Podcast appearances and mentions of George Osborne

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

Why is George Osborne joining OpenAI? What's the cost of PFAs? And has universal basic income finally come of age? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Alex Hudson, Felicity Capon and Harriet Marsden.Image credit: Just Super / Getty Images

In the last Ctrl-Alt-Speech of the year, Mike and Ben round up the latest news in online speech, content moderation and internet regulation with the following stories:Meta shuts down global accounts linked to abortion advice and queer content | Global development (The Guardian)Facebook is testing a link-posting limit for professional accounts and pages (Techcrunch)Meta adopts new age-check system to meet global child safety laws (FT)Russian ban on Roblox gaming platform sparks rare protest (Reuters)OpenAI hires George Osborne to spearhead global ‘Stargate' expansion (FT)Oscars Bolts From ABC to YouTube Starting in 2029 (Hollywood Reporter) Ctrl-Alt-Speech is a weekly podcast from Techdirt and Everything in Moderation. Send us your feedback at podcast@ctrlaltspeech.com and sponsorship enquiries to sponsorship@ctrlaltspeech.com. Thanks for listening.

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

In today's Digest, we cover Amazon in talks to invest over USD$10bn in OpenAI, and OpenAI hiring George Osborne to lead its global ‘Stargate' expansion. We also discuss the Trump administration threatening Spotify over EU tech rules, and an IAB report highlighting how digital ads shape today's media.

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

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

It's panto season and panto villains don't come much bigger than Simon Cowell.The music mogul's made a career and fortune playing the Bad Guy on TV talent shows. But is there more to him - and crucially, is it good PR for him to show a different side?This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis wade through the blizzard of publicity created ahead of Simon Cowell's latest show - to piece together a PR jigsaw that hints at his attempts to stay relevant while also offering glimpses into his world that he may not have intended.On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, what happens when a CEO goes missing in action? The good people of Tunbridge Wells are once again disgusted - following a drinking water crisis in the spa town. And their mood has not been helped by the boss of South Eastern Water, David Hinton, refusing to give any interviews. If the buck stops with you, do you have a duty to show your face in public - or can there be very good reasons for staying invisible when everything is going wrong?Also, what is going on at HSBC? There's a distinct whiff of chaos around the search for a new CEO. George Osborne had been heavily touted, only for the job to be given to a 76-year-old internal candidate who, by all accounts, might not be hanging around for long. Given it's one of the most prestigious roles in global finance, where is the succession planning? And what does all this confusion at the top mean for the bank's reputation?Producer: Duncan MIddleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve StreeterMusic by Eclectic Sounds. A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4.

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

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

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

Does Rachel Reeves have a credible plan for growth? One day on from her Budget Statement, George Osborne and Ed Balls debate her headline measures and ask if she's built enough of a narrative to save her job. Health Secretary Wes Streeting asks about two Osbornian policies: the sugar tax and two-child limit. How can Labour win the argument?They also talk about the disastrous OBR leak, whether anyone will be sacked, and ask how it stacks up to some of the biggest leaks in budget history… Is it worse than Ken Clarke in 1996? Or the Evening Standard beating George to the punch in 2013?Finally, they briefly turn to the war in Ukraine and debate the peace negotiations. The big question now is whether Putin has been strong-armed into signing a peace treaty, and if that means a lasting cease-fire is in sight.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

After months of speculation, briefings and leaks, Rachel Reeves has finally delivered her fated second budget. Has she done enough to save herself, Keir Starmer, and the Labour government?In a special YouTube LIVE episode, Ed Balls and George Osborne give their immediate reaction to the Chancellor's budget. They dive into who the budget was for, the overtly political tone, and whether Reeves stood by her manifesto pledges.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Rachel Reeves has told Labour MPs she'll survive Wednesday's budget, and be back for years to come. Is it set to be worse than previous budget disasters, including George Osborne's 'omnishambles' in 2012?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Ed Vaizey and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver the budget on Wednesday, she faces the political nightmare of having to come back for more tax, having said she wouldn't and she's already made it clear that whatever she does the burden will fall on all of us, not just the rich minority - but the left and the Greens are demanding a wealth tax, while the right and Reform are demanding welfare cuts and tax cuts.Voters are disillusioned, inflation is stubborn, services are still struggling and faith in the political centre is evaporating.So how does the chancellor land her budget without causing a political crisis for Labour or a financial crisis on the bond markets?On this episode of The Fourcast, Krishnan-Guru-Murthy was joined by Green Party leader Zack Polanski, Labour MP Rosie Wrighting, one of the new intake last year, and Rupert Harrison, a former advisor to George Osborne in the treasury and now at the US investment managers PIMCO.

Peter Mandelson recently made headlines after being caught urinating against a wall, having spent the evening at George Osborne's Notting Hill home. But is it any wonder, when so many public loos are being sold off for profit, for example in West Norwood and the Isle of Dogs?Last year, Age UK's Lifting the Lid report found that in the last decade at least 97 council-run toilets have shut across the capital, and closures outnumber openings three to one. Seven London councils now manage fewer than ten public toilets in their entire borough. With the public loo under threat, John Darlington, Director of Projects for the World Monuments Fund, joins us to discuss the origins and history of the toilet - and argues that unlike other infrastructure, it still serves a much-needed and essential purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A dramatic U-turn from Labour has stopped them from breaking their manifesto, but it has also left the Budget looking messy and wide open to risk. The expected income tax rise has been shelved in favour of what some insiders call a “smorgasbord” of smaller taxes. In this episode of Political Currency, Ed Balls and George Osborne dig into whether this was a rushed scramble or a smart political play. - and the extent to which it has knocked Rachel Reeves off the story she had been shaping in the run up to Budget week.Away from the Budget noise, all eyes turned to Shabana Mahmood and her sweeping overhaul of the asylum and refugee system. The announcement has split Labour supporters. Is this the arrival of what some are already calling "Mahmoodism"? And will these measures work in practice, or just push parts of the left toward the Greens or the Lib Dems?Finally, George and Ed look from Tehran to California, where George's former colleague Steve Hilton is suddenly leading the race for governor. Can his Trump style rhetoric, polished social media - and even the promise to control the weather - deliver an upset in a solidly Democrat state?You can access the link to the Chris Martin auction here: https://astarauction.com/Chrismartinquiz The link will remain open until 10:30pm on the 27th November.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

What is the real purpose of Prime Minister's Questions? As an ‘infuriated' listener asks why the Speaker can't force politicians to answer, George Osborne breaks down why PMQs is ‘political theatre' and what most people misunderstand about it, while Ed Balls explains why David Lammy's recent performance revealed the real procedural power the Speaker holds.Then, prompted by a question from Shadow Cabinet minister Victoria Atkins, the pair break down when cross-party support actually works, and when it's just a ‘bear trap' for the opposition.And, reporting from the COP summit in Brazil, the hosts of the Outrage & Optimism podcast ask why the UK failed to put money into the 'Tropical Forests Forever' facility, leading Ed and George to discuss the 'crumbled' political consensus on foreign aid.Finally, the pair delve into the reality of rejoining the EU. Could the UK get the same deal as before? And what's the real obstacle to rejoining - could it be the Euro, the non-negotiable issue of free movement, or something else altogether?Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

A bizarre briefing war has exploded in Westminster, with Wes Streeting accused of plotting a coup against Keir Starmer. Ed Balls and George Osborne analyse the ‘toxic culture' in Number 10: who was really behind the briefing, and has this ‘self-destructive' move inadvertently strengthened Streeting while fatally weakening the Prime Minister?Meanwhile, the BBC is in turmoil, with its Director General and Head of News resigning over the Donald Trump Panorama controversy. With George himself now tipped for the top job, the pair unpack the corporate governance collapse. And, can Donald Trump really win his $1 billion lawsuit against the British broadcaster?Finally, Ed and George turn to Donald Trump snubbing the G20 over his claims of a "genocide" in South Africa. They explore the deepening divisions in the MAGA movement over controversial figures like Nick Fuentes, and ask if this identity politics of the "woke right" is a brand that Nigel Farage is about to import to the UK.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

What political rival would you share a 12-hour flight with? Ed Balls and George Osborne dive into this very question, revealing the old foes and opposite numbers who would make the best long-haul companions.And can an unpopular leader tank a popular policy? The pair debate how a leader's image affects a government, and whether an unpopular messenger will derail a popular message no matter what. They also examine the meaning of 'fairness' in politics, and whether Labour or the Tories can truly lay claim to the term.Finally, Ed's new title as a "Lifelong Learning Ambassador" sparks a discussion on the 'Cinderella service' of adult skills and why no government can seem to get it right.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Rachel Reeves has set the stage for a dramatic Budget, seemingly signaling a "massive political gamble" by preparing to raise taxes on working people. Ed Balls and George Osborne analyse her pitch-rolling: has she boxed herself in, becoming the market's "guarantor" against her own party? And can she possibly sell this to an already-squeezed public?Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch marks one year as Conservative leader - but, despite her sharp "waffle bomb" attack on the Chancellor, her poll ratings remain dire. Ed and George assess her performance: has she successfully stabilised the party's finances, or did she waste a year on identity politics instead of the economy? Plus, the pair explore why even Nigel Farage is suddenly pivoting away from tax cuts.And, what can a "Democratic Socialist" mayor in New York teach UK politics? Ed and George debate the real lessons from Zoran Mandani's shock victory - is it about left-wing policy, or a masterclass in new communication and building the broad coalitions that Starmer, Badenoch, and Farage all need?Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Why won't Labour make rejoining the EU its new "silver bullet" against Nigel Farage? A listener challenges Ed Balls and George Osborne on tackling the "political third rail" of Brexit. Ed argues the EU wouldn't even want the UK back on its old terms - likely forcing the Euro and Schengen - while George predicts Britain will inevitably "creep back" towards the Single Market.Then, a direct question from the Gates Foundation confronts the former Chancellors on the 40% cut to foreign aid. George, the Chancellor who delivered the 0.7% target, blasts the "remarkably silent" and "compliant" aid community, delivering a stark warning to "get louder" or face even more cuts.Plus, with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping down, could Ed and George be the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing? The pair reveal how unscripted the podcast really is, George shares his favorite TikTok restaurant reviewer, and Ed reacts to his "hot phase" going viral on social media…Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Keir Starmer has weathered one of the most brutal weeks of his tenure. The Caerphilly by-election collapse, a divisive Deputy Leadership election, and the mistaken release of a high-risk prisoner have ignited leadership speculation and exposed deep party tensions. Ed Balls and George Osborne debate where it's all gone wrong, and whether Starmer can hold on.The pair then look ahead to the Budget and Rachel Reeves's fiscal black hole. Can she uphold Labour's 'tax lock' manifesto pledge, or will she be forced to raise one of the 'big three' taxes? Ed and George analyse a choice that could be make-or-break for the government.Finally, they dive into Donald Trump's whirlwind Asia tour. Following his major summit with Xi Jinping, they ask: is his tariff doctrine a chaotic madman theory, or is it successfully strong-arming new 'America First' trade deals?Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Is the centre ground of British politics dead? A 15-year-old listener challenges George Osborne and Ed Balls on the surge of Reform and the Greens, forcing them to ask if the centre can truly fight back against populism.And why are bats, newts, and even spiders causing such chaos for British planning? The pair dive into the costly industry of species protection, discussing hundred-million-pound bat tunnels, a town centre stopped by spiders, and historic dockyards left unrenovated due to nesting birds.Plus, the real historical reason for Parliament's subsidised bars, ‘sleepovers with mummies' at the British Museum and George sets the record straight on what he actually did in his second government job as First Secretary of State.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

As Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares for a tough Budget, a new narrative is emerging: it's all Brexit's fault. Ed Balls and George Osborne examine whether the 'Brexit blame game' is a smart political strategy or a 'backward-looking excuse' that voters won't buy. And they discuss if it's too late for Labour to build a compelling economic story.Then, the pair dive into the 'appalling' turmoil inside Keir Starmer's No. 10. Are 'staggering' and 'juvenile' briefings against the new Cabinet Secretary a sign of a government in chaos? And as the Prince Andrew saga dominates the headlines, they debate the 'endgame' for the Senior Royal and why George believes it's time for the Prime Minister to step in.Plus, with George reporting from San Francisco, the pair give their take on the AI boom. With 'eye-watering valuations' for companies like OpenAI, is the world on the verge of an AI bubble bursting?Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Listeners on the Best of Spectator playlist can enjoy a section of the latest episode of Quite right! but for the full thing please seek out the Quite right! channel. Just search ‘Quite right!' wherever you are listening now.This week on Quite right!: the slow-motion disgrace of Prince Andrew. As Virginia Giuffre's new book reignites the Epstein scandal, Michael and Maddie ask: how much longer can the monarchy carry its most toxic member? Or should the Duke of York be stripped of his titles and sent into exile?Then to Birmingham, where sectarian politics, bin strikes and football collide. After Israeli fans were barred from attending a Europa League match, Michael and Maddie debate how Britain's second city became a byword for failed multiculturalism. Has the country finally started telling the truth about integration – or just found new ways to divide itself?Finally, the British Museum's attempt to out-glamour the Met Gala. From Ed Vaizey's ‘LSD-infused Del Boy' outfit to George Osborne's A-list trolling in front of the Elgin Marbles, Maddie asks: have we reached peak luvvie? And what would a truly British gala look like?Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could Ed Balls ever be tempted to become a Tory? And would George Osborne ever consider joining the Labour Party? The pair are forced to confront the ultimate political taboo after a listener asks if they could “pull a Winston Churchill” and cross the floor.George also recounts his recent on-stage reunion with Sir Nick Clegg, discussing with Ed whether the UK is destined for a multi-party system and if coalition governments are a recipe for success or instability.Plus, the President of the National Farmers' Union directly challenges the hosts on the 'family farm tax,' asking whether the Treasury has become an impenetrable silo; could a stamp duty holiday solve the housing crisis; and why one listener has dubbed the podcast 'The Redemption of George Osborne'.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

Financial Times political editor George Parker assesses the latest developments at Westminster.Following the big political row over the China spying allegations, George speaks to Helena Kennedy, a Labour peer and human rights lawyer, and Peter Ricketts, former National Security Adviser and now a crossbench peer.To discuss Rachel Reeves' options in next month's Budget, George is joined by Helen Miller, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, and Rupert Harrison, a former adviser to George Osborne and now a senior adviser at the wealth management company Pimco.The Government's latest amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill have attracted criticism from environmental groups. Labour MP Chris Curtis and Green MP Ellie Chowns debate the plans.And, in the week that Margaret Thatcher would have turned 100, George speaks to the man that tried to replace her: Conservative grandee Michael Heseltine.

Has the collapse of the China spy trial permanently damaged the Prime Minister? Ed Balls and George Osborne discuss how the ongoing saga of who knew what and when is causing untold damage to the Government.And as Donald Trump declares ‘a new dawn' in the Middle East, with the ceasefire appearing to be holding in Gaza, the pair debate if the US President should get the Nobel peace prize and whether the UK government is ‘delusional' in thinking they had a hand in the process…Plus, with the larger parties not getting a look-in, will the Sennedd by-election in Wales next week be the beginning of the political earthquake that shakes the UK? Prompted by ITV Wales' National Correspondent Rob Osborne, Ed and George look at why Wales is often overlooked when it comes to nation-wide coverage and scrutiny. Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:

The climate around the Parthenon Marbles debate has publicly continued to warm in the last two years, with both sides seemingly moving closer towards an agreement. But that may not be the full story according to long-time advocates for the return of the Marbles in David Hill and George Vardas. The pair join Ouzo Talk for our latest instalment on the Parthenon Marbles to discuss where discussions currently are between the UK Government and Greece, and the British and Acropolis Museums. Following  a recent meeting of global associations to discuss the matter, the plot thickened with the release of an ominous statement from Greek President, Konstantinos Tassoulas, who in a Greek Government first, signalled that legal action may be on the cards. Is that where the matter is heading? Join Tom and Nick as they quiz David and George on the latest to do with the most controversial ownership battle in world culture, history and archaeology. Send us a text Support the showEmail us at ouzotalk@outlook.comSubscribe to our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OuzoTalkFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OuzoTalkFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ouzo_talk/

Is the modern Conservative Party a repudiation of the Cameron-Osborne years? George Osborne is challenged by Ed Davey, who asks him to consider whether Kemi Badenoch's leadership means there's no place for him in the party he once helped lead.Then, Ed Balls sets the record straight on one of New Labour's defining policies, revealing the true story behind making the Bank of England independent and taking credit from both Gordon Brown and Tony Blair.Also on the agenda: the breaking of unwritten rules during party conference season, the politics of attending the Women's Rugby World Cup final, and the Brexit parallels of trying to reform the ECHR.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Has Kemi Badenoch done enough to see off her Tory critics, for now? Does her promise to abolish stamp duty remind the team of George Osborne's inheritance tax pledge in 2007?Danny explains why the public have forgotten about Liz Truss sooner than expected, and Polly realises she shares a dress with Liz Truss AND Kemi Badenoch.The political masterminds - or 'golden trio', plus Hugo - will be live at the Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival on Tuesday 14th October. Tickets are available at: https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Empty chairs, misspelling Britain, and a surprisingly good speech from Kemi Badenoch have brought a rollercoaster Conservative conference to a close. Ed Balls and George Osborne weigh up whether the highs outweighed the lows and ask if Badenoch has bought herself more time. And, with the threat from Reform looming, they ask: is a pact still on the table?The pair then dissect one of the conference's biggest bombshells: the pledge to leave the ECHR. Is this another Brexit-in-the-making, or a savvy political move? And could Keir Starmer, the former human rights lawyer, be the one person with the credibility to reform the system and solve one of his biggest political headaches?Plus, Ed and George dive into the Whitehall blame game over the collapsed China spy case. As the government's top figures point fingers, Ed reveals a stunning conspiracy theory about what might really be going on behind the scenes…To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Why is New Labour suddenly going viral on TikTok? In this week's Ex-Ministers' Questions, Ed Balls and George Osborne respond to their Gen Z fans who are remixing their greatest political moments into social media edits.With Labour conference just finished, Ed and George ask whether Keir Starmer is really a Blairite, a Brownite, or breaking with New Labour altogether. They also debate what Starmer and Rachel Reeves need to do to put Scottish Labour back in contention at the Holyrood elections next May.And before the Conservative conference begins in Manchester, George warns that the second year in opposition is always worse than the first, and sets out how the Tories and Kemi Badenoch might plot a comeback.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Keir Starmer went into the Labour Party Conference in a perilous position, fighting off a 'rolling assault' from within his own party. In a make-or-break speech, he shifted his fire from the Conservatives to a new opponent: Nigel Farage. Was this a clever tactic to unite his base and redefine the political battlefield, or a risky gamble that elevates his rival? George Osborne and Ed Balls analyse the strategy, the rhetoric, and whether the speech has truly changed anything outside the conference hall.And a bombshell has landed from Washington: Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the shock return of Tony Blair with a new Gaza peace plan. A week after clashing over whether the UK's role on the discussion around Palestine was irrelevant or a game-changer, Ed and George are back to debate who was right.Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves quietly floats a major change to the UK's economic rulebook, proposing to scrap one of the OBR's two annual forecasts. Ed and George unpack a seemingly technical move with huge consequences for Britain's economic credibility.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

When does a party conference go well? And when does disaster strike? Ahead of the main party conferences, Ed Balls and George Osborne dive into their memories to reveal what really happens behind the scenes.From George's first job as a Tory 'observer' faxing Tony Blair's speeches to No. 10, to Ed staying up so late he saw the breakfast TV crews setting up, they share the ultimate insider's guide to navigating this political “goldfish bowl”.The pair are joined by special contributors with their own incredible stories: Lord Eric Pickles on his bizarre role managing Denis Thatcher's applause; Sir Oliver Letwin with a powerful, first-hand account of the 1984 Brighton bombing; and journalist Nick Robinson on the moment he confronted a furious Prime Minister. Plus, Ed and George discuss what separates a good conference from a disastrous one, and why you should always be careful what you say in the lift…To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Donald Trump's wild speech at the UN General Assembly has done more than just cause a diplomatic headache; it's exposed the deep tensions simmering just below the surface of Keir Starmer's government.His attack on Sadiq Khan saw senior ministers like Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood scrambling to respond, raising the question: in a party rife with leadership speculation, is loyalty still the best strategy? With mounting speculation that Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is gearing up for a leadership challenge, Ed Balls and George Osborne dig into the manoeuvres and what they signal about the stability of Starmer's leadership, in a week where the UK also made its historic move to recognise the Palestinian state.Meanwhile, another great challenge looms for the government: the economy. With a reported £30 billion fiscal hole to fill, could a controversial wealth tax be the answer? And as the government seeks to respond to pressure on migration, is a return to ID cards the right move? George thinks the time has come for a digital identity scheme, but Ed is deeply sceptical it can work…To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

In the one-hundred-and-eighty-first episode, we explore the Honor by Association Fallacy, starting with Trump invoking Lincoln and his big hat, his smart uncle, and the American flag.In Mark's British Politics Corner, we look at George Osborne, Rishi Sunak, Kier Starmer, and Michael Gove, all associating themselves with the common, salt of the earth, working class British people.In the Fallacy in the Wild section, we check out examples from South Park, Saving Christmas, and a Snickers ad from the 1984 Olympics.Jim and Mark go head to head in Fake News, the game in which Mark has to guess which one of three Trump quotes Jim made up.Then Jim talks to Marsh and Cecil from The Know Rogan Experience podcast about which you can find out more here: https://www.knowrogan.com/And finally, we round up some of the other crazy Trump stories from the past week.The full show notes for this episode can be found at https://fallacioustrump.com/ft181 You can contact the guys at pod@fallacioustrump.com, on BlueSky @FallaciousTrump, Discord at fallacioustrump.com/discord or facebook at facebook.com/groups/fallacioustrumpAnd you can buy our T-shirts here: https://fallacioustrump.com/teeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fallacious-trump/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Richard Curtis, rom-com extraordinaire who put Notting Hill on the map is asking a question this week: he wants to know what areas Ed Balls and George Osborne are seeing progress and hope. Doom, gloom and cynicism are on hold - for a week, at least - for the pair to consider some more optimistic matters. Ed is hopeful about advancements on taking on diseases, while George considers the steps technology has improved people's lives.Meanwhile, Sadiq Khan asks about what they love most about London (spoiler: the tube gets a mention), and Seyi Akiwowo, the director of Glitch, a non-profit organisation campaigning to end online abuse, gets Ed and George thinking about hopeful advice for those casting their first vote and finding their political voice.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

It's three years since the Truss/Kwarteng mini-budget which sent the bond market into meltdown. In this Deep Dive we'll be looking into the nitty gritty of bonds while also discussing the big picture and asking why UK bond yields are so high, and what effect that may have on the budget in November. (02:10) Laith and Danni are joined by Ian Aylward, head of investment partnerships at AJ Bell, to discuss what bonds are and what factors affect prices. (17:39) Laith talks to Rupert Harrison, senior adviser at PIMCO and formerly Chief of Staff to George Osborne when he was Chancellor. Rupert gives his views on what is driving higher UK government borrowing costs and what the bond market wants from Rachel Reeves in the forthcoming budget.   (41:52) Ian, Laith and Danni talk about why people invest in bonds, and discuss the bond funds that are available to investors.   (53:13) Laith talks to Alex Ralph, fund manager of the Nedgroup Global Strategic Bond fund, about how she picks bonds and how she sees the market right now.

President Donald Trump is in town, so it's back to Windsor Castle for our Ed Balls! A podcast recording the morning after a lavish state banquet? Not a problem, it's all par for the course for Ed, who has apparently been catching up on Downton Abbey in preparation. He brought George Osborne up to speed on the events of the evening; who sat where and did he get to say hello to the 47th president? It's hard to believe the US President's visit could be considered a reprieve for Prime Minister Keir Starmer after a grueling two weeks back from summer recess. Soon after Angela Rayner made her sudden, tax-enforced exit the government faced its next drama: US Ambassador Peter Mandelson and his long, email-documented friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A deputy leadership contest, scrutiny over Mandelson vetting process and - in recent days - questions over whether Andy Burnham is gunning for Starmer's job… It should be catnip for leader of the Tories, Kemi Badenoch - except Danny Kruger's gone and spoiled it by defecting to Reform! Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has cut rates for the first time this year - while the Bank of England is holding firm at 4%. Ed and George take stock of the global economic position and what's next for the bond market after its moment of tumult earlier this month … To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

What really happens in the frantic first 24 hours of a new government job? This week on Ex-Ministers' Questions, Ed Balls and George Osborne lift the lid on the art of political survival. From the scramble of last-minute briefings to the insider secrets government drivers know before their ministers do, they swap stories on navigating the chaos of a reshuffle.Then it's from the Cabinet Office to the kitchen, as George grills Ed on one of Westminster's most notorious culinary conspiracies: Lasagna-gate. Was that dinner party at the Balls-Cooper house really a covert plot to bring down Ed Miliband?And after serving up some advice for a new podcasting rival, the duo look ahead: could a robot outshine a human as a political speechwriter? They put it to the test in real time, asking AI to pen a Shakespearean sonnet on the spot. The result? You'll have to hear it to believe it…To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Peter Mandelson, the so-called “Prince of Darkness” got sacked this morning, thanks to fresh revelations of his lengthy friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Now all eyes are turning to his replacement … Could George Osborne himself be getting the call up for US Ambassador?He and Ed Balls consider what this sudden, inglorious end for Mandelson's diplomatic career means for the government. How could this affect the all-important upcoming state visit from US President Donald Trump, who himself is facing questions around his links to Epstein? It's not the only tumult for Keir Starmer's government, that was hoping to reset its way into a calmer period. The deputy leadership contest in the wake of Angela Rayner's resignation is underway. Ed and George consider if this may be a bigger problem for Starmer than was bargained for? Could Bridget Phillipson vs. Lucy Powell in fact be a proxy for Keir Starmer vs. Andy Burnham?To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

How should a politician respond when a voter blames all their problems on immigration? In this week's Ex-Ministers' Questions, Ed Balls and George Osborne offer competing strategies for handling difficult conversations on the doorstep. They also tackle a stark warning from a Gen Z listener: is the political establishment's failure to listen pushing an entire generation of young people towards Nigel Farage?Then, the pair turn to the insider's playbook of political survival. They debate the pros and cons of the 'chicken run' - is it cowardly for a senior MP to abandon a marginal seat for a safe one, or simply smart politics? Ed reflects on his own experience of staying to fight a losing battle, while George makes the case for jumping ship.Plus, a listener's confession about leaking a story to a newspaper diary column prompts a hilarious look at political gaffes. Ed is forced to relive the moment his ministerial car door hit a pedestrian, and shares a mortifying story involving a fellow minister and a pole dancing pole.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Politics is back with a bang, and so are Ed Balls and George Osborne. As Keir Starmer declares "phase two" of his government, he's immediately engulfed by a scandal that threatens his Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner. In this episode, Ed and George dissect her complicated tax affairs, the accusations of hypocrisy, and the difficult choice facing the Prime Minister: is she too powerful to sack?Next, they unpack how Nigel Farage and Reform UK managed to dominate the entire summer. While the government was on holiday, Farage set the agenda on immigration, crime, and free speech. Ed and George explore how he did it, why the government and opposition struggled to respond, and how it fuels the dangerous "drain the swamp" narrative that ‘they're all as bad as each other'.Plus, the pair turn to Starmer's attempt to reset with a major reshuffle of his Downing Street operation. With a new comms chief, top economic advisors, and the creation of a brand-new role - Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister - will this shake-up provide the grip and purpose the government desperately needs? Or are they just rearranging the deckchairs?To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

What if the great 'what if' moments of recent British history had turned out differently? Ed Balls and George Osborne dive into the political sliding doors that could have rewritten the last three decades. They debate whether Margaret Thatcher would have won the 1992 election if she hadn't been ousted, and how her legacy would have been transformed.Ed gives a behind-the-scenes account of the Blair-Brown transition and the so-called 'Curry House Plot', considering how Labour would have handled the 2008 financial crisis with Tony Blair still in No. 10. Then, the pair explore the huge question of whether Britain joining the Euro would have prevented Brexit, or simply led to a catastrophic economic crash.Plus, George reveals why he jumped for joy when Ed Miliband beat his brother David for the Labour leadership, and they discuss whether the result of that contest sealed Labour's fate in 2015.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Political Currency's summer specials continue! This week, while Ed Balls is away, George Osborne is joined by one of Labour's longest-serving and most compelling figures, Dame Emily Thornberry.Thornberry takes George inside the Corbyn-era shadow cabinet and explores the tantalising 'what if' of 2017: what would a Prime Minister Corbyn really have been like, and how would the British state have coped?From her unique vantage point as a senior backbencher, Thornberry offers a frank assessment of the new government's first year. She argues for more confidence and a clearer plan to tackle the problems Starmer's cabinet inherited, warning against being "buffeted about” by criticism. Throughout, she reflects on two decades in Parliament and why, despite rebellions and disappointments, she remains “Labour through and through”.Plus, Ed and George reunite to explain the brutal art of a government's first reshuffle. As Westminster braces for Sir Keir Starmer's first major shake-up, they reveal what it's really like to be hired, fired, and moved sideways by a Prime Minister.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

What are the essential skills for a life in politics? In an age of TikTok soundbites, can a single speech in Parliament still change minds and topple a government? Ed Balls and George Osborne dive into the art of political craft, taking questions on the real-world impact of parliamentary debates, the secrets to managing a ministerial diary, and the constant balancing act between cabinet duties and constituency work.They discuss historic interventions that shaped the nation, from Edward Heath's decisive speech on capital punishment to the Cromwellian phrase, “In the name of God, go,” which was famously used against Neville Chamberlain and Boris Johnson. They also share personal anecdotes about their first days as MPs, the importance of punctuality in a crisis, and the surprising truth about the bottled water in the Chancellor's office.Plus, find out which cabinet job is surprisingly one of the "easier ones" to manage and what really happens in the MPs' exclusive tea room.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

What is it really like to go from nine years in the political wilderness to running one of the most challenging departments in government? For Wes Streeting, Labour's Secretary of State for Health, it's a challenge he has been visibly relishing this past year, after a long, frustrating period fighting from the opposition benches.With Ed Balls away interrailing, Streeting joins George Osborne to give him a candid inside look at Labour's first year in power, revealing what Keir Starmer is really like as a leader, the secret orders he gives his cabinet, and his ambitious plan to reform the NHS by shifting power to patients and focusing on prevention. Plus, he explains why he believes Nigel Farage and Reform UK are now the "real opposition" to the government.Plus, Ed and George reunite to pull back the curtain on a subject of endless obsession for politicians and the press: ministerial cars. The pair explain why a minister's driver knows more about them than their own family, how drivers' gossip can make or break a career, and share hilarious and shocking stories involving heavy petting, a disastrous escape from a prime ministerial motorcade, and fish and chips with Gordon Brown. They also offer some crucial advice for any aspiring minister on how not to behave in the back of a Jag…To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Who were the traders who took the hit when the public turned on the City after the financial crisis? How did Tom Hayes lose his marriage, all his savings and his freedom in a case that has since been over-turned by the Supreme Court? Why will he get no compensation? In the second part of this two-episode interview, Robert talks to Tom Hayes about how he lost everything when he took the rap for the flaws in the LIbor interest rate system. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to our newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get more stories from the world of business and finance. Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠restismoney@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheRestIsMoney⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheRestIsMoney⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@RestIsMoney⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://⁠⁠⁠goalhanger.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Assistant Producer: India Dunkley, Alice Horrell Producer: Ross Buchanan Head of Content: Tom Whiter Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices