whether she would contest any future leadership bids…Finally, they turn to the challenge on every Labour MP's mind: Reform. Phillipson's Sunderland constituency is at the heart of the Reform challenge to Labour, which means she is acutely aware of the looming threat. How can her party can beat Nigel Farage?Don't forget to vote for us as the Political Podcast Awards People's Choice of the year. Follow the link to vote: https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/ And we love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Thanks for listening. Subscribe now for ad-free listening and early access. Kitchen Cabinet members also get exclusive access to live EMQs recordings, briefings from the team, and an exclusive Political Currency mug. Sign up today.

Pop the champagne, Ed and George are feeling Christmassy in the Political Currency studio, answering some very special questions. Claudia Winkleman asks who the ultimate political traitor is? Who do they pick for 2025… and of all time? Plus, our listeners ask Ed and George about the gifts they have bought for their loved ones - did George ever get David and Sam Cam any wallpaper… and also what books they'd recommend as stocking fillers. Rob Rinder asks George whether he really thinks he could have done better than Ed on Strictly Come Dancing. And he also asks a more serious question: why do they think anti-semitism has been on the rise?Then, seeing as it's the season, a listener asks about Ed and George's favourite Westminster pubs and finally, it's Ed's time to shine as a listener asks for his ultimate Christmas recipes.Thank you so much for all your support in 2025. We have loved hearing from you and we can't wait to hear more of your questions in 2026. Send them to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Don't forget to vote for us as the Political Podcast Awards' People's Choice of the Year. Follow the link to vote: https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/ Thanks for listening. Remember Kitchen Cabinet members get exclusive access to live EMQs recordings, briefings from the team, and an exclusive Political Currency mug

Can Sir Ed Davey really take the fight to the right when it comes to the next election? In this special episode of Political Currency, Ed Balls speaks to the Liberal Democrat leader - and his politician of the year from 2024. In this wide-ranging conversation, the two Eds talk about Ed Davey's passion for care provision and his deeply personal connection to the issue. Ed Balls also asks Ed about his time in the Coalition government with George Osborne and they reflect on their shared school days - including time spent out of the classroom. But will Ed Balls finally return the history notes he lost?Plus, with Nigel Farage's Reform rising up the ranks, Ed Balls asks Ed Davey if he would go into a coalition with Nigel Farage at the next general election. Don't forget to vote for us as the Political Podcast Award's People's Choice of the year. Follow the link to vote: https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/ And we love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/politicalcurrency Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!Thanks for listening. Remember Kitchen Cabinet members get exclusive access to live EMQs recordings, briefings from the team, and an exclusive Political Currency mug: tr.ee/gift-pc

