Podcast appearances and mentions of Lucy Fisher

Andy Burnham's new cabinet is in place and he's dropped a raft of policy announcements on the cost of living this week, filling in some of the gaps about the kind of administration he will lead. On the show, host Lucy Fisher and her FT colleagues Anna Gross, Jim Pickard and Stephen Bush step back to examine Burnham's broader economic vision, beyond bus fares, energy bills and business rates. Plus, the panel assesses ‘Brand Burnham' and assess whether his unorthodox comms style and blokeish social media persona can survive his elevation to Number 10 – or a new, more serious tone will be required.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; Anna, @AnnaSophieGross and Jim: @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.socialWant more? Andy Burnham to cut business rates for pubs and clubsNorth Sea oil and gas industry looks for answers from new energy secretaryCan ‘Brand Burnham' survive the move to Number 10?Andy Burnham's high-risk start may help him get ahead of political painThames Water lenders to offer ‘golden share' to UK government Andy Burnham backs away from costly increase to income tax allowanceBetting account in George Cottrell's name received $9mn in crypto from unidentified sourcesYou can also sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Bianca Wakeman. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's all change at the top of Andy Burnham's new Labour government and there have been some surprise appointments. The biggest of them was the elevation of the former defence minister John Healey to chancellor of the exchequer, but we also saw Ed Miliband given the foreign office brief and Wes Streeting move to defence. Meanwhile, many of Starmer's former allies have been given the boot. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, the FT's chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and north of England correspondent Jen Williams to discuss the new cabinet and dissect some of the policy moves announced so far, as well as those that are likely to come.Follow: Lucy: @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Miranda:@greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Jen: @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social and Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.socialWant more? Andy Burnham latest: Move to remove VAT on electricity bills sparks funding row as Cabinet meetsAndy Burnham becomes UK prime minister promising ‘unity and positivity'Six things we learnt from Andy Burnham's choices for his top teamThe five fiscal challenges facing John HealeyContinuity and change in Andy Burnham's new cabinetBurnham's industrial revival will join up local needs and strengthsSign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today the United Kingdom gets its seventh prime minister in ten years as Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Manchester, enters number 10. The list of challenges for Burnham is long, from high energy costs and tax burden, to the task of placating President Donald Trump. Lucy Fisher is the Whitehall Editor for The Financial Times and she joins the show from London.   Also on today's show: former British National Security Adviser Peter Ricketts; Ukrainian journalist Nataliya Gumenyuk; former Tallahassee police officer Seth Stoughton    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Critics are questioning Andy Burnham's first major pledge as UK Prime Minister. Burnham has become Britain's seventh Prime Minister in a decade. His first announcement was committing an extra £340 million over three years to tackle homelessness. Financial Times Whitehall Editor Lucy Fisher told Ryan Bridge questions are already being raised over how he'll fund his wider agenda as he hints at possible tax changes. She says critics are asking if he couldn't solve homelessness as Manchester Mayor, how he'll tackle it across the entire UK. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 21st of July 2026, Inflation figures are out today, Independent Economist and Founder of Bagrie Economics, Cameron Bagrie tells Ryan what we can expect. Andy Burnham's been sworn in as the 7th UK Prime Minister in a decade, Financial Times Whitehall Editor, Lucy Fisher has the latest on who will be in his cabinet. The way Iwi talk to councils about their Treaty rights is changing under new RMA law changes, Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister for RMA reform, Simon Court shares his thoughts. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on a former defence force soldier pleading guilty to trafficking cocaine and avoids jail and a one in 15 million pregnancy sees identical quadruplets born in Queensland. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is speculation today that the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will become Chancellor when the incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces his Cabinet on Monday. Whoever takes on the role will face quite the in-tray: high debt, low growth, welfare reform, defence spending, and the economic fallout from the US-Israel war with Iran, to name a few issues. So, if it's Shabana Mahmood, how might she fare and what do we know about her? Anita Rani speaks to Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times and Host of the FT's Political Fix podcast.Australian surf and fashion photographer Cait Miers says that on shoots women often criticise and apologise for their looks before a single photo is taken. She is now photographing 1,000 women globally, bare-faced, for a project she has called Laugh Lines. Anita is joined by Cait to talk about her mission to challenge beauty standards and also by Alexis Zahner, author of Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies, and one of the first women to be photographed for the project.Dr Suzanne Huurman is the only woman to head a country's medical staff in the men's 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning there is just one woman and 47 men in the lead role for the teams taking part this year. Anita talks to Suzanne about being a trailblazer, how she - as head of medical staff for Curacao's national men's side - got to become only the third-ever female team doctor in the 96-year history of the tournament and what she thinks could be done to increase female representation in football.The Young British Artists, YBA movement of the 1990s is the inspiration for a new novel, Exhibition, by Alex Hyde. The protagonist, Rabble, an aspiring photographer, finds herself in the YBA scene after meeting an artist always referred to in the novel as “you”. Anita talks to Alex about how, through Rabble, her novel explores the inspiration and process of creating art - and the question of ownership, referencing real works.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Andy Burnham has been crowned Labour leader and will become PM on Monday. His first speech to the party faithful on Friday offered new clues about his plans for government, as speculation reaches fever pitch over his cabinet picks amid the FT's scoop that the current home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is set to become Britain's next chancellor. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues George Parker and Jim Pickard to parse his words and look ahead to his first days in power. They also assess Sir Keir Starmer's final week, including his valedictory Prime Minister's Questions, where tributes flowed in from across the aisle.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Want more? Jonathan Reynolds set to oversee beefed-up business departmentAndy Burnham wants Britain to build council houses. Is there a catch?The union power struggle that could reshape Labour's future fundingThe former Britpop stalwart at the heart of Burnham's machineAndy Burnham plans blitz of policy announcements on entering Number 10Shabana Mahmood set to be named UK chancellor by Andy BurnhamInside the year-long plan to make Burnham Labour leaderSign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham is set to be crowned Labour leader after securing backing from the majority of the party's MPs and trade unions. The former Greater Manchester Mayor expected to become Prime Minister next week. Speaking to Jonathan was Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times.

Andy Burnham is set to be crowned Labour leader after securing backing from the majority of the party's MPs and trade unions. The former Greater Manchester Mayor expected to become Prime Minister next week. Speaking to Jonathan was Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times.

Peter Cardwell, Talk TV Political Correspondent; Henry Hill, Political Editor at The Critic Magazine; Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor for the Financial Times; and Iain Dale, LBC presenter and friend of Anne Widdecombe

Is Nigel Farage regretting his move to trigger a by-election now that his main rival is the novelty candidate Count Binface? What do Reform's supporters think, and has he blown his chances of broadening support for the party? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, columnist Stephen Bush and political reporter Rachel Rees to discuss the Reform leader's gamble. Plus Andy Burnham wins overwhelming support to become the next Labour leader, while outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been talking up his legacy at the Nato summit in Turkey.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social, Rachel @rachel-rees.bsky.social and Anna, @AnnaSophieGrossWant more? Labour MPs queue up to back Andy Burnham as next leaderLabour MPs push for permanent ban on crypto political donationsPolice launch probe into donations to Robert Jenrick's Tory leadership campaign‘Nigel can fix it' — what Clacton voters think of Farage's gambitA timeline of Nigel Farage's £5mn gift and his return to politicsNigel Farage ridiculed in parliament as ‘farce' by-election gets go-aheadUS carries out second day of strikes against IranBritain's power problemYou can also sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Flo Phillips is the FT head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Harry has landed in the UK for his highly anticipated visit to the UK, his spokesperson confirmed on Monday evening. It comes after it was revealed the Duke of Sussex will not be staying at Buckingham Palace this week. We get the details of the visit with Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times.

Prince Harry has landed in the UK for his highly anticipated visit to the UK, his spokesperson confirmed on Monday evening. It comes after it was revealed the Duke of Sussex will not be staying at Buckingham Palace this week. We get the details of the visit with Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times.

Andy Burnham's big idea for government is to shift power out of Westminster. In his first major speech setting out his plans for government, he outlined his vision this week for a No 10 North and to devolve a range of powers to mayors and councils. But how would his blueprint for devolution work – and is it actually popular with voters? Burnham believes it would answer the public's call for greater control of public services, but sceptics worry about inefficiency, accountability and scrutiny. The likely incoming prime minister must also grapple with tough spending decisions, after Sir Keir Starmer finally set out his defence investment plan, leaving a £5bn black hole for Burnham to fill. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage has been noticeably quieter than usual. Is this a deliberate strategic pause as he works out a shift in political priorities, or simply the calm before another high-profile campaign? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, deputy political editor Jim Pickard and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Robert @robertshrimsley and Anna, @AnnaSophieGrossWant more? Five things we learnt from Andy Burnham's speech Burnham's Middle England challenge on devolution Britain's case for meaningful devolution is overwhelming Britain's defence investment predicament The strategic dilemmas behind Britain's defence spending mess Nigel Farage's pay from gold dealer doubles to £22,500 an hour Farage attempts to justify large donation from Christopher HarborneAndy Burnham and the politics of nostalgia Morgan McSweeney: ‘I felt guilty about what I'd done to Keir'You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten years ago, the UK voted in a referendum to leave the EU. Since that Brexit vote, the country has been through six prime ministers, the political landscape has splintered, relations with the EU have cooled, and the economy has spluttered. A decade on, host Lucy Fisher and panellists political editor George Parker, markets columnist Katie Martin, political columnist Stephen Bush and economics correspondent Delphine Strauss consider the impact of Brexit and whether a major shift in the UK's relationship with the bloc is on the horizon. This is a recording of an FT Live subscribers' webinar, recorded on Thursday June 25Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social Katie Martin and Delphine StraussWant more? Lessons from Brexit for the world economyRejoining EU is ‘mirage' but UK must get closer to bloc, says ministerIn charts: How Brexit still divides British votersBritain's hunt for a post-Brexit economic modelAndy Burnham plans devolution blitz ahead of key City of London speech‘Big spending vibes, small spending commitments': Andy Burnham's tricky fiscal danceHow Brexit ghosts will stop the UK from quickly rejoining the EU You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The global head of audio is Flo Phillips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can any other Labour MP amass sufficient support to challenge Andy Burnham for the top job, or is his ascent to No 10 now all but assured? Just 24 hours after Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister, host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley and Chris Smyth to discuss the merits of a leadership contest over a coronation, who will win big roles in a Burnham cabinet and his early policy priorities. Plus the group considers the political ripples that a Burnham government will have on the other parties.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Chris: @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.social; Miranda:@greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social and Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.socialWant more? Labour MPs consider backing challenger to Andy BurnhamWaiting for Andy: what will a Burnham premiership mean?The 10 headaches Starmer is handing to BurnhamThe revolving door of Downing StreetWhy does Britain keep changing prime ministers?Labour's Burnham sceptics don't have the numbers to stop himJoin the Political Fix panel on Thursday June 25 for an FT Live event, ‘Ten years after Brexit: Can the UK deliver change?' Register to take part at ft.com/anniversary and send us your questions. You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The global head of audio is Flo Phillips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Andy Burnham sworn in as an MP and on track to become the UK's seventh prime minister in 10 years after Sir Keir Starmer's resignation today, host Lucy Fisher is joined by political editor George Parker and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to assess Starmer's time in office and discuss how Burnham will have to hit the ground running to avoid the fate of his predecessors. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jim @PickardJE or jim.pickard@ft.com; and George @GeorgeWParker or george.parker@ft.comWant more? How Keir Starmer was undone by caution and no clear plan Keir Starmer's premiership in chartsKeir Starmer steps down as UK prime ministerWaiting for Andy: what will a Burnham premiership mean?Why does Britain keep changing prime ministers?What Andy Burnham's Westminster past reveals about himJoin the Political Fix panel on Thursday June 25 for an FT Live event, ‘Ten years after Brexit: Can the UK deliver change?' Register to take part at ft.com/anniversary and send us your questions.Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The global head of audio is Flo Phillips.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 23rd of June 2026, Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister, Whitehall editor at the Financial Times, Lucy Fisher has the latest out of the UK. Dave Rennie's unveiled his first All Blacks squad as coach, Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman shares his thoughts. A2 Milk has won approval to sell infant formula into China from its Pōkeno plant, Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander tells Ryan how important this is. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on poultry farms going into lockdown in Western Australia following a deadly Avian Flu strain and Australia's biggest ever cocaine drug bust. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stock traders across the UK are hoping the next Prime Minister will lead to some much-needed stability. Sir Keir Starmer has set out his plan to resign as UK Prime Minister and says a successor will be in place by Parliament's return in September at the latest. It means Downing Street will welcome its seventh leader in a decade. Financial Times Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher told Ryan Bridge markets had already priced in a likely leadership change. She says the signals pointing towards a fairly seamless transition of power, rather than a bloody contest, are being welcomed by the markets. Former Cabinet minister Andy Burnham has now returned to Parliament as MP for Makerfield and is considered a shoo-in to become the next Prime Minister.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucy Fisher, Financial Times.

Andy Burnham has stormed the Makerfield by-election, clearing the pathway for him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the top job in Downing Street. Starmer has vowed to defend his position, but will Burnham's team be able to cajole him into resignation? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by Financial Times commentators, Inside Politics columnist Stephen Bush, political editor George Parker and Northern England correspondent Jennifer Williams to discuss what could play out in Westminster over the coming weeks, who a Burnham premiership would have as chancellor, and what Reform's defeat in Makerfield means for Farage. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jen @JenWilliams_FT or @jenwilliamsft.bskyb.social; Stephen @stephenkb & @stephenkb.bsky.social and George @GeorgeWParker & @georgewparker.bsky.socialWant more? Andy Burnham storms to by-election victory in challenge to Keir StarmerWhat Andy Burnham now needs to do to become prime ministerAndy Burnham's landslide win should worry Nigel Farage‘Abysmal': Nigel Farage's Reform UK suffers another by-election blowWho is Andy Burnham, Labour's charismatic chameleon?Can anyone stop Andy Burnham from becoming Labour leader?Join the Political Fix panel on Thursday June 25 for an FT Live event, ‘Ten years after Brexit: Can the UK deliver change?' Register to take part at ft.com/anniversary and send us your questions. Sign up here to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter, Inside Politics, for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The FT's global head of audio is Flo Phillips.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a week to go until Makerfield heads to the polls in what may turn out to be the most consequential by-election in British history, host Lucy Fisher, northern England correspondent Jen Williams and deputy political editor Jim Pickard are on the ground hearing from voters in the seat. Polls and bookmakers confidently predict an Andy Burnham victory but they discuss whether that narrative is too neat and what issues are really shaping voters' choices. The result could determine not just who represents Makerfield, but also the future of the country if Burnham wins and successfully challenges Sir Keir Starmer for the premiership. Plus, they weigh up the shock resignation of defence secretary John Healey who has blasted Starmer's government for being “unwilling” to commit sufficient resources to protecting the country.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jen @JenWilliams_FT or @jenwilliamsft.bskyb.social; Jim on @PickardJE or @pickardje.bskyb.socialWant more? John Healey: the ex-trade unionist who privately battled the TreasuryAndy Burnham rules out cash for Waspi women after Labour backlash‘Pure racism': East Belfast reels from riots led by masked young menKeir Starmer weakened by John Healey's scathing resignation The joke that deepened Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham's toxic riftSign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The FT's global head of audio is Flo Phillips.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a week to go until Makerfield heads to the polls in what may turn out to be the most consequential by-election in British history, host Lucy Fisher, northern England correspondent Jen Williams and deputy political editor Jim Pickard are on the ground hearing from voters in the seat. Polls and bookmakers confidently predict an Andy Burnham victory but they discuss whether that narrative is too neat and what issues are really shaping voters' choices. The result could determine not just who represents Makerfield, but also the future of the country if Burnham wins and successfully challenges Sir Keir Starmer for the premiership. Plus, they weigh up the shock resignation of defence secretary John Healey who has blasted Starmer's government for being “unwilling” to commit sufficient resources to protecting the country.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jen @JenWilliams_FT or @jenwilliamsft.bskyb.social; Jim on @PickardJE or @pickardje.bskyb.socialWant more? John Healey: the ex-trade unionist who privately battled the TreasuryAndy Burnham rules out cash for Waspi women after Labour backlash‘Pure racism': East Belfast reels from riots led by masked young menKeir Starmer weakened by John Healey's scathing resignation The joke that deepened Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham's toxic riftSign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The FT's global head of audio is Flo Phillips.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What began as a local tragedy in Southampton has quickly become a national flashpoint. Questions about policing and trust in UK institutions are dominating the debate, as party leaders compete to shape the public response, but are politicians missing the point that this is about police treatment of suspects? With the Makerfield by-election looming, the case risks sharpening divides. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's Stephen Bush, Miranda Green and Chris Smyth to discuss the political fallout, plus the latest in Andy Burnham's campaign. The panel also consider what Sir Keir Starmer is looking to cross off his bucket list as his allies suggest it increasingly appears a fait accompli that he will be forced out of Downing Street. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen @stephenkb & @stephenkb.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmiranda & @greenmirandahere.bsky.social and Chris @Smyth_Chris Join us on Thursday the 25th of June for a special video episode of the Political Fix podcast on Ten Years after Brexit: can the UK deliver change? Register at ft.com/anniversary and send us your questionsWant more? What if Andy Burnham loses? What Henry Nowak's murder does — and does not — tell us about policing Policing minister says ‘wrong calls' made amid anger over Henry Nowak murder Starmer pushes ‘bucket list' policies as fatalistic mood descends on Number 10 Disparities between ethnic groups are not always cause for alarm Nigel Farage gambles on playing to the far rightElectoral reform in the UK? Don't bet on it You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor with the Financial Times, discusses the latest documents on Peter Mandelson.

Tony Blair's lengthy – and excoriating – 5,600-word essay on the future of the Labour Party and Britain has set Westminster alight this week. The former prime minister's critique has sparked a lively debate, and triggered robust responses from Labour leadership hopefuls Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting. But is Blair right in some of his criticism? Host Lucy Fisher unpacks the article with FT colleagues Robert Shrimsley, Anna Gross and Stephen Bush. They also examine Rupert Lowe, the personality behind the far-right party Restore Britain, and whether it can harm Reform UK by splitting the rightwing vote.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.comWant more? Tony Blair criticises Labour's Andy Burnham for leftwing ‘delusion'Tony Blair ‘does not understand' role of inequality in politics, Andy Burnham saysLabour's retreat from intellectual debate traps it in comfort zoneTurning Neets into engineersBritain's expanding ‘lost generation'UK risks ‘lost generation' without more jobs for young people Nigel Farage loses viral touch to Musk-backed Rupert LoweSenior Reform UK figures clash over immigration plans You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham running for the Makerfield by-election has become far more than a contest for a safe Labour seat. It is being seen as a proxy battle over Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, Labour's direction after its bruising local election results, and even whether Reform UK can break permanently into Labour's northern heartlands. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by George Parker, political editor, Robert Shrimsley, UK chief political commentator, and Jen Williams, northern England correspondent to discuss the latest developments. The team also examines the economic offerings and political positioning of the prospective Labour leadership contenders Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; George Parker @GeorgeWParker ; Robert Shrimsley @robertshrimsley ; Jennifer Williams @JenWilliams Want more? How will Andy Burnham pay for his plans for the UK?What version of Manchesterism is Andy Burnham offering?Wes Streeting floats ‘wealth tax' in bid to woo Labour leftWes Streeting: the confident performer with a mixed record of reformGreens consider helping Labour's Andy Burnham in Makerfield by-electionReeves cuts food tariffs and children's bus fares in cost of living plan You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Nisha Patel and Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Bianca Wakeman. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a dramatic week at Westminster, Wes Streeting has quit as health secretary and ex-deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has said her wrangling with HMRC is finally over – but neither has launched a leadership challenge. Instead, all eyes are now on Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham as he attempts to chart a path back to the Commons, leaving Sir Keir Starmer's premiership under severe pressure. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to discuss the latest developments. The team also examines Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's shifting story about his £5mn personal gift from a Thailand-based crypto investor in 2024, and looks ahead to consider what a Reform government would do. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Anna @annasophiagross; Miranda @greenmiranda & @greenmirandahere.bsky.social and Jim @pickardJE Want more? Burnham's return to Westminster will not be so easy Labour set to approve Andy Burnham's by-election runStarmer crisis as it happened: premier appoints new health secretary Angela Rayner says she has been cleared over tax affairsWes Streeting: the confident performer with a mixed record of reform To beat the populist right, Labour must be an insurgent government Zack Polanski admits ‘mistake' over houseboat council taxFT Series: Reform UK up close Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Bianca Wakeman. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A sitting Labour MP has resigned from his seat, paving the way for Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to potentially return to Westminster and mount a challenge to prime minister Keir Starmer's Labour leadership Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times joined Anton

The UK Labour Party has descended into open division over Keir Starmer's future, as four ministers resigned and joined at least 80 MPs urging him to quit. Anton gets the latest with Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times.

A gas shipment made it through the Strait of Hormuz as European oil majors cash in billions from the US-Israeli war on Iran, airlines across Europe are cutting prices for summer flights despite a potential jet fuel shortage, and bond giant Pimco says the war could prompt the Federal Reserve to raise rates. Plus, the FT's Lucy Fisher explains what to expect from a make-or-break speech by UK prime minister Keir Starmer today. Mentioned in this podcast:Qatari gas shipment clears Strait of Hormuz after Pakistan-Iran talksEuro oil majors make billions off war Coal shipments jump as countries seek alternatives to disrupted gas suppliesAirlines cut prices to entice holiday bookers worried about jet fuelIran war could prompt Federal Reserve to raise rates, Pimco saysStarmer faces fight for survival as calls to resign escalateBritain's elections in maps and chartsPolitical Fix podcast Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today's FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Katya Kumkova, Marc Filippino and Saffeya Ahmed. Our show was mixed by Alex Higgins. Additional help from Peter Barber. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's Global Head of Audio. The show's theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You sent in your burning questions, now our panel answers them. Will Sir Keir Starmer's ‘relaunch' work? Has Britain become ungovernable? Will the UK's voting system be reformed, is the student loans system punishing youthful ambition, and what about defence? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's George Parker, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley to discuss a range of topics spanning politics and policy.Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X: @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, George: @GeorgeWParker & @georgewparker.bsky.social and Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.socialWant more? Starmer vows he will not ‘walk away' as leadership rivals circle There was nothing here to save StarmerKeir Starmer to promise ‘urgent' change as he fights for his political future‘You've got to achieve things quickly': lessons from a decade of leading LondonThe new politics may be more like the old politics than we assume Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek analysis. Get 30 days free.Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers were Andrew Giorgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor at The Financial Times, analyses the precarious status of British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, following last week's local elections in the UK.

British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer vows to prove “doubters” wrong in his speech today, as 40 Labour MPs call on him to resign.The Prime Minister said he took responsibility for the results, which saw Labour lose almost 1,500 English councilors, go backwards in Scotland and drop to third in Wales…His comments come just days before King Charles III will deliver the King's Speech, in which he will set out the government's planned new laws for the next Parliamentary session.For more on this Shane is joined by Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times and Host of the ‘Political Fix' podcast, Lucy Fisher and Matthew Torbitt, former Labour advisor, Political Commentator and anti-homelessness campaigner.

It's been a dreadful night for Labour as council seats across the country have turned from red to turquoise. The Conservatives have not fared much better with Reform UK the big winner so far. With results still coming in, host Lucy Fisher discusses the fracturing of the vote and the future for beleaguered Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with the FT's deputy political editor Jim Pickard, Northern England correspondent Jen Williams and political columnist Stephen Bush.Have a question for the panel? We're planning a question and answer episode on Monday May 11. Email your questions to politicalfix@ft.comFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jim @PickardJE; Stephen @stephenkb & @stephenkb.bsky.social and Jen @JenWilliamsMEN and @jenwilliamsft.bsky.socialWant more? UK elections: Labour suffers heavy losses as Reform surgesFour things we learnt in the UK electionsScale of defeat should shake ‘big two' parties into serious actionKeir Starmer defies calls to quit after heavy Labour council lossesUK local and devolved elections: Hour-by-hour guide to key resultsIn Labour's bleak moment, Andy Burnham relishes his ownSign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free.Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers were Andrew Giorgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a dreadful night for Labour as council seats across the country have turned from red to turquoise. The Conservatives have not fared much better with Reform UK the big winner so far. With results still coming in, host Lucy Fisher discusses the fracturing of the vote and the future for beleaguered Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with the FT's deputy political editor Jim Pickard, Northern England correspondent Jen Williams and political columnist Stephen Bush.Have a question for the panel? We're planning a question and answer episode on Monday May 11. Email your questions to politicalfix@ft.comFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jim @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb & @stephenkb.bsky.social and Jen: @JenWilliamsMEN and @jenwilliamsft.bsky.socialWant more? UK elections: Labour suffers heavy losses as Reform surgesFour things we learnt in the UK electionsScale of defeat should shake ‘big two' parties into serious actionKeir Starmer defies calls to quit after heavy Labour council lossesUK local and devolved elections: Hour-by-hour guide to key resultsIn Labour's bleak moment, Andy Burnham relishes his ownSign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free.Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers were Andrew Giorgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of Audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor at the Financial Times, analyses the results that have come in so far in the UK local elections.

As results pour in from the UK local elections, it appears that Reform is being embraced while Labour is left out in the cold.With the loss of its stronghold in Wales, and a performance worse than initially expected, Britain is set to be transformed by the time the sun sets tonight.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times and host of the ‘Political Fix' podcast.

With just one week to go before voters across the UK deliver their verdict on Sir Keir Starmer's government – our panel discusses another agonising week for the PM, Labour's forecast devastation at the polls, and how No 10 can regroup in the aftermath. Other talking points include the momentum behind Reform UK and the Green party — and the hurdles that threaten to trip them up.Host Lucy Fisher is joined by deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and political columnist Stephen Bush. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen @stephenkb & @stephenkb.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmiranda & @greenmirandahere.bsky.social and Robert @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.socialWant more? What to expect in the May local electionsWhat Labour's likely meltdown means for the UKThe problematic inevitability of Andy BurnhamReform UK and Greens hit controversy on election trail Golders Green stabbing suspect was previously referred to Prevent Plus, send in your questions for a special Political Fix Q&A episode right after the local elections, on Monday May 11. Email: politicalfix@ft.comYou can also sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Mixing and original music by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor with the Financial Times, looks ahead to a House of Commons vote that could see the British Prime Minister face an inquiry over Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US.

It's not just the Trump administration attacking the UK's defence capabilities. Now a Labour grandee and former head of Nato, Lord George Robertson, has accused Sir Keir Starmer of ‘corrosive complacency' over delays to defence spending. With the 10-year plan for defence stuck in deadlock, host Lucy Fisher discusses the choices faced by the PM with chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, deputy political editor Jim Pickard and political columnist and writer of the Inside Politics newsletter, Stephen Bush. Plus, they look ahead to country-wide elections in less than three weeks and hear about the developing story around the vetting of Lord Mandelson.NOTE: This episode was recorded on Thursday April 16.Follow Lucy: @LOS_Fisher and @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen: @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; Jim: @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social and Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.socialWant more? Starmer accused of ‘corrosive complacency' on UK defence by former Nato chiefUK defence ministry left to foot £200mn bill for Ukraine missionRebuke by former Nato chief points to wider government inactionKeir Starmer plans May relaunch with King's Speech The great independence charadeForeign Office top civil servant forced out over Mandelson vetting fiascoNo scenario in latest Mandelson drama makes Keir Starmer look goodSign up here for Stephen's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Plus, send in your questions for a special Political Fix Q&A episode on May 11th. Email: politicalfix@ft.comPolitical Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producers are Manuela Saragosa and Edwin Lane. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Robertson (pictured), a former defence secretary and former NATO secretary-general, has accused the government of 'corrosive complacency' towards defence, which puts the UK 'in peril'. This is all the more stinging because the Labour peer was one of the authors of the government's Strategic Defence Review – and that makes two of the three who have since criticised it. How much trouble does this spell for Starmer? And is this just the latest battle in the ongoing war between His Majesty's Treasury and the Ministry of Defence? Megan McElroy speaks to James Heale and Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor of the financial times and who broke the story.Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Megan McElroy.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer had promised 2026 would be the year the UK economy and household finances would finally “turn the corner”. But the Iran war has nixed those hopes. Now the pressure from unions to increase public sector pay is mounting, and resident doctors are continuing their rolling strikes. Student finance remains another open sore despite the announcement of a cap on loan interest rates. To discuss the pressures on the public purse, host Lucy Fisher is joined by political editor George Parker, columnist Stephen Bush and public policy editor Chris Smyth. Plus, with local elections just weeks away, the panel also discusses the prime minister's trip to the Middle East. Follow: Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social and Chris @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.socialWant more?Starmer leans into his Iran response to resonate with votersUnions prepare for UK public sector pay push as inflation bites UK health officials discuss banning doctors from going on strikeWhat happens when the Green Party governs?Capping student loan interest rates is a step in the right directionNHS data chief pushes for deeper rollout of Palantir technology despite outcryCan the Iran war save Keir Starmer's premiership?UK exposes covert Russian submarine operationThe political power struggle behind the Bayeux TapestryHave a question for the panel? We're planning a question-and-answer episode. Email your questions to politicalfix@ft.comSign up here for Stephen's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Original music by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has heaped insults on Sir Keir Starmer in recent weeks over his stance on the Iran war. The US president labelled the UK prime minister “no Winston Churchill”, said Britain's aircraft carriers were mere “toys” and told Britain to “go get your own oil” from the Gulf. So perhaps it's unsurprising that the PM appears to be pivoting heavily towards the EU. Host Lucy Fisher unpicks the shift with colleagues Jim Pickard, Anna Gross and Robert Shrimsley. They also discuss how the Middle East conflict will play out in the upcoming local elections.Have a question for the panel? We're planning a question and answer episode. Email your questions to politicalfix@ft.comFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Jim @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social and Anna @AnnaSophieGross & @annasophiegross.bsky.socialWant more? Keir Starmer signals major UK pivot towards EU after Donald Trump's tauntsLessons from history on how to survive a fuel crisisCracks appear in US-UK security co-operation after Trump-Starmer tensionsStarmer strikes upbeat note amid dismal polling ahead of May 7 local electionsPolitical drama reaches heart of UK's nuclear deterrentHammering Farage-Trump links could suppress Reform's poll leadSign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free.Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music by Breen Turner, mix by Sean McGarrity. The broadcast engineers were Andrew Giorgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer's authority is slipping and Westminster is alive with speculation about potential successors. But chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley joins host Lucy Fisher, alongside deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and public policy editor Chris Smyth, to argue why he believes Labour may be better off sticking with Starmer. The panel also discuss the government's plans to ban political donations in cryptocurrency and cap overseas donations at £100,000 a year. What does it mean for Reform UK, which has been a major beneficiary of overseas donors and crypto donations? Have a question for the panel? We're planning a question and answer episode. Email your questions to politicalfix@ft.comFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social;Miranda @greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; & Chris @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.socialWant more? The case for keeping Keir Starmer a little longerStarmer set to make Sadiq Khan a Lord Overseas donations to UK parties to be capped at £100,000 Companies face having to declare individuals behind UK political donations Net zero is not a zero-sum game Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free.Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineer was Bianca Wakeman and Petros Gioumpasis. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's global head of Audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Rayner heaped scorn on Sir Keir Starmer's administration this week, fuelling fresh scrutiny of her ambitions. Does she want to return to cabinet or seize the reins? The former deputy prime minister issued a stark warning that the government is running out of time to change direction under Starmer, while also attempting to court the City. At the same time, the Greens continue to beat Labour in the polls with an unabashedly socialist platform.Does all this signal the government will shift left?Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's political editor George Parker, political correspondent Anna Gross, and Inside Politics columnist Stephen Bush to unpack what it all means. Plus FT US national editor Ed Luce shares insights on how he caught up with Donald Trump on his mobile this week.Follow: Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com George: @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen: @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social and Anna: @AnnaSophieGross and @annasophiegross.bsky.socialWant more? Is the Green Party too radical for Britain?Labour's leftward shift and the bond vigilante threatBritish right must not allow prejudice to be masked as principleStarmer calls on Badenoch to sack shadow minister over Muslim prayer comments Donald Trump warns Nato faces ‘very bad future' if allies fail to help US in Iran Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free.Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comClip: BBCRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been a week of red faces for party leaders. On Thursday, Keir Starmer apologised and took personal responsibility for the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US – after a first round of document disclosures suggested the prime minister was largely absent from the decision-making process. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch were both busy executing awkward U-turns on their earlier vocal support for a US war on Iran that is proving distinctly unpopular with UK voters. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's deputy political editor Jim Pickard, columnist and writer of the ‘Inside Politics' newsletter Stephen Bush, and political editor George Parker to debate the twists and turns of the week in Westminster.Clip from: The MirrorFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, and Bluesky: @lucyfisher.ft.com; Jim: @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social; Stephen: @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; and George: @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.socialWant more? Mandelson papers: what do they show?Pressure grows on Starmer over Mandelson due diligenceEmbarrassing Iran U-turn for the right, but Keir Starmer's problems are worseThe irrepressible Nigel FarageSign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics' for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek analysis. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOfferPolitical FIx is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Laurence Knight. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A week into the Iran war and Sir Keir Starmer is scrambling to defend the UK's position on the conflict. Criticised by Donald Trump over blocking the US from using British military bases to launch initial strikes on Iran, and under pressure from allies such as Cyprus to do more to protect the region, the PM is also facing demands to participate in strikes from the British right. But polling suggests the UK public is broadly in line with his policy on the conflict. This week host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green and our economics editor, Sam Fleming, to discuss London's response to the war. Plus, the panel examines chancellor Rachel Reeves' spring forecast and the home secretary Shabana Mahmood's new immigration policy.Want more? Keir Starmer calls for de-escalation and defends his leadership over Iran attacksIn defence of hand-wringers and pearl-clutchersTrump threatens to cut trade with ‘terrible' Spain and calls Starmer ‘no Churchill'Rachel Reeves faces hazardous fiscal picture even without Iran warUK to further curtail rights of asylum seekersWealthy Dubai residents race back to UAE to avoid tax billsClips from: BBCWith Kevin Warsh nominated as the next Federal Reserve chair, join FT journalists on Thursday March 19 at 1pm (GMT) for an exclusive subscriber webinar exploring the future direction of the greenback, monetary policy and the global financial system. Register now for The Dollar under Trump at ft.com/trump-dollar and send us your questions.Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter' award. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher and Bluesky; @lucyfisher.ft.com ;Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Sam @Sam1Fleming and Miranda: @greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.socialPresented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson and Laurence Knight. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Keir Starmer has defended his response to the Iran war and announced he will send four additional fighter jets to Qatar.Adam is joined by Jane Corbin, Panorama film maker; Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor for the Financial Times, and Mikey Kay, military analyst for the Security Brief, to discuss Starmer's press conference, and to take a deeper look at the weaponry being used by both sides in this conflict.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Harry Craig and Kris Jalowiecki. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The Gorton and Denton by-election was supposedly a three-horse race, but on polling day the Green Party stormed to victory by a vast margin. It was a devastating defeat for Labour, which was pushed into third place behind Reform UK. Sir Keir Starmer now faces intense pressure, while his party must battle a threat from the left as well as the right. Does this historic result – the first ever by-election triumph for the Greens – signal the end of the two-party system? And where does it leave Reform?Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT political correspondent Anna Gross, northern England correspondent Jennifer Williams, and political editor George Parker.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher and @lucyfisher.ft.com; George @georgewparker; Jennifer @JenWilliams_FT; Anna @AnnaSophieGross Sign up here for Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insights into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher. This episode was produced by Fiona Symon and Mischa Frankl-Duval. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comClip from BBC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.