Podcast appearances and mentions of candice mckenzie

After Keir Starmer made headlines with his warnings of an “island of strangers”, British Future's Sunder Katwala joins the podcast team to dig into the detail of the government's new immigration policy. Farewell to 102 Petty France - and a few other Whitehall buildings too. The government is dispersing civil servants to new locations around the country. Will the plan work? Plus: Why the government needs to fundamentally shift its strategy for tackling homelessness. Presented by Hannah White. With Hannah Keenan, Sachin Savur and Amber Dellar. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Labour jostles with Reform for polling points and the Conservatives debate the merits of cosying up to Nigel Farage's party, More in Common's Luke Tryl joins the podcast team to take stock of the polls - and what they might say about the upcoming local elections. With Rachel Reeves still looking nervously at the economic data and Donald Trump making increasingly hard-to-follow statements about tariffs, we assess the chancellor's trip to Washington. Plus: Are people satisfied with their GPs? A new IfG paper reveals all. Presented by Hannah White. With Jill Rutter, Tom Pope and Stuart Hoddinott.   Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Procurement is central to the operation of modern government but, following a series of high-profile scandals, is often controversial. Much of the criticism has focused on the role of the biggest suppliers, some of whom have become household names for the wrong reasons. But who are these big suppliers and how dependent is the government on them? This special episode of Inside Briefing will tell you everything you need to know about how much the government actually spends with big suppliers, the kind of services these companies provide, how well do they perform compared to other suppliers, and how effective the government is at holding them to account. With IfG programme director Nick Davies, former Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude, Capita Public Service CEO Richard Holroyd, the TUC's Director of Organising Public Services and Skills Sian Elliott, and Gus Tugendhat, Founder of Tussell. This podcast episode is kindly supported by Tussell. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spring has nearly sprung, but the fiscal forecasts made for a rather gloomy spring statement for Rachel Reeves. Stewart Wood, a Labour peer and former adviser to Gordon Brown, joins the podcast team to assess the state of the economy - and Reeves's attempts to turn it around.  How much will welfare cuts upset Labour backbenchers? What could Donald Trump's tariffs mean for Reeves's plans? And just how difficult are the choices awaiting the chancellor as the spending review approaches? Plus: New IfG research focuses on left behind groups - and sets out some of the tensions in how the government is approaching one of its missions and milestones. Presented by Alex Thomas. With Jill Rutter, Gemma Tetlow and Sophie Metcalfe. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Rachel Reeves just days away from setting out her spring statement to parliament, chief secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones MP drops into the podcast studio to discuss the Treasury's new plans for watching the pennies. So what could the chancellor do? What shouldn't the chancellor do? The podcast team weigh up her options - and analyse the government's controversial welfare reforms. Plus: IfG senior fellow and public policy expert Nick Timmins gives his expert take on the big decision to abolish NHS England. Presented by Emma Norris. With Cath Haddon and Tom Pope. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Valentine's Day is upon us... but there doesn't seem to be a great deal of love for Keir Starmer and his government right now. So what is the PM going to do about it? Commentator Ian Dunt joins the podcast team to weigh up Labour's latest policy blitz – this time on immigration – and what seems to be ever-increasing pressure on chancellor Rachel Reeves.   Plus: What does Donald Trump's statement on Ukraine mean for the UK, not least our defence secretary and the armed forces?  Hannah White presents, with Joe Owen. Produced by Candice McKenzie.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tricky poll ratings, gloomy economic news, and Elon Musk's online onslaught have made for a tricky start to 2025 for Keir Starmer, but how much should No10 be worrying? Theo Bertram, a former adviser to Tony Blair and Gordon Brown joins the pod team to give his verdict.   Musk's X attacks have placed the child grooming scandal on the front pages, but are the Conservatives right to call for a new inquiry?   The government would rather we were talking about its announcements on NHS and social care reform: our resident IfG health expert plans all? Plus: What will Mark Zuckerberg's Meta's fact-checking shift really mean?  Hannah White presents. With Emma Norris and Stuart Hoddinott.   Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The devolution revolution is in full swing, with Angela Rayner setting out the government's plans to give power away across England. Former Conservative special adviser Salma Shah joins the podcast team to explore what the plan contains – and whether it stands any chance of working? Asylum is one of the trickiest issues facing this or any government. The author of a new IfG paper tells us why what has become a chronic policy problem and what could be done to fix it. Plus: Will Elon Musk's money be making its way into British politics?  Hannah White presents with Sachin Savur, Akash Paun and Millie Mitchell. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Budget day is over and Halloween is here - and Rachel Reeves certainly came up with some pretty scary numbers.  Stewart Wood, a former adviser to Gordon Brown at the Treasury and No10, joins the podcast team to make sense of the chancellor's statement. Will her plans - this is one of the biggest tax raising budgets in modern history - come back to haunt her? Will her new rules for borrowing spook the markets? Or will her announcements begin the process of bringing economic growth back from the near-dead? Hannah White presents. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week was all about the launch of Invest 2035. Invest what? The Guardian's City Editor Anna Isaac joins the podcast team to get behind the scenes for the big government day - complete with an exclusive Elton John concert - at the Guildhall. The glitz and the glamour was designed to provide some soothing mood music ahead of the Budget - now fast approaching. We preview the latest pitch rolling.  Plus: what are private members' bills all about? Hannah White presents. With Giles Wilkes, Tom Pope and Finn Baker. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chiefs of staff aren't meant to become the story. But Sue Gray most definitely did - until she wasn't. So what does Keir Starmer's No10 reset mean for how he wants to govern – and what should Labour be doing to turn around those plummeting poll rates?   More in Common's Luke Tryl joins the podcast team to explore the Downing Street job moves and examine what voters want this government to get on and deal with.   Plus: For all the drama in government, it's the Conservatives who have stunned everyone with the latest round of their leadership contest. James Cleverly is out. Which means Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick are through to face the members. So what on earth is going on…?   Hannah White presents. With Nehal Davison and Jordan Urban. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does it matter if the prime minister accepts a free gift? Lots of free gifts. The House Magazine's Sienna Rodgers joins the Inside Briefing team to explore a question that, unfortunately for Keir Starmer, is not going away. It has also emerged that Sue Gray, the PM's chief staff, is paid more than the country's most senior politician - and a lot, lot more than plenty of special advisers. So is Gray's pay day a problem?   Talking of money, a new IfG report has set out how the government can save some - billions in fact. Its author reveals where the money can be found.   Plus: How to complete England's devolution map? Another new IfG report - we're spoiling you - has the solutions.   Cath Haddon presents.   With Tim Durrant, Ben Paxton, Akash Paun and Matthew Fright.   Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The usual cut and thrust of politics took a backseat this as the Grenfell Inquiry's final report blamed “decades of failure by central government” and the “systematic dishonesty” of multimillion-dollar companies for a fire which killed 72 people. Sam Coates of Sky News joins the podcast team to discuss the inquiry's findings – and what happens next.   Elsewhere in Westminster the focus a row featuring cabinet secretary Simon Case and the up and downs of the Conservative leadership contenders – so who has had a good week?   PLUS: Who has served as a minister? Which roles have they held? What dates were they in office? All the answers can be found in the fantastic IfG Ministers Database, which launched this week.   Hannah White presents.   With Jill Rutter, Emma Norris and Philip Nye.   Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special Advisers are some of the most important yet misunderstood figures in government. They play vital roles – as the voice of their minister in the department, shaping policy agendas and managing the media.  As a new government gets up and running and scores of new SpAds get to grips with their roles, this four part series lifts the lid on what SpAds do, how they do it, and why they're indispensable to modern government.  In this final episode, we look at how SpAd careers end. We start with reshuffles – what's it like to go through a reshuffle as a SpAd, and how do you find out when one's about to begin? We also discuss what it's like to lose one of these jobs and how little notice you really get.  Finally, we finish the episode and the series by asking our interviewees to reflect on their time in government. What would they do differently if they had their time again? What are they most proud of? And what advice would they give to future SpAds?  Presented by Jack Worlidge. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special Advisers are some of the most important yet misunderstood figures in government. They play vital roles – as the voice of their minister in the department, shaping policy agendas and managing the media. As a new government gets up and running and scores of new SpAds get to grips with their roles, this four part series lifts the lid on what SpAds do, how they do it, and why they're indispensable to modern government.  In the third episode, we look at how SpAds' work extends beyond their own departments. Government is complicated, so no-one can do one of these jobs effectively without working with other departments across Whitehall.  Most SpAds will be in regular contact with the centre – No10 and the Treasury. So how do those relationships work? How powerful is No10 in reality, and what's it like to negotiate with the Treasury? SpAds also need to work effectively with other departments, so we discuss the importance of the cross-government SpAd network. Finally, we hear about the importance of maintaining good relations with those outside government – including Parliament, their party, and external stakeholders.  Presented by Jack Worlidge. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's only one story in town – actually, there's only one story on the planet. And that's Joe Biden's decision to pull out of the presidential race – and vice president Kamala Harris' coronation as the new Democrat candidate to face Donald Trump in November. Mark Landler of the New York Times is back on the podcast to reflect on an absolutely momentous week in US politics, what Biden's exit means for the presidential race, and what this all means for the UK. PLUS: What is the government's public service inheritance – and how will public services look by the next general election if the government sticks to its spending plans? A new IfG report has the answers. Hannah White presents, with Alex Thomas and Stuart Hoddinott. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special Advisers are some of the most important yet misunderstood figures in government. They play vital roles – as the voice of their minister in the department, shaping policy agendas and managing the media.
As a new government gets up and running and scores of new SpAds get to grips with their roles, this four part series lifts the lid on what SpAds do, how they do it, and why they're indispensable to modern government.
In the second episode, we're focusing on how important relationships are to any SpAd's job. We start by discussing the importance of trust and understanding between SpAds and their secretary of state – how is this relationship built, and why is it so critical? And what about junior ministers – how do SpAds work with them?
The link between SpAds and the civil servants they work with is also vital. We look at their links with both the secretary of state's and their own private offices, as well as what they thought about the civil service overall, and whether anything frustrated them. Presented by Jack Worlidge. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special Advisers are some of the most important yet misunderstood figures in government. They play vital roles – as the voice of their minister in the department, shaping policy agendas and managing the media. As a new government gets up and running and scores of new SpAds get to grips with their roles, this special four-part series from the Institute for Government lifts the lid on what SpAds do, how they do it, and why they're indispensable to modern government.  In this first episode, we look at how SpAds are recruited, and how they found their first days in government. What surprised them, and how did they fit into the wider SpAd team in their department?  We also ask our interviewees what their day-to-day lives were like in government, how they added value for their ministers, and finally how they dealt with crises.  Presented by Jack Worlidge. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are less than two weeks to go until the general election and the polls are showing no signs of shifting. But what do they really tell us about what voters are thinking about Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer? Which Labour or Conservative policies and promises are cutting through? What are the polls to look out for? Deltapoll's Joe Twyman joins the podcast team to explain all. Plus: What exactly is a supermajority? We break down the Conservative party's warnings about what a big Labour election win would mean in Parliament.  Presented by Hannah White with Alice Lilly. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The IfG rebuttal unit kicked into gear this week after our very own Nick Davies found himself dragged into the Conservative party's tax attack on Labour. So where did that number really come from – and what can Labour do about it? Full Fact's Chris Morris joins the IfG podcast to look back on a very noisy TV debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer. We're into the manifesto countdown – but will either Labour or the Conservatives say anything about the problems piling up for whoever forms the next government? A new IfG paper, The Precarious State of the State, sets out the scale and severity of the challenges likely to dominate the next parliament. Plus: The state of GPs' surgeries. Another new IfG report – out on Saturday – says GPs' surgeries are old, cramped and crumbling. So, what can be done about it? Hannah White presents, with Nick Davies and Ben Paxton. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was Rishi Sunak's rain-soaked speech on the steps of No10 really only a week ago? We've had policy announcements, MPs stepping down, a spectacular fall from a paddle board, more MPs stepping down, Keir Starmer colliding with the Labour left, Rishi Sunak clashing with some of his ministers, Nigel Farage deciding not to stand for parliament - again. An awful lot has happened. The Inside Briefing team examine the big policy announcements on national service and pensions, reflect on some big name MPs – most notably Michael Gove – quitting parliament, and look back on a week of awkward gaffes and bust-ups for both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer. Hannah White presents. With Alex Thomas and Jill Rutter. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The wait is over! The election has been called! The countdown to July the 4th starts now. After months of speculation, and a frenzied day of drama in Westminster, the IfG podcast team are joined by Sam Freedman to make sense of Rishi Sunak's decision and explore what happens next.  Things could hardly have got wetter as the prime minister gave his podium address on the steps of Downing Street, with Sunak's moment in the rain shared with whoever was playing - at an incredible volume - that familiar New Labour anthem by D:Ream. So why has the PM called a general election? What could happen between now and the July 4th polling day? What needs to happen in Parliament first? And given Labour's seemingly unshifting poll lead, is there really a route to victory for the Conservative party or has Sunak - as his harsher critics are saying - just given up? Presented by Hannah White with Emma Norris and Joe Owen. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The defection of Dover MP Natalie Elphicke shocked both the Conservatives and, it seems, most of the Labour Party. The FT's Lucy Fisher joined the podcast team to weigh up another a big twist in the Westminster soap opera. Meanwhile a massive government data breach has sent Whitehall into a panic. But how big is the problem, who is responsible and how can this type of thing be stopped? Also, how to complete the half-done job of English devolution? A new IfG report has a plan. Plus: Who really runs Whitehall? Another IfG report reveals everything you need to do know about the country's top civil servants. Hannah White presents. With Cath Haddon, Matthew Fright and Jordan Urban. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Spectator's Isabel Hardman joins the IfG podcast team to discuss Conservative party plots – and weigh up just how much trouble Rishi Sunak is in. Rachel Reeves has been making headlines with a major speech on the economy. So what did the shadow chancellor say, and does Labour have a plausible plan? Plus: Who wants to be a member of a men-only private members' club? Hannah White presents, with Jill Rutter and Giles Wilkes. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A double by-election battering for the government has made this a very bad week for Rishi Sunak. The loss of Kingswood and Wellingborough to Labour followed the news that the UK has fallen into recession. Conservative backbenchers are restless. And the polls are showing no signs shifting. Chris Cook of the Financial Times joins the podcast team to explore just how much trouble the prime minister is in – and what he can do to turn things around as a general election approaches. While the week ended on a high for Keir Starmer, it has not been a happy time for the Labour leader. Far from it. The selection - and then slow rejection - of Labour's candidate in the Rochdale by-election has put Starmer under pressure – and left Labour without a candidate. So who is to blame for this clumsy handling of an increasingly embarrassing situation? Gemma Tetlow presents with Catherine Haddon and Giles Wilkes. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A deal to restore government in Northern Ireland has finally been struck and Stormont is set to return. So what was the decisive factor? Who are the big winners? And what are the chances of this deal actually holding? Peter Foster of the Financial Times joins the IfG team to reflect on a historic week. It is four years since the UK left the EU – so how has life outside the Single Market and the Customs Union been working out? With new border checks set to be introduced in 2024, the pod team review the state of Brexit. Plus: Just how transparent is government – and what could it to do show a willingness to open up rather than cover up?  Presented by Emma Norris with Jill Rutter, Tim Durrant and Sachin Savur. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So that was the year that was. Just the one prime minister this time, but plenty of political drama and intrigue, twists and turns, and high and lows. David Runciman, the former host of the Talking Politics podcast, joins the IfG team to look back on the last 12 months. How did Rishi Sunak's five pledges work out? Does anyone remember what Keir Starmer's five missions are? What did all those by-elections tell us about what the public are really thinking? Do Boris Johnson or Liz Truss have a second political act ahead? How is David Cameron's second political act working out? Did Nicola Sturgeon quit at just the right time? And how might conflicts overseas – and election results across the world – impact on politics at home? Hannah White presents, with Jill Rutter and Giles Wilkes. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nobody predicted a massive diplomatic bust-up with Greece, so is Rishi Sunak losing his marbles? PoliticsHome editor Laura Silver joins the podcast team to catch up on the extraordinary row over the Elgin Marbles. Access talks – the moment that opposition parties begin meeting the civil service ahead of a general election – haven't started yet, but the pressure is building. So what happens next and how important are they? Cabinet secretary Simon Case is still on medical leave – but what does his absence mean for how the government is functioning? A restless gaggle of Conservative backbenchers, and even some frontbenchers, are waiting for Rishi Sunak's new plan to get his Rwanda asylum flights off the ground. So what could the prime minister's scheme look like and what are its next steps in Parliament? Hannah White presents, with Alex Thomas, Alice Lilly and Alex Thomas. Produced by Candice McKenzie.

Jeremy Hunt has framed the autumn statement as the biggest tax cut in British history, but do the chancellor's sums add up? The podcast team crunch the numbers and discuss what Hunt's big day in Parliament told us about the state of the economy, what the government is trying to do, and when the next general election might take place.   Giles Winn, a former Treasury special adviser, joins the podcast team to reveal what really goes into planning a big fiscal statement - and trying to secure a set of positive headlines. Cath Haddon presents With Gemma Tetlow and Giles Wilkes Produced by Candice McKenzie.

The Guardian's political editor Pippa Crerar, who led the way in the reporting of partygate, joins the IfG podcast team to weigh up Boris Johnson's Privileges Committee hearing. How did the former prime minister perform when quizzed about whether he deliberately misled the Commons? What might the committee decide to do next? And what was it like for Crerar to be the journalist at the centre of one of the biggest political stories of recent years?   And while Johnson fought for his political future, in another part of the Palace of Westminster Rishi Sunak was celebrating as MPs – Johnson and Liz Truss not included – backed his Stormont Brake. So is Brexit finally done? Will power-sharing return in Northern Ireland? And what does the vote mean for Sunak's standing?   Presented by Catherine Haddon. With Hannah White and Jill Rutter.   Produced by Candice McKenzie

The Illegal Migration Bill is the latest government attempt to deter asylum seekers from making their way to the UK by irregular routes. But has Rishi Sunak come up with some substance to match his ‘stop the boats' slogan? How does the government intend its plan to work – and how likely is it to succeed? Will the legislation prove popular or polarising? And is the row about Gary Lineker and Match of the Day no more than a distraction? The IfG's Emma Norris and Rhys Clyne are joined by Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, and Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory, for a deep dive into the government's asylum plan.  Presented by Emma Norris. Produced by Candice McKenzie

Channel 4's political editor Gary Gibbon joins the IfG podcast team to examine whether the government's controversial new asylum bill will actually work, and whether the politics of promising to stop the boats will win the Conservatives support – and pose a headache for Labour.   Boris Johnson wants to knight his father. So is it time for Rishi Sunak to do away with the increasingly farcical tradition of prime ministerial resignation honours?   And talking of abolitions, why do governments so often seek to abolish public bodies – and why does it so often go wrong? A new IfG report has the answers.   Hannah White presents. With Alex Thomas, Rhys Clyne and Grant Dalton.   Produced by Candice McKenzie

To mark International Women's Day, IfG director Hannah White is joined by Polly Curtis, director of Demos, and Charlotte Pickles, director of Reform, to record a fascinating episode of Inside Briefing. What is it like to be a woman in public life, working in government, parliament, the civil service – and for a think tank? What are the barriers that women face entering and working in these professions? What more could be done to bring more women into politics and policy-facing roles – think tanks included? And why does diversity of thought matters when designing policy?  Presented by Hannah White. Produced by Candice McKenzie

With Sue Gray making headlines again, the IfG podcast team are joined by former Conservative MP Sir David Lidington to make sense of a big Whitehall and Westminster career move and ask what it might mean for Labour and the civil service.   Plus: What do Matt Hancock's WhatsApp messages tell us about how government works – and how it didn't during the pandemic? How did Rishi Sunak come up with a Brexit deal that seems to please everyone – except maybe Boris Johnson and the DUP – and is the Windsor Framework actually any good? And why doesn't the centre of government seem to work very well? The IfG is launching a new Commission to examine the problem – and come up with solutions. Presented by Hannah White. With Alex Thomas, Jill Rutter and Tim Durrant Produced by Candice McKenzie

Russia invaded Ukraine one year ago. Peter Ricketts, the UK's former national security adviser, joins the IfG podcast to reflect on how the war has changed Europe – and changed UK government – and what might happen next.   At the time of recording there was still no Brexit breakthrough, but just how close are we to a deal on the Northern Ireland protocol and what could it look like?   And with Jeremy Hunt's Budget just a few weeks away, a new IfG report takes stock of performances across nine key public services. The report's author joins the podcast to reveal where the problems are – and how they might be solved.   Hannah White presents With Alex Thomas, Jess Sargeant and Matthew Fright Produced by Candice McKenzie 

The Spectator's Isabel Hardman joins the IfG podcast team to weigh up Rishi Sunak's first 100 days as prime minister. What has he achieved? What is his style of leadership? And what problems are coming down the track?   In a week which saw the largest civil service strike in years, the IfG published its annual Whitehall stocktake – so what does it tell us about morale, turnover, pay and much, much more?   And what is it really like to be a minister? What does it take to succeed? And why do so many ministerial careers end in failure? A new batch of the IfG's Ministers Reflect interviews reveal the secrets of life on the inside.   Hannah White presents.   With Emma Norris, Rhys Clyne and Maddy Bishop   Produced by Candice McKenzie

Rishi Sunak promised to lead a government of integrity, but how big a problem will Nadhim Zahawi's tax affairs and Boris Johnson's loan arrangements turn out to be for the prime minister? Tortoise's Cat Neilan joins the IfG podcast team to take a closer look at the latest standards crisis.   Talking of crises, will the government's emergency measures help the NHS through its difficult winter? A new IfG report is far from convinced – its author drops in on the podcast.   And how does a new minister know what to do on day 1 in the job? What do civil servants need to know about working in government? And how should people on the outside approach working with government? The new IfG Academy has the answers.   Hannah White presents.   With Tim Durrant and Stuart Hoddinott.   Produced by Candice McKenzie.

After that chaotic year of three prime ministers, surely 2023 will be a little calmer? But while we've heard optimistic start-the-year speeches from Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, the country has been driven to a standstill by strikes across public services, the NHS is in crisis, the cost-of-living crisis shows no sign of easing – and Boris Johnson is said to be plotting a comeback. Will Sunak's five promises boost the Conservatives' dire poll ratings? Can Keir Starmer's vision for government convince voters that he should be given the keys to No10. The IfG team are joined by David Runciman, former presenter of the Talking Politics podcast, to look ahead to what the next 12 months might hold in the in UK.   And how might events across the globe play into domestic politics? The war in Ukraine shows no sign of ending, while China is making increasingly threatening noises about Taiwan. Meanwhile temperatures rise and Covid cases – in China at least – continue to soar.   Hannah White presents, with Alex Thomas and Gemma Tetlow   Produced by Candice McKenzie

The Times' Henry Zeffman joins the podcast team to make sense of Gordon Brown's recipe for constitutional reform - and ask whether Keir Starmer can actually reform the House of Lords.   The government needs to give more power to parliament. That's the main recommendation in a new IfG report looking at parliament's scrutiny of legislation and the quality of bills being passed.   And what is the state of diversity and inclusion in the civil service? Another IfG report crunches the data - and sets out how to make more progress.   Hannah White presents.   With Jess Sargeant, Tom Pope and Maddy Bishop.   Produced by Candice McKenzie  

Matt Hancock has come home. Football might be coming home. But Rishi Sunak's problems on the home front are going nowhere. With the Conservative Party threatening rebellion on multiple fronts, what can the prime minister do to make progress on his legislative agenda? The IfG podcast team dissect the PM's parliamentary problems.   Sunak also has a ministerial headache to contend with, as accusations about ministerial behaviour - with Dominic Raab still making awkward headlines - find their way into the press. So does the civil service need a new complaints process?   Plus - Why is the civil service failing to recruit outside talent, and what does it mean if it lacks enough specialist skills?   Emma Norris presents.   With Alice Lilly, Alex Thomas, Cath Haddon and Jordan Urban.   Produced by Candice McKenzie

Jeremy Hunt has unveiled the government's economic plans, with the chancellor handing out giveaways now but setting out tax rises - and spending cuts - to come. So now what? The IfG podcast crunch the chancellor's numbers.   The Dominic Raab claims are causing problems for the justice secretary, but do multiplying leaks about ministerial behaviour point to a wider breakdown of trust inside government?   And a new joint paper for the Institute for Government and Cambridge University's Bennett Institute explores 25 years of erratic government attempts to update and reform the British constitution. The paper's author, former DEXEU permanent secretary Peter Rycroft, drops into the studio. Presented by Hannah White, with Gemma Tetlow and Giles Wilkes    Produced by Candice McKenzie

We didn't have to wait long for the first ministerial resignation of Rishi Sunak's premiership, and it's Gavin Williamson who is out of government - again. ConservativeHome's Henry Hill joins then podcast team to weigh up what Williamson's exit means for the PM and explore how Rishi Sunak can prove his commitment to integrity is genuine. The PM decided, in the end, to attend the COP27 summit - but does this government even have a credible net zero plan? Plus: Next week the government unveils its endlessly rescheduled, rebadged, and rewritten fiscal plan. The podcast team crunch the numbers and look ahead to next Friday's big event. Hannah White presents, with Cath Haddon and Tom Sasse   Produced by Candice McKenzie

While Matt Hancock's bushtucker trials will be making all the headlines, Westminster is wondering how Rishi Sunak will manage his ongoing Suella Braverman challenges. The IfG podcast team are joined by John Stevens, the Daily Mirror's new political editor, to reflect on a bruising week for the restored Home Secretary. Also: the rearranged fiscal statement is looming. With the Prime Minister dropping plans to axe 91,000 civil service jobs, a new IfG paper sets out how to cut budgets with care. And is Keir Starmer on course for election success or is Labour in danger of a Sunak bounce? Hannah White presents, with Jill Rutter and Rhys Clyne. Produced by Candice McKenzie

Another podcast, another prime minister. Liz Truss is out after just 50 days in No.10. Rishi Sunak is in, with the former Chancellor avoiding a showdown with Conservative party membership after both Boris Johnson and Penny Mordaunt dropped out of the race. So what next for the UK's 57th PM? The IfG podcast team, with guest Emilio Casalicchio of Politico, analyse Sunak's first days in the job – and weigh up the tricky challenges coming down the track. Restoring the economy to rude health, or at least getting it out of intensive care, is top of Sunak's in-tray. But where can he find the spending cuts needed to balance the books? A new IfG paper warns that a re-run of austerity will be more difficult – and damaging – than the 2010 era. The pod team crunch the numbers. Presented by Gemma Tetlow with Tom Pope and Cath Haddon. Produced by Candice McKenzie

After a feverish week in Westminster and a chaotic 24 hours in government, Liz Truss has called time on her record-breakingly short stay in Number 10. The IfG podcast, with special guest Henry Newman, a former adviser to Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, assemble at the very moment Truss was preparing to announce her departure.   The podcast team pick apart Truss's failures in No10, the economic decisions that face new chancellor Jeremy Hunt, and how the next few weeks and months might play out.   Plus: Could Boris Johnson really make a comeback?   Alex Thomas presents. With Giles Wilkes and Gemma Tetlow.   Produced by Candice McKenzie

As pressure piles up on the prime minister, the IfG podcast team assemble - with guest Aubrey Allegretti of the Guardian - to work out what Liz Truss might do to calm both the markets and Conservative MPs    The Halloween fiscal event isn't the only date in the Commons that will be spooking the PM - so join the Inside Briefing team on a walk through the government's autumn parliamentary minefield.   And remember Brexit? A new IfG paper says that MPs aren't doing enough to scrutinise the UK's post-Brexit EU relationship. So what's the problem and how can it be fixed?   Presented by Hannah White   With Jill Rutter and Alice Lilly   Produced by Candice McKenzie

Academic, author and former Talking Politics host David Runciman joins the IfG podcast team to take stock of the state of British politics. As wearing Conservative politicians make their way back from Birmingham, and with Labour MP's having left Liverpool, just how health are Westminster's largest parties right now? Is growth the new dividing line in Westminster and beyond - and is there really an anti-growth coalition? And what on earth is going to happen next in the never-ending, unpredictable rollercoaster ride of British politics? Hannah White presents With Alex Thomas and Gemma Tetlow Produced by Candice McKenzie

The fallout from Kwasi Kwarteng's budget continues, so what can the chancellor do to calm the nerves? Guest Soumaya Keynes of the Economist joins the IfG podcast team to discuss what has gone wrong for Kwarteng and Liz Truss, and the lessons to be learnt from a week of economic turmoil.   No drama for Starmer? We take a look back at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool and what Keir Starmer's speech tells us about the direction of travel for His Majesty's Opposition.   And as the Conservative Party assembles in Birmingham, we look ahead to what could be a lively few days for Liz Truss - and what awaits  at her first party conference since becoming PM.   Presented by Hannah White With Giles Wilkes and Tom Pope   Produced by Candice McKenzie

With winter fast approaching, politicians across Europe have been taking dramatic steps to address the ongoing energy crisis. The IfG team are joined by Alice Hancock from the FT and Elisabetta Cornago from the Centre for European Reform to assess different countries' responses. Is Europe ready for the winter ahead? Why is the UK's support package so expensive? Are the public up for cutting their energy use? And what should countries be doing to tackle the crisis in the longer term?    Presented by Tom Sasse with Olly Bartrum   Produced by Candice McKenzie   https://www.cer.eu/insights/eus-energy-plan-difficult-winter-what-are-options   https://www.bruegel.org/dataset/national-policies-shield-consumers-rising-energy-prices   https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/tackling-energy-efficiency-problem.pdf   https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/Addressing-rising-energy-bills_0.pdf  

Liz Truss has been to New York, Keir Starmer is on his way to Liverpool, and the IfG podcast team assemble in the studio to discuss a week where politics began to return to normal – albeit against the unpleasant backdrop of Vladimir Putin's threat of nuclear war.   Guest Ayesha Hazarika dials in to discuss the new prime minister's first steps on the world stage, some big government policy announcements at home, and what to look out for at Labour's annual party conference.   Plus: If Liz Truss is all about delivery, then how can she make government departments deliver? The team discuss a new IfG report which recommends the step she should – and shouldn't – take.   Hannah White presents. With Alex Thomas and Rhys Clyne.   Produced by Candice McKenzie

The FT's Stephen Bush joins the IfG team in the podcast studio, just a few hundred metres away from Buckingham Palace, to make sense of an extraordinary moment in British history. What does the death of Queen Elizabeth II, after a record-breaking 70-year reign, mean for the Royal Family? How will King Charles III approach the role of monarch? And what questions will now be asked about the role of the monarch in the constitution, how the King interacts with politics and how ministers engage with the King?   Presented by Hannah White with Catherine Haddon and Maddy Thimont-Jack.   Produced by Candice McKenzie

The epic Conservative Party leadership contest is finally over, and Liz Truss is the new prime minister. After a flight to Balmoral to meet the Queen, and a drive through London in lashing rain, Truss stepped straight from the prime ministerial car to the podium outside No10 and set out her vision for the country   So, what happens next and what should we expect from this country's 56th prime minister? Former special adviser Salma Shah joins the podcast team to weigh up Truss's Downing Street speech, her Cabinet appointments, and how she might handle a daunting in-tray.   Hannah White presents.   With Giles Wilkes and Catherine Haddon.   Produced by Candice McKenzie

 The long, hot summer of endless Conservative leadership contest hustings is over, and next week the winner will be announced. The FT's Seb Payne joins the podcast crew to discuss the battle to become Prime Minister. Will Liz Truss emerge victorious as all the polls predict? Can Rishi Sunak spring a surprise? And just how daunting is the next prime minister's in-tray?   And as Boris Johnson's premiership comes to an end, how should we look back on a dramatic - and sometimes controversial - stint in No10?   With Hannah White, Jill Rutter and Alex Thomas   Produced by Candice McKenzie

Every autumn the UK's political parties decamp from Westminster for the annual party conference season. From Brighton to Blackpool, Manchester to Birmingham, Liverpool to Glasgow, Britain's cities take turns to host politicians, activists, party members, journalists, and lobbyists for long days (and nights) of keynote speeches, breakfast fringe meetings, endless schmoozing, too much warm white wine and endless political intrigue. Is this where key decisions are taken and political history is made? Or i it just a gossip-soaked get together which serves no value?   Michael Crick, a veteran of decades of conferences, joins political journalist Marie Le Conte, former special adviser Peter Cardwell, and the IfG's Jill Rutter to reminisce about conferences past and weigh up whether party conferences deserve a future.   Presented by Alex Thomas   Produced by Candice McKenzie

Centuries of British political history has played out across Whitehall, with key decisions taken in the many government buildings that line the streets around the Palace of Westminster. But what secrets are contained within their walls and behind their doors? How have the buildings changed over the years? And what secret tunnels lie beneath the basements of Whitehall?   Special guest Gus O'Donnell joins the IfG's Cath Haddon and Alex Thomas to reveal the secret map of Whitehall.   Presented by Hannah White   Produced by Candice McKenzie

Boris Johnson's Number 10 veered between the anarchic and the chaotic, marked by resignations, sackings, resets, cake ambushes and work events. So, what can the next prime minister do to make No10 work in a way that can deliver their priorities? What are the key decisions they must take on their first day in the job? What appointments do they need to get right? Does it matter where people sit? And is 10 Downing Street really the right building from which to run a government?   Sally Morgan, Kate Fall and Giles Wilkes, three veterans of No10, share their experiences of working at the centre of government for three different prime ministers, and give their advice on how to reshape No10 in the post-Johnson era.   Presented by Emma Norris. With Cath Haddon.   Produced by Candice McKenzie

After six years, three prime ministers and 178 episodes of Inside Briefing, outgoing Institute for Government Director Bronwen Maddox chairs her final episode looking at the big themes that have dominated U.K. government during her time at IFG.    Where have Brexit and covid left the UK's economy and where does Johnson's departure leave the prospect of levelling up the country? Why does government fail and what do we need to do about it? And how far should we go in reforming our constitution after the seismic events of the last six years?    Hosted by Bronwen Maddox. Featuring Hannah White, Giles Wilkes, Jill Rutter, Alex Thomas, Matthew Gill, Maddy Thimont-Jack and Cath Haddon.    Produced by Candice McKenzie    

With the Conservative leadership contest now down to battle between Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, the podcast crew assemble to assess the pitches, pledges and promises on offer - and weigh up who might become the next prime minister.    And what about the man they will replace? As Boris Johnson clocks up there years as PM, who should we judge his premiership - and is a comeback really on the cards?   Mo Hussein, a former No10 chief press officer, joins Bronwen Maddox, Cath Haddon and Giles Wilkes.   Produced by Candice McKenzie

The Conservative leadership contest is gathering speed, but what are the candidates offering their fellow MPs, what does the party membership think, and have the front runners caught the attention of the public? BBC Newsnight's Lewis Goodall joins the IfG podcast team to weigh up the men and women battling to become the next prime minister.   Most of them are offering tax cuts. Smart long-term policy or crude short-term politics? And what exactly could, or should, the caretaker government do if the cost-of-living crisis gets even worse in the coming weeks and months?   Presented by Bronwen Maddox. With Giles Wilkes, Jill Rutter and Olly Bartrum.   Produced by Candice McKenzie

After an extraordinary day in Westminster, and a record-breaking number of resignations, the Prime Minister finally quit Downing Street. But Boris Johnson will stay on in No.10 until his successor his chosen. The IfG podcast team assemble to ask what this period of caretaker government will look like, how the next Prime Minister will be chosen, and what Boris Johnson's record in office looks like. And at the very moment Johnson announced his resignation, his predecessor Theresa May was giving a speech at the IfG on how to restore trust in politics. And as the resignations began to pile up on Wednesday, the IfG was hosting a one day conference on how to reform government. Big themes, big questions, and, it turned out, taking place at a very big moment in politics. Presented by Bronwen Maddox. With Alex Thomas, Cath Haddon and Tim Durrant. Produced by Candice McKenzie

Three big international summits have kept Boris Johnson thousands of miles away from by-election defeats, a Cabinet resignation and growing disquiet at home, but what did the prime minister actually achieve on his foreign adventures? The Telegraph's Camilla Turner, who travelled with the PM to Rwanda, joins the podcast team to reflect on Johnson's travels.   While the prime minister was away the cabinet secretary endured a gruelling questioning by a parliamentary select committee, but the IfG team were unimpressed with Simon Case's performance.   And from transactional to transformational, how do ministers approach the art of leadership in different ways? That's the subject of new IfG report. We take a closer look on the podcast.   Bronwen Maddox presents. With Alex Thomas and Jill Rutter   Produced by Candice McKenzie

After two bruising by-election defeats and a Cabinet resignation, is Boris Johnson fighting to hold on to his job? Pollster James Johnson joins the podcast team to crunch the numbers and work out how the tectonic plates of British politics might shift in the weeks and months ahead. And should more powers be given to England's mayors? That's what a new IfG report argues, and its author – fresh from a visit to Manchester to interview Andy Burnham – drops in to explain why. Bronwen Maddox presents. With Hannah White, Giles Wilkes, Akash Paun. Produced by Candice McKenzie.

The Inside Briefing team assemble minutes after Lord Geidt's explosive resignation letter was published. So just how careless is it of the Prime Minister to lose his second independent adviser on ministerial interests? In a week where government policy has collided with legal opinions and rulings, Jonathan Jones, the former head of the Government Legal Department, joins the podcast to discuss the problems with the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and Priti Patel's plan to fly migrants to Rwanda. And what exactly can the Government do to intervene in next week's planned rail strikes? Bronwen Maddox presents, with Alex Thomas, Jess Sargeant, Matthew Gill and guest Jonathan Jones. Produced by Candice McKenzie

The long wait is over, and the Sue Gray report is out. So, what does it tell us about Boris Johnson's No10? What have we learnt about the culture in Downing Street during the pandemic? And what questions need to be asked about how the prime minister attempted to handle allegations of rule-breaking under his watch? ITN's UK news editor Paul Brand, whose run of scoops have led the way in the reporting of partygate, joins the IfG podcast team to talk through another extraordinary week in Westminster. Hannah White presents, with Alex Thomas and Jill Rutter. Produced by Candice McKenzie

Breaking news special! The podcast team assembled in the studio as the Met confirmed it had finished its partygate inquiry - and would not issue any more Fines to Boris Johnson. So what does this mean and what happens next? Why is everyone so angry about the Northern Ireland Protocol? The UK government and the EU are arguing over its future, and Northern Ireland's political parties are unable to come up with a power-sharing deal. The BBC's John Campbell dials in from Belfast to discuss the latest - and just how bad things might get. Back in Westminster, the government is under increasing pressure to respond to the cost of living crisis. Is a windfall tax on the cards? The team weigh up the government's options. With Bronwen Maddox, Jill Rutter and Jess Sargeant. Produced by Candice McKenzie

A Queen's Speech without a Queen, but was it a Queen's Speech without a theme? The Guardian's Rafael Behr joins the podcast team to dissect Prince Charles' big day – and make sense of the whopping list of 38 bills unveiled by the government.   And just what could Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson have been talking about as they strolled awkwardly together through Parliament to hear the Speech? As the partygate and beergate sagas continue to unfold, which leader is in the most difficulty and what happens next?   Presented by Bronwen Maddox, with Alice Lilly and Alex Thomas.   Produced by Candice McKenzie

Election results were landing by the time the IfG podcast team - with guest Anoosh Chakelian of the New Statesman - assembled in the studio. What do the votes all mean for Boris Johnson and who emerged as the night's big winner? The latest twist in the beergate story broke while the pod was recording - so what will Keir Starmer do next? And with Northern Ireland on the cusp of a historic election result, what happens next (or doesn't) at Stormont? Hannah White is joined by Cath Haddon, Alex Nice and Jess Sargeant. Produced by Candice McKenzie

With less than a week to go until a series of elections across the UK, the FT's Jim Pickard joins the podcast team to discuss what's at stake - and what the results could mean.   The cost of living crisis will no doubt be featuring on the doorstep, so is there more the government could be doing to help?   And as Emmanuel Macron secures a second term as French President, the Institut Montaigne's Georgina Wright dials in from Paris to talk through an eventful - and crucial - election.    Presented by Hannah White, with Akash Paun and Olly Bartrum Produced by Candice McKenzie   

The prime minister avoided another explosive day in Westminster by heading to India, but is the home front becoming ever-more precarious for Boris Johnson? The i paper's Paul Waugh joins the Inside Briefing team to make sense of the seemingly never-ending partygate row.                                                                                                                                        And as ministers do their best to knock stories about parties and police fines off the front pages, the podcast crew pick apart the government's much-criticized plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda and dissect the latest briefings against civil servants who are choosing to work from home.   Emma Norris presents with Catherine Haddon, Jill Rutter and Rhys Clyne.   Produced by Candice McKenzie

Boris Johnson's Fixed Penalty Notice for breaking COVID rules makes him the first sitting Prime Minister who, as far as anyone can remember, has been found to have broken the law while in office. Is this the beginning of the end of the Partygate saga? Or merely the end of the beginning? We discuss what it means for Boris Johnson, his party, the public and for the UK's system of standards that is supposed to hold our politicians to account.  And it has been a tough week for the Chancellor. Even before being fined for walking in on a birthday party, Rishi Sunak was facing a difficult time with revelations over his wife's tax arrangements and criticism of his department's response to the cost of living crisis. As Sunak's popularity plumets, the podcast team weigh up his performance – and what he does next.   Senior UK correspondent at Politico Europe Esther Webber joins presenter Hannah White, Tim Durrant, and Jill Rutter. Produced by Candice McKenzie.

Propaganda in warfare is an ancient concept, but has Russia's information campaign since it invaded Ukraine taken things to a new level? Are Russia's state-controlled media and troll factories all about domestic support or an attempt to win international support? And how does the West counter fake news and help ensure that people can trust the information they see?  In this special edition of Inside Briefing, Bronwen Maddox is joined by Marianna Spring, the BBC's specialist disinformation and social media reporter, Full Fact director Will Moy, and Ian Garner, historian and translator of Russian war propaganda and author of the forthcoming Stalingrad Lives: Stories of Combat & Survival.   Produced by Candice McKenzie.

Boris Johnson reckons he is now more popular in parts of Kyiv than parts of Kensington, so how worried should the prime minister be as Partygate returns to the frontpages?   With the UK at the heart of the West's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the podcast team weigh up Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin's comments at the IfG on UK defence priorities.   And if it wasn't for crises – of very different natures – we might be talking more about policy, so was the government's new education white paper worth the wait?   Former Department for Education adviser Sam Freedman joins the podcast to discuss another eventful week in British politics.   Bronwen Maddox presents, with Alex Thomas and Tim Durrant.   Produced by Candice McKenzie.

After Rishi Sunak's spring statement was met with a barrage of bruising headlines, we crunch the numbers and assess what the chancellor announced - and what he didn't say - with guest John Rentoul, the Independent's chief political commentator.   Who authorised an airlift of animals in the midst of the UK's chaotic evacuation from Kabul? That was the subject of an excruciating select committee session this week, but what does it say about how well the Foreign Office is functioning?    And what's up with WhatsApp? Westminster's favourite way to communicate may not be great for good government - and a new IfG paper sets out the problems, and what could be done to fix them.   Bronwen Maddox presents. With Jill Rutter, Tim Durrant, Tom Pope and guest John Rentoul.   Produced by Candice McKenzie 

The war in Ukraine shows no sign of easing, and its impact is being felt across UK government. What will it mean for bills if Russian energy imports are cut off? And why is the Home Office making such a mess of the Ukraine refugee crisis? Robert Colvile, director of the Centre for Policy Studies and Sunday Times columnist, joins the pod team to discuss.   And a new IfG report looks back at the last crisis, which saw a lack of accountability and blame-gaming mark central government's relationship with public bodies during the pandemic. So what went wrong and what needs to be done to get it right next time? We speak to the report author.   Presented by Catherine Haddon, with Giles Wilkes, Jill Rutter and Matthew Gill. Produced by Candice McKenzie.   “The problem with energy is that you can't conjure it into being” – Robert Colvile   “Net zero commitments are just going to be parked in a lot of countries while we deal with this crisis” – Robert Colvile   “Lord knows how the internal economy of Russia works right now” – Giles Wilkes   “I'm still recovering my morale … I might own a little bit of Chelsea” – Giles Wilkes   “The Home Office is fundamentally a department of control – it's lagging very badly” – Jill Rutter   “It's not an accident that the phrase ‘not fit for purpose' was coined about the Home Office” – Robert Colvile

The awful scenes of war and violence in Ukraine show no sign of ending. Will an unprecedented barrage of sanctions be enough to shift Vladimir Putin's strategy? If not, what other options are available to the West? The IfG team are joined by Georgina Wright of Institut Montaigne to discuss where the crisis might go next, assess a notably coordinated EU response, and make sense of a stunning shift in German policy.   We then switch attention to the UK, where questions at the heart of the IfG's mission – how good governments function, how to strengthen institutions, and how to ensure politicians follow the rules and are held to account – look more relevant than ever. Two new IfG reports set out what can be done to reform and strengthen the civil service.     “Other than some kind of major event in Russia, it is hard to see a route of this that isn't incredibly depressing” - Catherine Haddon   “The threat that Putin could put his missiles on an even higher standing of readiness is hanging over this” – Bronwen Maddox   “It is absolutely incredible what we are seeing happen in Germany. You have a government that is giving way completely to radical new policy” – Georgina Wright   “We saw how difficult it was to leave the EU. It's just as difficult to join. Can the EU realistically grant Ukraine, a country at war, candidate status?” – Georgina Wright   “Confused accountability undermines the civil service's confidence. Bolstering its legitimacy will help bolster its confidence and authority inside government” – Alex Thomas   Presented by Bronwen Maddox with Alex Thomas, Cath Haddon, and guest Georgina Wright.   Produced by Candice McKenzie for the Institute for Government in association with Podmasters.

Bronwen Maddox gives the Institute for Government's annual Director's Lecture, followed by a response from New Statesman political editor Stephen Bush and a discussion chaired by Sir David Lidington, the former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Minister for the Cabinet Office, and Justice Secretary. In her speech, Bronwen reflects on the Government's handling of the pandemic, expectations of government now, and the reforms that are needed. Audio production by Candice McKenzie for IfG #IfGDirector

The Institute for Government is delighted to welcome Sir John Major KG CH to give a keynote speech on the issue of trust and standards in British democracy. The event is chaired by Bronwen Maddox, Director of the Institute for Government. Watch the keynote here. Sir John Major was Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997. He served as MP for Huntingdon from 1979 to 2001. Audio production by Candice McKenzie for IfG

We've all had quite enough reality for another year. So the IfG podcast team escape back into the worlds of fiction and fantasy to discover what they can teach us about governing. Which power struggle at the heart of Succession has echoes of the government's attitude to Parliament? Does the idyllic world of Peppa Pig offer a template for modern government? And when does James Bond find the time to do all his necessary paperwork and deal with HR? Patrick Kidd, the Times' diary writer, joins Inside Briefing for this special Christmas episode. Presented by Cath Haddon with Gavin Freeguard, Alice Lilly and Patrick Kidd. Audio production by Candice McKenzie

Nearly a year on from the end of the Brexit transition period, Jill Rutter, James Kane, Jess Sargeant and Joe Marshall from the IfG's Brexit team and UK in a Changing Europe's Professor Anand Menon, look back at how the UK is adjusting to life outside the EU and what to look out for in the UK-EU relationship in the year ahead. The Northern Ireland Protocol, Anglo-French fishing disputes, the Brexit opportunities agenda and the UK's post-Brexit trade deals are just some of the items on the festive menu in this special joint podcast between the Institute for Government and the UK in a Changing Europe. Audio Production by Candice McKenzie

On 27 October, Rishi Sunak presented his third budget and the first multiyear spending review since 2015. Now the dust has settled, what did we learn? Why was the fiscal windfall so large? How did the chancellor choose to spend it? Was there evidence of a Brexit dividend? Did the spending review settlements meet the needs of public services? Can government become more productive to achieve much more with only a bit more money?   Our special guest for this special edition was Chris Francis, government affairs director for SAP.   This special Budget edition comes with welcome support from SAP. Find out more at www.sap.com/uk   Audio Production by Candice McKenzie

This podcast includes descriptions of living with endometriosis, including surgery, pain and heavy bleeding. If you do not want to hear this you can skip to 12:34 to hear the rest of the podcast. As part of Endometriosis Awareness Month, ALLIANCE Development Officer Grace speaks to Candice McKenzie and Claire Beattie about their experiences of living with endometriosis, the challenges of getting a diagnosis and the impact on hormones and fertility. Candice and Claire also speak about setting up their grassroots organisation, Endo Warriors West Lothian, which campaigns for research and encompasses a hub where people affected by the disease can access peer support. Endo Warriors West Lothian hub: https://www.facebook.com/groups/318047295326256/

The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement was published on Christmas Eve, just a week before the transition period was due to end. So what does the deal mean for the UK – and for its relationship with the EU? What will change for businesses? How will data be shared? Will the EU and the UK continue to work closely on security issues? How was the contentious issue of fishing finally sorted? And what does ‘taking back control' really mean in practice? The Institute for Government Brexit team assembled for a special Brexit deal podcast to make sense of what has been agreed and what will happen on January 1. Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government, in conversation with Maddy Thimont Jack (Associate Director), James Kane (Associate), Georgina Wright (Associate), and Joe Marshall (Senior Researcher). Audio production by Candice McKenzie. #IfGBrexit See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A special cross-post from our IFG LIVE feed. The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement was published on Christmas Eve, just a week before the transition period was due to end. So what does the deal mean for the UK – and for its relationship with the EU? What will change for businesses? How will data be shared? Will the EU and the UK continue to work closely on security issues? How was the contentious issue of fishing finally sorted? And what does ‘taking back control’ really mean in practice? The Institute for Government Brexit team assembles for a special Brexit deal podcast to make sense of what has been agreed and what will happen on January 1. Hear Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government, in conversation with Maddy Thimont Jack (Associate Director), James Kane (Associate), Georgina Wright (Associate), and Joe Marshall (Senior Researcher). Audio production by Candice McKenzie. #IfGBrexit See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As the UK-EU negotiations on the future relationship approach the endgame, the Institute for Government Brexit team discuss the latest on the talks, what will change for the UK on 1 January 2021, whether a deal actually makes a difference, and just how ready the UK is for a deal or no deal outcome.Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government, in conversation with Maddy Thimont Jack (Associate Director), Jess Sargeant (Senior Researcher), and Joe Marshall (Senior Researcher). Audio production by Candice McKenzie.#IfGBrexit See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After an incredible week, and even with votes still being counted, we now know that Joe Biden has won the US presidential election. But Donald Trump is refusing to concede that he last lost, and is instead mounting a series of legal challenges. So what happens now? How does a smooth transition of power work in this scenario? What will Donald Trump do next – and what next for Trumpism? How will Joe Biden lead – and reset – the US? What does his election mean for the special relationship? And how will President Biden work with Boris Johnson? In this special edition of the Institute for Government podcast, Bronwen Maddox is joined by Henry Zeffman, Washington correspondent for the Times, the New York Times’ London bureau chief Mark Landler, and IfG senior researcher Alice Lilly. Audio production by Candice McKenzie. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams led the Independent Review into the Windrush Scandal, which concluded that “hundreds, and possibly thousands of people” in the Windrush Generation suffered because of failures in every element of modern government. The review further exposed fundamental issues within the UK's immigration system and wider failures of policy making, bureaucracy, law and political leadership.Wendy Williams discusses what went wrong, what needs to change and what lessons the UK government has learned with Joe Owen, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. Interview recorded and edited by Candice McKenzie. Audio production by Alex Rees See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This month we have been blessed with a superb Get Lifted Guest Mix from Candice McKenzie, who has been DJing since 1999, and specialises in Gospel House. Read all about Candice, her radio shows and her achievements, on http://www.wegetlifted.com/candice-mckenzie/ Keep it locked, Get Lifted! Seb Skalski, L .T. Brown - I Live For That Day (Original Mix) Ezio Centanni, Enea Dj, Tantra Zawadi - Kismet Jasper Street Company - My Soul Is A Witness (Teddy Douglas & DJ Spen Vocal Mix) Brian Power, Hil St. Soul - A New Day (The World Is Mine) (Jihad Mohammad Bang the Drum Vocal Mix) Reggie Steele - Surrender Greg Winfield, Kadesh - I Found Love (DJ Spen & Gary Hudgins Funky Store Frontstrumental) Greg Winfield, Kadesh - I Found Love (DJ Spen & Gary Hudgins Remix) David Morales - Believe (DJ Spen & Michele Chiavarini Remix) Sir Louis - Mircles - Qubonix Main Mix Walter G - Reflection (Original Mix) Arnold Jarvis - Stronger Than You Think U Are (Mannix Crystal Disko Mix) Selina Campbell, MAQman - Vibe On (Reelsoul Remix) http://ladyduracellqueenoffunk.podomatic.com Get Lifted Clothing & accessories: http://www.jackfresh.com http://www.wegetlifted.com http://www.ladyduracell.com http://www.facebook.com/LadyDuracellDJ http://www.facebook.com/groups/ladyduracell/ http://twitter.com/LadyDuracell

This Weeks Broadcast Was LIVE And This Podcast Is The Recording Of The Show. A Sweet Treat Of Soulful, Uplifting, Inspirational House Music #SUIHouse DJ Hypnosis – “I Believe I Can” (Chymamusique Mix) Janice B, N’Dinga Gaba – “Feeling Fine” (Original) Luis Radio – “Volcano” (Original) Timmy Vegas – “Timmy’s Choir” (Soulful Mix) Dawn Tallman, […] The post Candice McKenzie’s Dolly Mixture 17th Oct 2015 appeared first on SSRadio.

This Weeks Broadcast Was LIVE And This Podcast Is The Recording Of The Show. A Sweet Treat Of Soulful, Uplifting, Inspirational House Music #SUIHouse Spike Rebel, Vick Lavender – “Rescue Me” (Sophisticado Spirits and Life Vocal Mix) Zepherin Saint, Ann Nesby, G3 – “Optimistic” (Original) Bobby D’Ambrosio, Michelle Weeks – “Moment Of My Life” (Original) […] The post Candice McKenzie’s Dolly Mixture 10th Oct 2015 appeared first on SSRadio.

A Sweet Treat Of Soulful, Uplifting, Inspirational House Music #SUIHouse Soul Corporation, Connie Harvey – “Make It Happen (For Yourself)” (Classic Vocal Mix) Praise Report – “Thank God I Made IT” (Intense Mix) Zulumafia – “Lord I Love You” (Original) Miz-Dee, Dana Byrd – “Love Is Key” (Chymamusique Soulful Remix) Mega Jawns – “Joy” (Booker […] The post Candice McKenzie’s Dolly Mixture 3rd Oct 2015 appeared first on SSRadio.

A sweet treat of Soulful, Uplifting, Inspirational House Music #SUIHouse Scott Diaz, Michelle Weeks – “Praise Him” (DJ Spen Praise Party Re-Edit) Michelle Weeks – “The Light” (Original) Jaque – “Love Will Save The Day” (Ain’t Nuthin But A House Party Remix) House For The Homeless – “We Can Heal” (DJ Spen and Gary Hudgins) […] The post Candice McKenzie’s Dolly Mixture 26th Sep 2015 appeared first on SSRadio.

This Weeks Broadcast Was LIVE And This Podcast Is The Recording Of The Show. A Sweet Treat Of Soulful, Uplifting, Inspirational House Music #SUIHouse Sakura + Co – “Rejoyce” (Sean McCabe 4 Floor Dub) Bryon Stingily – “It’s All Jesus” (Sean McCabe Remix) Danny Clark, Michelle Weeks – “He Keep’s Me” (Danny Clark Vocal Mix) […] The post Candice McKenzie’s Dolly Mixture 19th Sep 2015 appeared first on SSRadio.

This Weeks Broadcast Was LIVE And This Podcast Is The Recording Of The Show. A Sweet Treat Of Soulful, Uplifting, Inspirational House Music #SUIHouse Praise Report – “Thank God I Made It” (Intense Mix) Praise Report, Ricky Nelson – “Brand New Day” (Vocal Mix) Teddy Douglas, Margaret Grace – “God Created Woman” (Vocal Mix) House […] The post Candice McKenzie’s Dolly Mixture 12th Sep 2015 appeared first on SSRadio.

This Weeks Broadcast Was LIVE And This Podcast Is The Recording Of The Show. A Sweet Treat Of Soulful, Uplifting, Inspirational House Music #SUIHouse Dolls Combers, Diviniti – “Grateful” (John Lundun and Chymamusique Remix) Andrea Love, Sergio D’Angelo – “Song Of Thanks” (Jamie Lewis Deep Mix) Chymamusique – “Lost In Words” (Main Saxed Mix) Wipe […] The post Candice McKenzie’s Dolly Mixture 5th Sep 2015 appeared first on SSRadio.

This Weeks Broadcast Was LIVE And This Podcast Is The Recording Of The Show. A Sweet Treat Of Soulful, Uplifting, Inspirational House Music #SUIHouse Una – “Thank You (Stop)” (DJ Pope’s Original Vocal) DJ G, Kenny Bobien – “The One For Me” (Adam Rios Remix) Armand Van Heldon – “Flowerz” (Original) Monocles and Slezz – […] The post Candice McKenzie’s Dolly Mixture 29th Aug 2015 appeared first on SSRadio.

This Weeks Broadcast Was LIVE And This Podcast Is The Recording Of The Show. A Sweet Treat Of US and UK Garage – Celebrating 5 Years of Dolly Mixture on SSRadio! Fonda Rae – “Living In Ecstasy” (Francios K Groove Edit Mix) Nenah Cherry – “Buddy X” (MAW 12) Bass Tone – “Sole Fusion” (Underground […] The post Candice McKenzie’s Dolly Mixture 22nd Aug 2015 appeared first on SSRadio.

This Weeks Broadcast Was LIVE And This Podcast Is The Recording Of The Show. A Sweet Treat Of Soulful, Uplifting, Inspirational House Music #SUIHouse Luis Radio – “Wurly’s World” (Original) Damond Ramsey, DJ Spen, Fruity – “I Never Felt This Way Before” (Original) Soulful Session, Cheryl Lee – “Thankful” (Kenny Carpenter Spiritual Remix) Klevakeys – […] The post Candice McKenzie’s Dolly Mixture 15th Aug 2015 appeared first on SSRadio.