What's the most embarrassing moment you've ever had caught on camera? Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid asks George and Ed to walk down an excruciating memory lane. And she puts a question from ChatGPT to them, in light of George's new gig. But which question is better?George reveals William Hague's incredible method for making sure meetings run on time and Ed helps a Gold listener finally understand the joke at the front of the show? Why on earth would George think he was on the Titanic?A listener shares their experience as a Jewish person in the UK, after the attack on Bondi Beach. And, Nick Thomas-Symonds, cabinet member and famed biographer of Harold Wilson compliments George on his impression of the former Prime Minister - though makes a slight correction. He wants to know when Ed and George think the leaders they served were most resilient. Finally - seeing as it's nearly Christmas - Ed and George muse on where Santa does his Christmas shopping… Don't forget to vote for us as the Political Podcast Award's People's Choice of the year. Follow the link to vote: https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/ And we love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Plus, why not give the gift of Political Currency this Christmas! Kitchen Cabinet members get a Christmas card from Ed and George, a Political Currency mug and even more exclusive perks including our newsletter and access to live events. Sign yourself or a loved one (or an enemy) up today: tr.ee/gift-pcPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/politicalcurrency Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!Credits:Research: Sam BurtonProduction: Paige Reynolds and Eve JonesVideo Editor: Maha Al-BadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How has 2025 changed the outlook for Britain's political parties? George Osborne and Ed Balls reflect on the events that have defined public opinion and led to unprecedented changes in the polls. What went wrong for Keir Starmer's government? Why does Kemi Badenoch's leadership now look more stable? They also name what could potentially be the four most influential moments of 2026. Are losses in the Scottish, Welsh and local elections inevitable for Labour? Will the US mid-terms signal a resurgence or decline for Donald Trump? Could US-China state visits present an opportunity for a stronger relationship between the countries? And just how significant will the first OBR forecast since the Budget be, when it arrives in the spring?Finally, Ed and George crown their Politicians of the Year, and take a look back at some of the best, worst, and most surprising political moments of 2025.Don't forget to vote for us as the Political Podcast Award's People's Choice of the year. Follow the link to vote: https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/ And we love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Plus, why not give the gift of Political Currency this Christmas! Kitchen Cabinet members get a Christmas card from Ed and George, a Political Currency mug and even more exclusive perks including our newsletter and access to live events. Sign yourself or a loved one (or an enemy) up today: tr.ee/gift-pcPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/politicalcurrency Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!Credits:Research: Sam BurtonProduction: Paige Reynolds and Eve JonesVideo Editor: Maha Al-BadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Osborne and Ed Balls reminisce on their most challenging interviewers…school children. George recalls being asked what seven times eight was, while Ed recounts misfires over school lunches. They also speculate on which Tory MP was glad to be sacked by Rishi Sunak…Elsewhere, they look at the peculiar case of the Canadian Conservatives where election loser Pierre Poilievre has continued on as leader, and wonder if there are any British equivalents. This allows George to show off his unexpected Harold Wilson impression. They also question Labour's continued refusal to consider rejoining the Customs Union, and whether the US/India trade deals are an acceptable substitute. Finally, they give Keir Starmer some benefit of the doubt, as a passionate listener makes the case for Labour's vision and successes from their first year in government.We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/politicalcurrency Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!Thanks for listening. Remember Kitchen Cabinet members get exclusive access to live EMQs recordings, briefings from the team, and an exclusive Political Currency mug PLUS a very special Christmas card from Ed and George: tr.ee/gift-pcCredits:Research: Sam BurtonProduction: Caillin McDaid & Ellie Jay Video Editor: Danny PapeExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the White House really think about Europe? George Osborne and Ed Balls take a look at President Trump's new national strategy. George plays devil's advocate for the plan, while Ed suggests that it could reveal JD Vance's big strategy for 2028… They then turn to the US domestic agenda, and weigh up whether the Trump economy really is A+++. They look at the impact of the tariffs, the upcoming appointment of a new Federal Reserve chair, and how rising prices could cost the Republicans in the midterms.Finally, they look at Hollywood and shine a light on Trump's role in Netflix and Paramount's bidding war for Warner Bros. They weigh up the impacts of these bids, the role of Jared Kushner, and why something similar couldn't happen in the UK…Don't forget to vote for us as the Political Podcast Award's People's Choice of the year. Follow the link to vote: https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/ And we love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Why not gift the gift of Political Currency! Kitchen Cabinet members get a Christmas card from Ed and George, a Political Currency mug and even more exclusive perks including our newsletter and access to live events. Sign yourself or a loved one (or an enemy) up today: tr.ee/gift-pcCredits:Research: Sam BurtonProduction: Caillin McDaid & Ellie Jay Video Editor: Danny PapeExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will any government be brave enough to abolish the triple lock on pensions? The cost-saving case has been made by many, but Ed Balls and George Osborne explain why it could be politically calamitous to try and ditch it. They debate William Hague's theory that, were Rachel Reeves sacked, Keir Starmer would follow and look back at how chancellors and Prime Minister's fates have been intertwined. Plus - why is Keir Starmer always doodling during PMQs? Is he following the brilliant debate strategy of Obama, or easily bored when being questioned?Finally, in a preview of our upcoming ‘What If' EMQs, Ed and George imagine how the 2024 election could have gone, had Reeves followed a path like John Smith in 1992. Would she have avoided her budget nightmares? Or, would we still have Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister?Don't forget to send in questions for our upcoming Christmas and ‘What If' themed EMQs episodes. You can send those to questions@politicalcurrency, and make sure to include a voice note!Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

The drama rages on, one week after Chancellor Rachel Reeves stood at the dispatch box to deliver her second Budget. Richard Hughes has resigned as OBR chair following the catastrophic budget leak and calls for Rachel Reeves to do the same have not let up. Ed Balls and George Osborne look at the “shambolic” fallout of the budget, and how Labour have once again grasped defeat from the jaws of victory in yet another communications disaster for the party. Then, the pair discuss David Lammy's drastic measures to scrap juries for the majority of cases in England and Wales. Is this the biggest change to our justice system since the Magna Carta or a necessary step to solve the mounting backlog of cases, bringing the courts to the brink? And why on earth didn't anybody prepare the ground for it?Finally, Ed and George look across the channel to the rise of the far right in Germany and France. With the AfD and National Rally looking on the cusp of electoral victory and Reform's path to power looking inevitable, what lessons can Keir Starmer learn from his European allies to stop Nigel Farage securing the keys to No 10? Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

How many times did Gordon Brown save Tony Blair from a calamitous decision? Ed Balls and George Osborne recount the times chancellors stepped in to save their PM from disaster. Does George wish he'd done it a bit more with David Cameron?And why does the Opposition leader respond to the budget and not the shadow chancellor? Ed and George try to work it out, but are not quite sure themselves - please write in! They also delve into the minimum wage rise from the budget, and signal pressing issues Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves must tackle down the line.Finally, the pair share their dream jobs - other than Prime Minister, of course - with Ed's being a suitably political answer and George's being typically wide-ranging from his previous roles.We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question. Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: