Podcast appearances and mentions of john mcternan

While this week Rachel Reeves set out her plans on how and where Labour is set to spend money for much of the rest of this Parliament, the question now is do they have a plan for how they're going to deliver on their priorities, and succeed in completing Keir Starmer's missions for government?Joining host Alain Tolhurst to discuss the vexed issue of actually delivering in office what you came in to do is Michelle Clement, lecturer in government studies at the Strand Group at King's College London, who has just published a new book ‘The Art of Delivery: The Inside Story of How the Blair Government Transformed Britain's Public Services' which goes inside the work of Michael Barber, who was put in charge of Tony Blair's delivery unit in 2001.Alongside them are Charlotte Pickles, director of the Re:State think tank and a former special adviser to Iain Duncan Smith, Alexander Iosad, director of Government Innovation at Tony Blair Institute, and John McTernan, former Political Secretary to Tony Blair and a government special adviser.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot

Local Elections Analysis with John McTernanWhy were the local elections so bad for Labour and how do they reverse their fortunes?Is there a ceiling on Nigel Farage's popularity?Does Labour lack confidence?This is a dose of mega political strategy with Tony Blair's former Political Secretary.It's electric. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 12 May: Wes Streeting9 June: Kemi Badenoch14 July: Michael GovePlus more to be announced...Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt at on tour until June 2025, including his extra date at The Nottingham Playhouse: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows29 May: Chipping Norton Theatre30 May: Swindon Arts Centre 4 June: Leeds City Varieties 5 June: Nottingham Playhouse 6 June: Cambridge Junction 12 June: York, The Crescent 13 June: Chelmsford Theatre 14 June: Faversham, The Alex Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Nigel Farage's Reform UK the clear winner from the English local elections and Runcorn by-election, have they broken the two-party system for good? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with John McTernan, Salma Shah and Sir John Curtice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Blair is making waves in Westminster today after his institute published a report on net zero that appears to undermine Ed Miliband and Labour's green agenda. In his foreword – while not directly critical of the UK government – he encouraged governments around the world to reconsider the cost of net zero. Many have compared Blair's comments to those made by Kemi Badenoch several weeks ago and questioned the timing – just 48 hours before the local elections. What is Blair up to? Should Labour listen to Tony? Also on the podcast, with the local elections tomorrow, we take one final look at the polling. With Labour expecting big losses, how can the party spin the results? James Heale speaks to the pollster James Johnson and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. For tickets to our local elections shake-up event with Jacob Rees Mogg and Zia Yusuf, click here. 

Today marks five years since Keir Starmer became leader of the Labour party. In that time, he has gradually purged Labour of its leftist wing and wrestled the party back to the centre, winning a historic majority in 2024. But, five years on, the question remains: what does Keir Starmer stand for? He came in as the acceptable face of Corbynism but looks more and more like a Conservative with each passing domestic policy announcement (take your pick: winter fuel, waging war with the size of the state, welfare cuts etc.). Internationally, it is a different story. Despite saying little on foreign policy in the build-up to the general election, he has been widely praised for his foreign policy and his steady hand when dealing with Trump. Lucy Dunn, James Heale and John McTernan discuss the many faces of Keir Starmer.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

This week: Starmerism's moral vacuum ‘Governments need a mission, or they descend into reactive incoherence' writes Michael Gove in this week's cover piece. A Labour government, he argues, ‘cannot survive' without a sense of purpose. The ‘failure of this government to make social justice its mission' has led to a Spring Statement ‘that was at once hurried, incoherent and cruel – a fiscal drive-by shooting'.  Michael writes that Starmer wishes to emulate his hero – the post-war Prime Minister Clement Atlee, who founded the NHS and supported a fledgling NATO alliance. Yet, with policy driven by Treasury mandarins, the Labour project is in danger of drifting, as John Major's premiership did. Starmerism's policy vacuum is being filled so rapidly by HMT that we are embarking on an era of ‘cruel Labour'.  Michael joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside John McTernan, former private secretary to Tony Blair. (1:37) Next: have the Church's sacred spaces become community clubs? From yoga classes to drag shows, and even a helter-skelter, the Revd Dr Jamie Franklin, host of the podcast Irreverentand author of The Great Return, writes in the magazine this week about what he argues is the ‘tragic misuse of its sacred spaces' by the Church of England. This new reality may be symptomatic of a wider issue with the leadership of the Church, currently pondering its future. The journalist Quentin Letts provides his own manifesto for the next Archbishop of Canterbury in this week's diary.  So do diverse uses of space broaden the Church's appeal or does it run the risk of diluting its holiness? Quentin, whose new book NUNC! Is out now, joined the podcast alongside Jamie to discuss. (20:52) And finally: is Clandon Park a visionary restoration or a catastrophic precedent? Calvin Po addresses the ‘conundrum of conservation' in the Arts lead for the magazine this week: how much of a building can be restored before it becomes a different building entirely?  Plans have moved forward for the 18th century Palladian mansion Clandon Park, managed by the National Trust, to be preserved in a half-charred form, following its gutting by fire in 2015. The Trust says this ‘approach combines careful conservation, scholarly restoration and sensitive contemporary design'. And The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), founded by William Morris, has hailed the plans, arguing that a full restoration would amount to a ‘feeble and lifeless forgery' and the ‘Clandon of the future will offer a markedly different visitor experience to that of the past, but one that will have its own interest'. Calvin, however, worries that this sets a ‘catastrophic precedent' for restorations of the future, and The Georgian Group actively opposed the Trust's proposal, arguing that the building's merit comes in its original design ‘not in burnt bricks'.  To discuss further we were joined by The Georgian Group's director Dr Anya Lucas, and the architectural historian – and former Chair of SPAB – Gillian Darley. (35:17) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.

This week: Starmerism's moral vacuum ‘Governments need a mission, or they descend into reactive incoherence' writes Michael Gove in this week's cover piece. A Labour government, he argues, ‘cannot survive' without a sense of purpose. The ‘failure of this government to make social justice its mission' has led to a Spring Statement ‘that was at once hurried, incoherent and cruel – a fiscal drive-by shooting'.  Michael writes that Starmer wishes to emulate his hero – the post-war Prime Minister Clement Atlee, who founded the NHS and supported a fledgling NATO alliance. Yet, with policy driven by Treasury mandarins, the Labour project is in danger of drifting, as John Major's premiership did. Starmerism's policy vacuum is being filled so rapidly by HMT that we are embarking on an era of ‘cruel Labour'.  Michael joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside John McTernan, former private secretary to Tony Blair. (1:37) Next: have the Church's sacred spaces become community clubs?  From yoga classes to drag shows, and even a helter-skelter, the Revd Dr Jamie Franklin, host of the podcast Irreverend and author of The Great Return, writes in the magazine this week about what he argues is the ‘tragic misuse of its sacred spaces' by the Church of England. This new reality may be symptomatic of a wider issue with the leadership of the Church, currently pondering its future. The journalist Quentin Letts provides his own manifesto for the next Archbishop of Canterbury in this week's diary.  So do diverse uses of space broaden the Church's appeal or does it run the risk of diluting its holiness? Quentin, whose new book NUNC! Is out now, joined the podcast alongside Jamie to discuss. (20:52) And finally: is Clandon Park a visionary restoration or a catastrophic precedent? Calvin Po addresses the ‘conundrum of conservation' in the Arts lead for the magazine this week: how much of a building can be restored before it becomes a different building entirely?  Plans have moved forward for the 18th century Palladian mansion Clandon Park, managed by the National Trust, to be preserved in a half-charred form, following its gutting by fire in 2015. The Trust says this ‘approach combines careful conservation, scholarly restoration and sensitive contemporary design'. And The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), founded by William Morris, has hailed the plans, arguing that a full restoration would amount to a ‘feeble and lifeless forgery' and the ‘Clandon of the future will offer a markedly different visitor experience to that of the past, but one that will have its own interest'. Calvin, however, worries that this sets a ‘catastrophic precedent' for restorations of the future, and The Georgian Group actively opposed the Trust's proposal, arguing that the building's merit comes in its original design ‘not in burnt bricks'.  To discuss further we were joined by The Georgian Group's director Dr Anya Lucas, and the architectural historian – and former Chair of SPAB – Gillian Darley. (35:17) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.

Hard hats on for the Spring Statement tomorrow, where at around midday Rachel Reeves will deliver her fiscal update (read: significant fiscal set piece). Aside from not spooking the markets, the Chancellor will be hoping that she doesn't spook those within her own party. There are rumours of discontent circling around Westminster about a potential Labour split. We have already seen secretaries of state briefing out their discontent over potential departmental cuts. Ministers have also been breaking rank this week to criticise Rachel Reeves for accepting free Sabrina Carpenter tickets. Can she keep the party united? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. For tickets to The Spectator's Spring Statement special live Coffee House Shots, click here. 

With the stench of rebellion hanging around the tearooms of SW1 after ministers announced fresh welfare cuts, this week host Patrick Baker explores the backbench revolts of years past, asking how disobedient MPs really plan and plot against their own parties. Veteran Tory MP David Davis describes how he and other rebels defeated David Cameron's plans to bomb Syria almost by accident — and offers tips on shutting down confrontational government enforcers, or chief whips. Christopher Howarth, a secretive member of the European Research Group of Eurosceptic Tory MPs, was instrumental in defeating Theresa May's EU deal during the Brexit wars. He describes countering the cunning tactics of a Downing Street operation desperately trying to quell rebellions, and how he spotted a loophole in Tory rules that led to May's resignation.  POLITICO senior political correspondent Annabelle Dickson has been gauging the mood among angry would-be Labour rebels — and hearing why some are feeling disillusioned with the direction of their party.  One of those certain to rebel in a Commons vote on welfare is the Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth in Scotland, Brian Leishman, who explains why he's appalled at the cuts to benefits.  But rebels beware: Tony Blair's former no-nonsense chief whip Hilary Armstrong recalls threatening badly behaved MPs with being sent to work on obscure infrastructure committees unless they toed the line. But she insists the best way to deal with rebels — who Blair called his "little darlings" — is a "softly, softly" approach. And Blair's former political secretary John McTernan, sets out why he believes the huge new intake of Labour MPs might be more prone to rebellion and says the current rancor poses a bigger question for the party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is a row on the horizon over welfare cuts. Yesterday's meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) was packed, with many lobby journalists expecting fireworks. The Prime Minister got a positive reaction for his message on Ukraine, with MPs impressed by his strong response since Trump took office, but there was some scepticism in the room about his plan to make £6 billion in welfare cuts. This is a difficult topic that cuts to the heart of the Labour Party and its position as the party of welfare – about 80 Labour MPs are said to oppose the government's proposals. Can Keir Starmer weather the storm? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan, former political adviser to Tony Blair. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

What's the role of an adviser at the top level of politics, and does it always involve swearing?John McTernan, who has worked for prime ministers in the UK and Australia, joins the political masterminds to discuss the highs and the lows of the job. And after Kemi Badenoch speaks at a gathering of right-of-centre thinkers in London, what have we learned about her brand of Conservatism?Send questions, comments and voicenotes to: howtowin@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John McTernan - the ultimate Labour insider - talks Tories & ReformNick Cohen talks to John McTernan - , the political strategist and commentator, and a former senior advisor to the Labour Party. John was Tony Blair's Director of Political Operations from 2005-2007 before acting as special advisor to two cabinet ministers under Blair's Number 10 successor - Gordon Brown. Other roles since then has been as a columnist at The Scotsman and as Director of Communications for Australia's Labor party prime minister Julia Gillard.Reform emerges Labour's main threat as Tories continue to crumbleThe Conservative Party appears to be crumbling before our very eyes: poorly led, tanking in the polls way behind Reform, myopically fixated on failed crank ideologies like Brexit & its preposterous Rwanda migrant scheme - while Nigel Farage surges ahead of them in the polls with his latest political vehicle - Reform. The first step to seeing off the populist right embodied by Farage, argues John, is to understand his appeal , adding "Farage sees the demand for change in the public, names his party Reform, another word for change, and is going quite successfully, just simply stating "The country voted for change. Where's the change?"Labour needs traditional working class & metropolitan graduate wings to winJohn says that Labour has to be aware of the coalition support. - the two wings of different supporters the party needs to balance out on a wide range of issues and win round, saying "they elected us this time around, and that was a coalition of two halves. It was absolutely liberal minded, guardian reading, graduate London and South East voters, as well as, working class, Northern voters... if Labour moves too far in either direction towards the liberal green minded green agenda, or towards, the right wing agenda, it will lose."It's got to maintain both of those wings. You know, a plane flies on two wings. This government needs two wings of support. So I would be, my advice into combating Farage us is take him seriously. This is real, you can't ignore it. Understand the dynamics that are working out on the right of politics everywhere in Europe."Read all about itNick Cohen's @NickCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour heavyweight John Prescott's funeral took place yesterday with former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown leading the tributes. What is Prescott's legacy? And does the current Labour Party have politicians that emulate his appeal? Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and former Blair adviser John McTernan about how Prescott was the glue that held Labour together during the Blair-Brown years. Also on the podcast, they discuss the borders and migration bill which Labour published this week. The bill sees the government adopt many measures that they voted against when in opposition. Does this show that Labour have what it takes to tackle immigration? Meanwhile the Conservatives still haven't come to terms with their own legacy on migration, as shown by shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel's comments to Talk TV... Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

It's happened. The scenario Labour politicians hoped would not come to pass is now a reality: Donald Trump is heading back to the White House. The official line from Labour is that everything is fine – they will work with whoever holds the office of president. However, privately there have long been nerves and concerns as to what a Trump comeback would mean for the Starmer government. Where are the fault lines likely to appear? And what does a second Trump term mean for foreign secretary David Lammy, considering his previous comments about the Donald? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

George Parker of the Financial Times analyses the week's political developments at Westminster.In the week of Sir Keir Starmer's 100 days in Number Ten, the former deputy chief of staff to David Cameron, Baroness Kate Fall, and Tony Blair's former director of political operations, John McTernan, discuss the political fallout of the resignation of the Prime Minister's chief of staff, Sue Gray.To discuss the forthcoming budget George is joined by former Treasury minister and crossbecnh peer, Lord O'Neill and the Head of Bloomberg Economics, Stephanie Flanders. Following his retirement from the House of Lords, the Labour politician and founding member of the Social Democratic Party, Lord Owen, discusses his life in politics. Two former Conservative MPs, David Gauke and Miriam Cates discuss the latest in the Conservative leadership contest.

Who's in charge in Downing Street? Until recently, the answer to that question would tend to reveal whether you were a Sue Gray or Morgan McSweeney supporter. Keir Starmer's two most senior aides were viewed to be in a power struggle over the direction of the government. But with Gray's resignation this weekend, it is McSweeney who is running the show. What direction will he take No.10?   James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has just finished her speech at Labour conference. After a brief interruption by hecklers, she addressed austerity, the pandemic, and winter fuel payments. How was the speech received, and who does it really speak to?  Elsewhere, Sue Gray's lack of appearance in Liverpool hasn't done anything to slow down discussion of recent controversy. James Heale is joined by Katy Balls and John McTernan, formerly Tony Blair's Political Secretary.

It's been a sticky week for Labour. Whilst they will have hoped to spend the run up to this weekend's conference talking about the policy wins of their first 100 days in power, Labour MPs are instead having to defend the Prime Minister for accepting freebies and talk down speculation of a rift at the heart of government. Is there a power struggle in Number 10?  James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan, former political secretary to tony Blair.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Last night saw the first Trump vs Harris debate and the consensus seems to be that Harris came out on top. She managed to avoid sticky issues about her political past and goaded Trump into some rambling and – at times – outrageous remarks. What did we learn?  Also today, we have had new figures on the economy with GDP flatlining for the second month in a row. Does this vindicate Rachel Reeves' tough decision on the winter fuel allowance?  Katy Balls speaks to Kate Andrews and John McTernan.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

The Tory leadership contest is still rumbling on, and we're lucky enough to still have weeks to go! In this Saturday episode, we assess which of the candidates would create the biggest problem for Keir Starmer. Who would be most frustrating at the dispatch box, and whose politics would be the most difficult for him? Who might be a slightly easier opponent? Megan McElroy speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan, political strategist and former political secretary to Tony Blair. 

Ofgem, the energy regulator, has announced that the price cap will rise by 10% in October. Is this bad news for Labour, or will they be successful in framing it as part of their economic inheritance from the Conservatives? And could this strengthen opposition to the proposed change to winter fuel allowance? Patrick Gibbons speaks to James Heale and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair.    Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Cindy Yu.

Elon Musk has it in for the Labour government, his latest tweet screenshotting a racist comment Labour MP Lauren Edwards made over a decade ago. On this episode, Lucy Dunn talks to Katy Balls and John McTernan about whether Big Tech can be regulated, and how DSIT Secretary Peter Kyle thinks the government should treat tech tycoons. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Cindy Yu.

Calum and Kirsty are joined by John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair to discuss who is to blame for the riots across the country, who should have done more to prevent them to get this far and who could lead us from them. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves wakes to mixed headlines today after she announced a range of spending cuts to part fill a £22 billion ‘shortfall' in public spending for this year alone.  The most controversial move by Reeves on Monday was her decision to axe the winter fuel benefit for pensioners not eligible for benefits. That saves £1.5 billion but has already been blasted by Martin Lewis and Age UK as a blunt measure that will hurt those on modest pensions who struggle to make ends meet.  Is there more hard medicine to come? Katy Balls speaks to Kate Andrews and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair.

Labour has set out its ambitious missions in the King's Speech to open a new parliament today. On the podcast, Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and former Labour advisor John McTernan about what was expected – and what was missing – from the legislative agenda. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Cindy Yu.

After a Labour landslide win (as predicted by your co-pilots) the rocket orbits into a new political galaxy, but is it the same old madness?Allison delivers some hard truths to the Conservative party whom she thinks deserve ‘oblivion' should they fail to come to the ‘correct conclusion' on their new leader.Whereas Liam thinks the Tories need to take their time when deciding their next leader and think carefully about the rules of the contest.Joining your co-pilots on the rocket this week is former advisor to the Labour Party, John McTernan, who gives his take on the incoming Labour government and why he thinks their new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, might need to think about bending some fiscal rules…And there's a very inspired email from one listener…Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Iain Dale for Cross Question are the Alba Party leader and former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, the Conservatives' Shadow Science Secretary Andrew Griffith, former Labour political strategist John McTernan and Republicans Overseas UK spokesperson Jennifer Ewing.

Should the new government prioritise improving our Armed Forces over other public services?Joining Iain Dale for Cross Question are the Alba Party leader and former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, the Conservatives' Shadow Science Secretary Andrew Griffith, former Labour political strategist John McTernan and Republicans Overseas UK spokesperson Jennifer Ewing.

Political strategist John McTernan and Atalanta's Elizabeth Ames join us to talk about the UK election trail – betting scandals, campaign gaffes and all. What is the mood on the ground in Britain? What are the political narratives influencing the upcoming UK election? And with Labour predicted for a landslide win, what are the perils of a decisive victory? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, political strategist John McTernan and Atalanta's Elizabeth Ames cut through the spin to unpack Britain's election. John McTernan is a political strategist and commentator. He has been a political adviser to former UK prime minister Tony Blair and former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard. Elizabeth Ames is Chief Executive Officer at advocacy firm Atalanta, Board Director of the Britain-Australia Society, and Chair of the Menzies Australia Institute at King's College London. Mark Kenny is the Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times. Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We'd love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to democracysausage@anu.edu.au. This podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 74 of "The Mother of all talk shows" in podcast format!Recorded November 15th 2020Caleb MaupinJohn McTernanDr Ranjeet Brar: NHS Consultant, physician & surgeon will update us on the spread of coronavirus Become a MOATS Graduate at https://plus.acast.com/s/moatswithgorgegalloway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dunn Street founder and Community Organiser Stephen Donnelly was joined by former Political Secretary for former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, John McTernan. John calls in from London to analyse the UK election campaign, including Tory PM Rishi Sunak's surprise snap election and his strategic missteps following the announcement, the making of Keir Starmer, and Labour‘s path to victory and where they will bag the 121 seats required to pull off the biggest swing to Labour since the 1997 Tony Blair landslide.This episode is dedicated to Cecilia Donnelly.  The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au 

Picture the scene: it's July 5th and a triumphant Keir Starmer arrives at Downing Street after achieving a supermajority and the Tories have only narrowly prevented the Lib Dems becoming official party of opposition. Whilst this may sound far fetched, it is the likely result when you take an average of the last week's polls. What would those first 100 days of Labour look like? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson. The Spectator will be hosting a special Live edition of Coffee House Shots in the aftermath of the election. Taking place on Thursday the 11th July - a week after the election - at 7pm here in Westminster, you can join Fraser Nelson, Katy Balls and Kate Andrews as they try to dissect the election results, a new government, and what comes next.  Tickets are £35, or £25 for subscribers. If you're interested, you can book online at spectator.co.uk/shotslive   

It was Labour's turn to launch their election manifesto today. It was a restatement of the party's main policies with no surprise announcements in the 133-page document.     Sir Keir Starmer reiterated his key pledges including no new taxes on “working people” and a promise of “economic stability”.   Niall Paterson digs into Labour's promise of economic growth with Ed Conway, Sky's economics and data editor, and speaks to political correspondent Serena Barker-Singh, who was at the launch in Manchester.    Plus, John McTernan, political strategist and former political secretary to Tony Blair, discusses the politics of their manifesto and whether it matters that there were no new announcements.  Producer: Sydney Pead Editor: Wendy Parker Promotions Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John

Understand the UK Election is a simple 10-episode guide to everything that is going on in the election.Hosted by Adam Fleming, it looks at everything from candidate selection and leader debates, to results day and the difference a manifesto can make, speaking to journalists, election forecasters and people who have worked at the heart of politics.The series kicks off by taking you inside the campaign trail and asking how parties make it work to their advantage.This episode was hosted by Adam Fleming, Newscast and Anti-Social, alongside political correspondent and host of Any Questions Alex Forsyth, as well as John McTernan who worked as Tony Blair's Political Secretary and Lee Cain, key strategist for Boris Johnson's campaign to be prime minister and Downing Street Director of Communications.Producers: Alix Pickles and Alex LewisProduction Manager: Janet StaplesEditor: Sam BonhamCredit: Good Morning Britain for the Boris Johnson in a fridge archive clip.

Overnight, details of Labour's manifesto were leaked. There are several new policies, but how surprising are they, and how will they land with voters?  Elsewhere, Rishi Sunak has denied he planned to skip D Day events altogether since our episode this morning. Can the row get any worse? James Heale speaks to Isabel Hardman and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair. 

The drama in Westminster never seems to end. Last night the Times reported that the Labour party would not allow veteran MP Diane Abbott to represent the party at the upcoming general election. Abbott has reportedly been given the Labour whip back as a middle way, causing something of a backlash. Seeking to clarify the situation, Keir Starmer has today insisted that, 'no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbot' and that 'she is a member of the parliamentary Labour party.' What's going on? Will she be standing?  James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Less than 24 hours after Rishi Sunak's surprise election announcement, we look ahead to the parties' campaigns. What has been the fall out? How have Labour responded to the shock news? And why didn't Rishi have an umbrella? James Heale is joined by Isabel Hardman and former Labour adviser John McTernan to discuss.  Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Lucy Dunn speaks to Katy Balls and former Blair advisor John McTernan about the one vote that won plans to exclude MPs from parliament arrested on suspicion of serious sexual offence. After Keir Starmer faced criticism for allowing her into the party, could some of her greatest critics now see the perks? Also is Labour about the water down the plans for workers' rights?

Tomorrow, voters go to the polls for the last set of local elections in this parliament, alongside 11 mayoral elections in England, 37 police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales plus the London Assembly elections. Could Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, help turn Rishi Sunak's fortunes around? You can read James Heale's assessment of the key battlegrounds here.  Also on the podcast, a look at rumours that Labour are in talks to water down their employment policies.  Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and John McTernan, former adviser to Tony Blair. 

There is an undeniable direct correlation between the US and other nations trying to divide the land of Israel as a Two-State Solution that leads to catastrophic natural and financial hurt to those nations like "The Perfect Storm" and much more.  Find out why from Pastor John McTernan.  A former Catholic childhood through the gates of atheism and into the embrace of faith, ignited by the undeniable fulfillment of biblical prophecy. "For thy violence, (Strongs H2555 pronounced HAMAS) against thy brother Jacob SHAME shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off forever...For the day of the LORD is near upon ALL THE NATIONS: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."  [Obadian 1-10,15]"I will gather all the nationsAnd bring them down to the Valley of [b]Jehoshaphat.Then I will enter into judgment with them thereOn behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel,Whom they have scattered among the nations;And they have divided up My land." [Joel 3:2,9-16]"And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it." [Zechariah 12:3]Because we love Muslims, I challenge you to watch The Good News in Arabic Video:We delve deep into the Book of Obadiah, unpacking the enigmatic verse 15 and its implications on the everlasting covenant with Abraham, as we scrutinize the past and prophesied events that affirm Israel's undeniable claim to the land.From the ashes of global conflict arose the modern state of Israel, fulfilling prophecies that have echoed through the centuries. Together, we look at the timeline from the Balfour Declaration to the massive Jewish migration back to their ancestral home, pondering the divinely orchestrated events that set the stage for the Day of the Lord. Grasping the reality of Israel as a living testament to prophecy, we underscore the urgency for discernment and readiness as we anticipate the Second Coming of Jesus Christ amidst the ever-shifting sands of Middle Eastern geopolitics.As we draw our conversation to a close, we discuss how current events might pave the way for the prophesied Obadiah War, examining the return of Sephardic Jews and the predicted territorial expansions post-conflict. I urge believers to hold firm to their faith, stand in solidarity with Israel, and courageously share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Reflecting on the steadfastness of God's word, we conclude with a heartfelt invitation for guidance and strength to uphold the eternal truth and bear witness to the world of the promises embodied within the scriptures.Amos37's Teaching on "The Borders of Wickedness"Find Us & Follow, Likes n Share helps our Reach.-Amos37 Website-Amos37 on Facebook-Amos37 on Instagram-Amos37 on Rumble-Amos37 on Gettr-Amos37 on Gab-Amos37 on Parler

Two MP's, Angela Rayner and Mark Menzies are embroiled in what the tabloids like to call a 'scandal'. Both deny any wrong doing. But what unites these stories - and what divides them? Adrian Goldberg talks to Byline Times political editor Adam Bienkov and John McTernan, Tony Blair's director of political operations at Downing Street between 2005 and 2007. Produced in Birmingham by Adrian Goldberg and Harvey White.   Funded by subscriptions to the Byline Times.   Made by We Bring Audio for Byline Times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two MP's, Angela Rayner and Mark Menzies are embroiled in what the tabloids like to call a 'scandal'. Both deny any wrong doing.But what unites these stories - and what divides them?Adrian Goldberg talks to Byline Times political editor Adam Bienkov and John McTernan, Tony Blair's director of political operations at Downing Street between 2005 and 2007. Produced in Birmingham by Adrian Goldberg and Harvey White. Funded by subscriptions to the Byline Times. Made by We Bring Audio for Byline Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April the first( Hands up who thinks Gowk's Day was a smart idea?)sees the introduction of the new Hate Crime and Public Order( Scotland) Act.We try and delve beneath the social media sound and fury to look at the reasoning behind the act and its  pros and cons.Back at Westminster Stephen Flynn skewered Labour during PMQs with their seeming embrace of Margaret Thatcher. What is the Thatcher legacy? What is the continuing allure of the Thatcher myth?Sticking with Labour as yet another of their previous pledges, this time on compensation for the WASPI women, has been dumped, according to Labour loyalist John McTernan  their ceasefire motion changed UK foreign policy and in so doing led to the passing of the UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. Lesley has quite a bit to say on tboth.This weekend the Scotonomics Festival took place in Dundee. Lesley chaired a couple of sessions but much has been made of Professor Mark Blyth's contribution in the unionist press. Was the reporting fair and accurate?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C33RWFYec3AMore showings of Lesley's Denmark movie. Full details belowhttps://lesleyriddoch.com/events ★ Support this podcast ★

New host Sascha O'Sullivan explores Westminster's obsession with all things Australia — and considers the lessons British politics might learn from down under.From the U.K. Tory party's succession of Aussie campaign chiefs to the varying attempts to deploy Australian-style immigration policies, Westminster has held an enduring fascination with its rougher political cousins down under. Sascha speaks to former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, who has long enjoyed links with the U.K. Tory party and who was the first premier to vow to "stop the boats."Rohan Watt, a Queensland native who worked in Liz Truss's No. 10 Downing Street, explains how Australian advisers have long been surfing the coattails of legendary campaign guru Lynton Crosby, and how their blunt style of communication has made them mainstays in British politics. Australian-British journalist Latika Bourke considers the brutal campaign tactics sometimes deployed down under, while foreign policy expert Sophia Gaston explains how the recently-signed AUKUS security pact will reinforce relations between the two countries.Comms guru John McTernan, who worked for both Tony Blair in Downing Street and Australian PM Julia Gillard in Canberra, explains why Australia can offer a helpful election playbook for British politicos to follow — but why Westminster should be wary of stealing their ideas wholesale. And Labour's Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson tells how she recently undertook a fact-finding trip to Australia to gather advice on childcare policy from the Aussie Labor Party — as well as tips on how to help U.K. Labour win an election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Independent Republic of Mike Graham returns to provide a daily dose of common sense as Mike is joined by SDP Leader William Clouston, John McTernan who was Tony Blair's political secretary, Stewart Jackson MP and many more! So tune in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has rolled back on his support for the Rochdale by-election candidate, Azhar Ali over further comments made about on Israel-Palestine. John McTernan and James Heale speak to Natasha Feroze about the lessons Labour can learn, and whether antisemitism could topple Starmer. Also on the podcast, Rishi Sunak has been taking advantage of Labour's U-turns, and Michael Gove has laid out his new house building plan. 

Nick Cohen gets The Lowdown from John McTernan, one-time political secretary to Tony Blair and seasoned political strategist and commentator.How does Labour not only win but replace the Tories finally as the natural party of government? 14 years of Tory misrule have brought the failed projects of Brexit and  austerity  and the Boris Johnson and Liz Truss shitshows. Now Rishi Sunak and his divided rabble fester low down in the polls, waging their culture wars, while the country falls apart around them.John argues that people are crying out for real change and Labour has an opportunity to win big and stay in power. Will Keir Starmer grasp the opportunity and give people the change they want and that the UK desperately needs?Support the showListen to The Lowdown from Nick Cohen for in-depth analysis of the issues and events that shape our lives and futures. From Ukraine to Brexit, from Trump to the Tories - we hope to keep you informed - and sane! @NickCohen4

Later today Keir Starmer is expected to officially kill off Labour's £28 billion green investment pledge. With the centrepiece of their public policy now scrapped, what will Labour's promise be at the next election?  James Heale speaks to Kate Andrews and John McTernan, former No. 10 political secretary.  Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson. 

Keir Starmer delivered his new year's speech, promising 'Project Hope' ahead of the general election. Critics claimed the speech was rhetoric heavy, low on policy. Having attacked the Prime Minister for dithering over the May general election, Rishi Sunak later announced it was his 'working assumption' to hold the general election in autumn 2024. Was this a communications win for No.10? And can Starmer still garner support by playing it safe? Natasha Feroze speaks to James Heale and former Labour advisor John McTernan. The Spectator is hiring! We are looking for a new producer to join our broadcast team working across our suite of podcasts – including this one – as well as our YouTube channel Spectator TV. Follow the link to read the full job listing: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/wanted-a-broadcast-producer-for-the-spectator-2/

Keir Starmer has had a difficult week, trying to keep his party on message over the war in Israel and Gaza. The official position is that Israel has a right to respond to Hamas's attacks on 7 October, but a number of Labour MPs are now calling for a ceasefire. Could Starmer have better handled the situation?  James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan.