The New Statesman Podcast

This week was Andy Burnham's first in the Commons as Prime Minister, facing his inaugural head to head with Kemi Badenoch at PMQs.As for the Tories, they have undergone a major reshuffle.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague.LISTEN AD-FREE:

As the UK faces hotter summers, wetter winters and more unpredictable weather, its historic buildings will need to adapt. But how can Britain make them more resilient without compromising the heritage that makes them worth protecting? Host Sarah Dawood is joined by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, and Tor Burrows, Chief Sustainability Officer at Grosvenor, to ask whether the current system is fit for a changing climate. Their discussion explores the barriers to adapting and retrofitting older buildings, from complex planning processes to skills shortages. They also consider how historic buildings could contribute to housing, economic growth and the UK's climate goals. They discuss the case for a more coordinated approach across government, a “reuse first” policy and clearer rules for low-risk retrofit. The conversation also looks at what needs to change to keep historic buildings useful, comfortable and resilient for the future. This New Statesman podcast episode has been fully funded by Grosvenor.LISTEN AD-FREE:

The investigation into Nigel's “Farage Fest” election party, Andy Burnham's Ukrainian jam session and Pope Leo XIV making it onto Vanity Fair's best dressed list.Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up the stories of the week.LISTEN AD-FREE:

It's nearly a year since Zack Polanski took the reins of the Green party. In many ways the party has never been so successful – with five MPs, leading six local authorities and a leader who cuts through with the public. But now the Greens have to contend with a new – and relatively popular – Prime Minister, and internal factions within the party threaten to make life difficult for Polanski as he heads towards the summer conference.How is the Green leader faring one year on?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Megan KenyonProduced by Chris StoneLISTEN AD-FREE:

One of the first big decisions of Andy Burnham's premiership is looming: whether to drill for North Sea oil and gas. Labour made a manifesto promise not to grant new licences for oil and gas exploration, but the question of whether to go ahead and drill at the Rosebank and Jackdaw sites - offshore oil and gas fields that have pre-existing licences - remains.After a summer of wildfires and heatwaves, but with our energy security and cost-of-living precarious, the new Prime Minister faces a political dilemma.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.LISTEN AD-FREE:

What constitutes a wealthy society, Richard Tice saying we should “enjoy” climate change and the clamour around Harry and Meghan's return to the UK. Anoosh Chakelian and Oli Dugmore discuss the stories of the week. LISTEN AD-FREE:

On the one hand, Burnham may never be as popular as he is now. On the other, the PM could lose an election if he calls it soon, bringing his long-held dream of being prime minister to a horribly premature end.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.LISTEN AD-FREE:

The UK still sends millions of tonnes of waste to landfill, creating environmental risks while losing resources that could be put to better use.Given there will always be some waste that we cannot reuse or recycle, what role should government and industry play in finding a more sustainable alternative?Host Emma Haslett is joined by Toby Perkins MP, chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee and Karl Smyth, Director of External Affairs and Strategic Policy at enfinium.Our panel discusses the UK's recycling ambitions and the gap between a circular economy and the reality of unavoidable waste, as well as the environmental and community impact of landfill.They talk about the role of Energy from Waste in diverting waste from landfill, supporting energy resilience and contributing to wider decarbonisation efforts. They also consider political consensus, community support and the action needed from government and industry.This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by enfinium.LISTEN AD-FREE:

After its victory in Clacton, Reform has announced plans to slash the welfare state.Over the weekend, Robert Jenrick claimed a Reform government would cut £50 billion from the welfare bill, excluding foreign nationals from most benefits.Meanwhile, a parliamentary investigation into Nigel Farage's finances has resumed, after he was found to have accepted a £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Labour overtaking Reform in opinion polls for the first time in over a year, travel chaos for government ministers and the controversial grave of Dobby the house-elf. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Oli Dugmore to discuss the stories of the week.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Sorry about all the bangs, things got a little crazy at Clacton Leisure Centre.After a long and fairly ridiculous night, Nigel Farage has been reinstated as MP for Clacton. What happens now? Could it be another by-election?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by senior data journailst and Labour councillor, Ben Walker.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Clacton is heading for a by-election on Thursday, triggered by Nigel Farage, amidst the Reform leader's financial scandals.Anoosh Chakelian spends the day in Clacton, getting the perspective of locals.READhttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/08/hes-made-us-look-like-right-plonkers-clacton-prepares-for-more-farageLISTEN AD-FREE:

Andy Burnham's vision – to reground the Labour party in a sense of place, tradition and belonging – began over a decade ago, rising from the rubble of the Blair and Brown years. Off the back of the party's 2010 defeat, figures now key to his government argued that Labour had become too centralised; too detached from working class voters.Now, Burnham wants to revive “community” as both a value and a means of reforming the UK.Is this the era of “Woke Blue Labour”?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by editor-in-chief Tom McTague.Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/08/are-we-living-under-woke-blue-labourLISTEN AD-FREE:

Is supporting North Sea drilling an extremist position? Does Jeremy Clarkson have the right to ask benefit claimants for a thank you note? And should you grass on naughty neighbours breaking the hosepipe ban?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Oli Dugmore to discuss some of the biggest questions of the week.

Why did Kemi Badenoch allow a man with a neo-Nazi past to stand as a council candidate? Is Andy Burnham running into his first bump in the road as Prime Minister over his pausing of the early release of prisoners scheme? And could Reform and Restore set aside their differences and form a pact?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political correspondent Ethan Croft.LISTEN AD-FREE:

For some time, Zack Polanski's tenure as Green Party leader had been largely characterised as a success. But he's been having a turbulent time in recent weeks. He was accused of inciting violence with an Instagram post, failed to steal the Manchester mayoralty from Labour, and the party is becoming increasingly divided on the subject of defence of spending.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political correspondent Megan Kenyon to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:

The best day of Andy Burnham's life, Chris Philp goes gonzo in the Channel, and more climate change denial in a burning country.Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up some stories you might have missed this week.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Andy Burnham's policy and comms blitz powers on - he is setting out his intentions early, and with a very different style than his predecessor.Meanwhile, on his second week, his government is fully appointed, but the fallout is still rumbling away in the background.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:

This New Statesman podcast episode has been fully funded by argenx and features an edited panel discussion recorded at the New Statesman's Igniting Growth Conference.The UK has world-leading science, research and regulatory expertise, but too often struggles to turn those strengths into investment, innovation and better patient access.Can it turn its life sciences strengths into global leadership?Chaired by New Statesman policy correspondent Samir Jeraj, the panel brings together Dame Chi Onwurah MP, Naomi Weir from the CBI, David Knechtel from argenx UK and Ireland, and Clare Pelham from the Epilepsy Society.Our panel discusses why the UK's scientific and regulatory strengths are not consistently translating into growth and patient access, as well as the commercial pressures affecting confidence in the sector.They talk about the need for more joined-up delivery across government, the NHS and industry, how innovation can reach patients, and what must change for the Life Sciences Sector Plan to deliver.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Anoosh and Will are back for their weekly politics round up, this week includes: the tired spectacle of a new prime minister, Wes Streeting's hot mic moment, Gary Lineker's plea for higher taxes, and the ongoing saga of Stella Creasy's parakeet misidentification.LISTEN AD-FREE:

It's day 4 of Prime Minister Andy Burnham's premiership.His cabinet is now appointed - With some notable appointments to the top jobs, plenty of reshuffling, and some loyal Starmer-ites out.The PM has also begun to announce his measures to tackle the cost of living, from bus fares to energy bills, and a big clear target from the off: end rough sleeping.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Today, Keir Starmer made his way from No 10 to Buckingham Palace to officially resign as Prime Minister.He was closely followed by his replacement, Andy Burnham, who is currently in his first few hours in the job.Anoosh Chakelian is in Westminster with Ailbhe Rea to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Keir Starmer has bowed out of his role as Prime Minister. At his final PMQs, an unusually convivial tone was struck.As Starmer's political career draws to a close, Will Dunn and Tom McTague discuss his tenure, his final week, and ponder his unpopularity.LISTEN AD-FREE:

As Keir Starmer's premiership draws to a close, Andy Burnham is putting the finishing touches on his plan for power.Ailbhe Rea joins Tom McTague in the studio to discuss: Anne Widdecomb's role in British PoliticsKeir Starmer's final days as Prime MinisterThe people likely to be appointed in an Andy Burnham cabinetWhy appointing Shabana Mahmood as Chancellor would go against Andy Burnham's own principlesWhy the briefing against Ed Miliband shows Burnham's plan to improve Number 10 culture will be an uphill battle

Cyberattacks on the UK's critical national infrastructure are becoming faster and more sophisticated. What will it take to protect the systems and services that keep the country running? Host Zoë Grünewald is joined by Matt Western MP, Chair of the Joint Committee on National Security Strategy, and Chris Parker, Director of Government Strategy at Fortinet UK. Our panel discusses how ransomware, hostile state actors and AI-enabled attacks are changing the threat landscape facing the UK's critical national infrastructure, as well as where regulation and governance may need to go further. They talk about the risks posed by legacy systems and cyber skills shortages, what effective resilience looks like in practice, and why closer cooperation between government and industry matters. This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by Fortinet. LINKS Fortinet 2026 Global Threat Landscape Report Fortinet 2026 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report Fortinet 2026 OT Report Government Cyber Action Plan UK Cyber Growth Action PlanLISTEN AD-FREE:

Nigel Farage, pollings' current front runner to win the next general election, has resigned as an MP.However, he plans to stand as a candidate in the by-election this move will trigger. Labour, the Lib Dems and the Tories have labelled this a “stunt” and won't stand in the contest.Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is continuing to prepare for power…Tom McTague is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Ethan Croft to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Nigel Farage loses his cool as he's grilled on his £5 million “gift”, the “anti-woke” Davos and the elephant seal that's terrorising Tasmania. Will and Anoosh round up the stories of the week.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/07/is-nigel-farage-losing-momentum LISTEN AD-FREE:

Andy Burnham is preparing for power – which means horsetrading, negotiations and planning.Ailbhe Rea has been speaking to MPs and advisors inside the Labour party to find out what's really happening in Team Burnham, who's in line for the top jobs, and why some Labour MPs are giving Burnham "the ick".Plus: Reform say Nigel Farage is having a great time. Other sources say he's struggling. What's going on inside the “unofficial opposition”? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Ailbhe Rea.LISTEN AD-FREE:

This morning Andy Burnham delivered a speech criticising “Whitehall culture” and promising to rebalance resources between national and local governments. On course to enter Downing Street in as little as three weeks, the former Greater Manchester Mayor laid out his vision for a “Number 10 North”, promising “growth in every postcode”.But how will that work in practice? And how different is it from what's been before?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Keir Starmer's turn at the resignation lectern, Peter Murrell's £400,000 shopping spree and Will Dunn's attempt at a “Man v Horse” race. Will and Anoosh discuss the stories of the week.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/this-england/2026/06/one-small-step-for-man-much-further-for-a-horseLISTEN AD-FREE:

From a by-election victory in Wigan, to the resignation of Keir Starmer, to an Avanti West Coast train bound for London, tracked by news helicopters - Andy Burnham's return to Westminster has been a remarkable spectacle.Whilst Burnham's coup has overcome multiple challenges to get to this point, in many ways, the hard part is about to begin.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:

This morning, Keir Starmer stood outside No 10 Downing Street and announced his resignation as Prime Minister - the sixth to leave office since the EU referendum, which was ten years ago this week. He will remain in office until Labour selects a new leader. The Prime Minister's likely successor Andy Burnham is sworn in as an MP today after his decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election last week. Burnham has already announced his intention to stand as a leadership contender.How did the Prime Minister come to this momentous decision, and what happens next?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea and editor-in-chief Tom McTague. LISTEN AD-FREE:

The importance of branding in British politics, banning social media for under 16s and the Reform councillor who made “the biggest mistake” of his life.Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn discuss the stories of the week.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/the-brand-is-back-in-british-politicsLISTEN AD-FREE:

Andy Burnham has won the historic Makerfield by-election, he's soon expected to speak to Starmer or trigger a leadership election.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ethan Croft in Wigan.LISTEN AD-FREE:

The former Health Secretary reveals why he believes Keir Starmer is failing.When Wes Streeting resigned from cabinet in May, it put an end to months of speculation. The former Health Secretary does want Keir Starmer's job. Since then, the Defence Secretary, John Healey, and the Armed Forces minister, Al Carns, have both resigned over the Defence Spending plan. Keir Starmer's leadership is looking more and more precarious.Now Andy Burnham is running in the Makerfield by-election. If he becomes an MP, that could clear a way for him to contest the leadership himself.In the days leading up to the by-election, Wes Streeting came into the New Statesman studio for an extended interview with our Political Correspondent, Ethan Croft. In the conversation you're about to hear, Streeting speaks candidly about the reasons he left government, his views on Keir Starmer's leadership and what he believes Labour needs to do to reverse its ailing fortunes. He's also surprisingly complimentary about his potential rival in a future leadership contest, Andy Burnham.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Tomorrow - the fate of the Labour government, and Keir Starmer's premiership, is in the balance as voters head to the polls in Makerfield for the most consequential by-election in a generation.If Andy Burnham wins, what are his next steps? How will the following days and weeks play out?Will Lloyd is joined by Ailbhe Rea to discuss.READhttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2026/06/makerfield-days-andy-burnham-kenyon-farage-by-electionLISTEN AD-FREE:

On Thursday, Makerfield goes to the polls in the most consequential by-election in a generation.Can Andy Burnham finally gain the parliamentary seat he needs to enter the Labour leadership race? Will Robert Kenyon and Reform stop Burnham's charge to Downing Street and further cement their status as Labour's inevitable successors?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:

The Makerfield by-election candidates battle it out to be the most “normal”, the travails of journalists from the US to the NS and more crossover between the worlds of AI and politics.Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the weekLISTEN AD-FREE:

After the resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, Wes Streeting joins the Politics Show to reflect on why Keir Starmer is losing support from his loyal ministers.Streeting resigned his own post as Health Secretary in May, and has said he would run in a future race to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister.Also in this episode, Tom McTague and Ethan Croft discuss the resignations and what they mean – for the UK's ability to defend itself, and for the future of the government.The interview excerpt featured here is taken from an hour-long conversation with Wes Streeting which will publish next week.READ: John Healey's resignation heralds the end for Keir Starmer, by Andrew MarrLISTEN AD-FREE:

From prisons to speed cameras and welfare to nuclear warning systems, the British government has outsourced a huge number of state operations to private companies – including the housing of asylum seekers.This week, riots erupted on the streets of Belfast following the stabbing of Stephen Ogilvy. The suspect is an ex asylum seeker. It's the third summer in a row that the asylum accommodation system has been the focus of violent protests.Has Britain lost control?READ: How Britain lost control https://www.newstatesman.com/cover-story/2026/06/how-britain-lost-controlLISTEN AD-FREE:

Ahead of the by-election in Makerfield on June 18th, polling expert Scarlett Maguire spoke to voters in the constituency for the New Statesman. This episode is made up of clips from these Makerfield locals.Scarlett spoke to two groups, some who said they would be voting Reform, some who said they would be voting Labour.They shared their concerns about the current state of the UK and its politics, and their opinions on the two main parties and candidates battling it out in Makerfield.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Andy Burnham's tucked-in t-shirt, a bonkers “festival of AI optimism” and which MP would make the best James Bond.Will Dunn is joined by editor Tom McTague to discuss the stories of the week.LISTEN AD-FREE:

The spectre of the Makerfield by-election on June 18th is hanging over British politics.If Andy Burnham wins, he's in prime position to challenge Keir Starmer's leadership. However, a Burnham victory in Makerfield is far from certain. Reform and their candidate Robert Kenyon are mounting a serious challenge.Tom McTague is joined by polling expert Scarlett Maguire and our political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss.READhttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/in-makerfield-voters-on-both-sides-are-united-by-despairhttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/andy-burnhams-door-knock-to-downing-streetLISTEN AD-FREE:

While Westminster looks inward, the world is moving fast. Keir Starmer's government needs to focus on the urgent changes affecting all of our lives.Tom McTague joins Anoosh Chakelian to discuss his latest essay for the New Statesman, and answer listeners questions. This week, listeners ask: "Why have British politicians been so useless for the past 20 years?" and "is it finally time for voting reform?"LISTEN AD-FREE:

This week there's only one subject to discuss – and that's Tony Blair – who has written a blistering 5,000 word essay criticising everyone from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham, Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting.Tom McTague is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss this “right wing” intervention. LISTEN AD-FREE:

Nigel Farage's £5 million “reward” from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, the NHS “I feel lucky” syndrome and the Reform councillor who wants us to crack down on extra terrestrial activity. Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week.LISTEN AD-FREE:

The spotlight of British politics is shining on Andy Burnham - and his “long coup” is underway.Meanwhile, Keir Starmer himself has to find a way to resume some semblance of government as usual.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Andy Burnham is running in a by-election in Makerfield, which is likely to be held on 18 June, to return to Parliament as an MP. If he wins, he will be the frontrunner in a contest to replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.Burnham's personal brand of politics is often referred to as “Manchesterism”. So, what is it?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by The New Statesman's editor-in-chief Tom McTague, who profiled Andy Burnham back in September.LISTEN: https://www.newstatesman.com/podcasts/politics-podcast/2025/09/andy-burnham-has-a-plan-for-britain-2READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2025/09/exclusive-andy-burnhams-plan-for-britainLISTEN AD-FREE:

Keir Starmer's never ending cycle of political chaos, Reform's suspended local councillors and Anoosh's heckle of Boris Johnson.Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week.Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/comment/2026/05/will-progressives-ever-forgive-labour https://www.newstatesman.com/business/economics/2026/05/the-bond-markets-will-not-save-keir-starmerLISTEN AD-FREE:

Wes Streeting resigned as Health Secretary on Thursday morning, but Ailbhe Rea says Keir Starmer is determined to fight on.After days of speculation – and a 16-minute meeting at Number 10 – Wes Streeting has finally resigned from cabinet.On the same day, Angela Rayner has announced she has been "cleared" of wrongdoing related to unpaid property tax, which would leave her free to run in a leadership contest if one is triggered.However, sources inside Number 10 have told Ailbhe Rea that Wes Streeting does not have the backing of enough MPs to trigger a leadership contest. So what is the former Health Secretary hoping to achieve?And if a leadership contest were triggered, who else would be likely to run?Ailbhe Rea and Anoosh Chakelian discuss the latest from Westminster in The Politics Show.READ: Wes Streeting resigns with an excoriating letter to StarmerLISTEN AD-FREE:

Over 80 MPs are calling for Keir Starmer's resignation, reaching the threshold required for a contender to mount a leadership challenge, with ministers - including Jess Philips - resigning from government too.After a high stakes meeting this morning, several cabinet members voiced their support for the Prime Minister, as he defiantly vowed to “get on with governing”.Will the Prime Minister survive the week?READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/05/tracked-the-labour-mps-calling-for-keir-starmer-to-goLISTEN AD-FREE: