Podcasts about Runcorn

In the last of our interviews about the recent Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman under the Equality Act, Nuala McGovern speaks to Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. As the body responsible for enforcing the Act, the EHRC gave evidence in the Supreme Court case. In the first BBC interview since launching a consultation on updating their Code of Practice in light of the judgment, Baroness Falkner explains who they want to hear from and why.Five years after the murder of George Floyd, a black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, a new BBC documentary is reflecting on the wave of Black Lives Matter protests that followed, including in the UK. Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd tells the story through the eyes of some of those who found themselves on the frontline during the spring and summer of 2020, including Khady Gueye, who made headlines after a local protest she planned in the Forest of Dean was initially cancelled. She joins Nuala, along with author, producer and speaker Nova Reid, to reflect on the impact the events of that time have had on their lives, and what has changed since then. Nuala is also joined by Sarah Pochin, the first female MP for the Reform UK Party. The Runcorn and Helsby by-election was won by just six votes - the closest result in modern history. A former Conservative Councillor and mayor for Cheshire East, Sarah was a magistrate for 20 years. During her maiden speech she focussed on immigration, the cost of living and sexual violence against women.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd

As Labour panic and freak out over Runcorn and the Locals, is Starmer drawing the wrong conclusions from the votes? Is “Reform are right, don't vote for them” the best they can do? Or should they pick more fights with the Right? Plus, what if this newfangled populism isn't so new after all? We talk to Quinn Slobodian, author of Hayek's Bastards: The Neoliberal Roots of the Populist Right, about why the shape-shifting Right are so hard to lay a glove on. And in the Extra Bit: Does VE Day hit differently now Europe is full of fascists, enthusiastically supported by the US President? ESCAPE ROUTES • Ros recommends Les Années (The Years) by Annie Earnaux.  • Matt recommends With Nails by Richard E. Grant. • Dorian recommends Thunderbolts, in cinemas now. • Back us on Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus materials and more.  Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor and Matt Green. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elections were held across England on 1 May, with votes cast for four regional mayors, in 24 of England's 317 councils and to decide the new MP for Runcorn and Helsby. So who are England's newly-elected mayors and what might they do with the power they wield? What impact will the elections have on the Labour government's devolution agenda? And what happens next with its plans to reorganise local government across England?    To explore these questions and more, the IfG was delighted to bring together an expert panel featuring:   Matthew Fright, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government Stuart Hoddinott, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government Sarah Routley, Research Assistant at the Institute for Government   The webinar was chaired by Akash Paun, Devolution Programme Director at the Institute for Government.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Regjeringspartiet Labour gikk på en stor valgsmell i lokalvalgene i Storbritannia 1. mai. I enkelte kretser i England og Wales gjorde ytre høyre partiet til Nigel Farage Reform det svært godt og overtok mange krester fra både De konservative og Labour. Tilbakegangen til Labour og fremgangen til Reform var godt dokumentert i meningsmålinger før valget. Men Reform gjorde det enda bedre enn målingene viste. Selve symbolet på Reforms store oppslutning var seieren i det eneste suppleringsvalget til Underhuset som foregikk i Runcorn og Helsby.Hva betyr den store oppslutningen rundt Reform for britisk politikk på både kort og lang sikt? Kan de true Labour og De konservative ved neste parlamentsvalg? Hør samtalen mellom Øivind Bratberg og Erik Mustad.

Scuzz Nation: Britain's slow and grubby decline If you want to understand why voters flocked to Reform last week, Gus Carter says, look no further than Goat Man. In one ward in Runcorn, ‘residents found that no one would listen when a neighbour filled his derelict house with goats and burned the animals' manure in his garden'. This embodies Scuzz Nation – a ‘grubbier and more unpleasant' Britain, ‘where decay happens faster than repair, where crime largely goes unpunished, and where the social fabric has been slashed, graffitied and left by the side of the road'. On the podcast, Gus speaks to Dr Lawrence Newport, founder of Crush Crime, to diagnose the issues facing Britain – and offer some solutions to stop the rot. (01:28) Next: is it demeaning to study Dickens? In the magazine this week, Philip Hensher reviews ‘Literature and Learning: A History of English Studies in Britain' by Stefan Collini. Philip's main gripe is that the history stops short of charting the threats posed to the study of English literature in the past fifty years. Accessible, ‘relevant' short stories are increasingly replacing the classics, as the monuments of Victorian literature defeat today's undergraduates. So can English literature still teach us how to read deeply in an age of diminishing attention spans? Philip joins the podcast alongside Orlando Reade, author and assistant professor at Northeastern University London, where he teaches English and creative writing. (17:47) And finally: are you a bad house guest? In the magazine, Christa D'Souza bemoans terrible house guests. Set against the idyllic backdrop of her home in the Greek Cyclades, she gives an account of the trials and absurdities of hosting – from towel-hoarding Americans to the toddler-like breakfast habits of many grown adults. She joins the podcast alongside our very own agony aunt, Mary Killen, to discuss further – and hopefully offer some advice on how better to deal with rude house guests. (29:04) Hosted by Lara Prendergast and Gus Carter. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Scuzz Nation: Britain's slow and grubby decline If you want to understand why voters flocked to Reform last week, Gus Carter says, look no further than Goat Man. In one ward in Runcorn, ‘residents found that no one would listen when a neighbour filled his derelict house with goats and burned the animals' manure in his garden'. This embodies Scuzz Nation – a ‘grubbier and more unpleasant' Britain, ‘where decay happens faster than repair, where crime largely goes unpunished, and where the social fabric has been slashed, graffitied and left by the side of the road'. On the podcast, Gus speaks to Dr Lawrence Newport, founder of Crush Crime, to diagnose the issues facing Britain – and offer some solutions to stop the rot. (01:28) Next: is it demeaning to study Dickens? In the magazine this week, Philip Hensher reviews ‘Literature and Learning: A History of English Studies in Britain' by Stefan Collini. Philip's main gripe is that the history stops short of charting the threats posed to the study of English literature in the past fifty years. Accessible, ‘relevant' short stories are increasingly replacing the classics, as the monuments of Victorian literature defeat today's undergraduates. So can English literature still teach us how to read deeply in an age of diminishing attention spans? Philip joins the podcast alongside Orlando Reade, author and assistant professor at Northeastern University London, where he teaches English and creative writing. (17:47) And finally: are you a bad house guest? In the magazine, Christa D'Souza bemoans terrible house guests. Set against the idyllic backdrop of her home in the Greek Cyclades, she gives an account of the trials and absurdities of hosting – from towel-hoarding Americans to the toddler-like breakfast habits of many grown adults. She joins the podcast alongside our very own agony aunt, Mary Killen, to discuss further – and hopefully offer some advice on how better to deal with rude house guests. (29:04) Hosted by Lara Prendergast and Gus Carter. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

The votes were counted, and then re-counted in last week's by-election, netting Reform their fifth MP. Similar shockwaves were felt through the local elections and your co-pilots are here to dissect the results with Deputy Leader of Reform, Richard Tice.Allison's recent prediction of a Reform win in Runcorn & Helsby was fulfilled - and next she turns her crystal ball towards next year's May Senedd elections in Wales… Meanwhile Liam is looking forward to Reform being able to put more meat on their policy bones and tell voters where they stand economically. Plus how will the turquoise tide fare against the civil servants?Read Liam: ‘Low oil prices could keep a lid on Britain's inflation' https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/05/04/opec-oil-cartel-could-give-uk-rate-setters-a-helping-hand/ |Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |Read Allison: ‘A new dawn has broken – and Nigel Farage might just be our next prime minister' https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/02/nigel-farage-next-prime-minister/ | Read Allison: ‘Britain is not worthy of the sacrifice our soldiers made 80 years ago' https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/06/sacrifice-soldiers-ve-day-allison-pearson/ |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.

Elections were held across England on 1 May, with votes cast for four regional mayors, in 24 of England's 317 councils and to decide the new MP for Runcorn and Helsby. So who are England's newly-elected mayors and what might they do with the power they wield? What impact will the elections have on the Labour government's devolution agenda? And what happens next with its plans to reorganise local government across England? To explore these questions and more, the IfG was delighted to bring together an expert panel featuring: Matthew Fright, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government Stuart Hoddinott, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government Sarah Routley, Research Assistant at the Institute for Government The webinar was chaired by Akash Paun, Devolution Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

Last week's local elections marked a turning point for Reform UK. Nigel Farage's party gained control of councils for the first time, picking up hundreds of seats, many in once-safe Conservative areas. And in a shock Westminster by-election, they even beat Labour to claim their fifth MP in Runcorn and Helsby.The current national share estimate puts Reform on 32% - with Labour down to 19% and the Conservatives on 18%. And as the two main parties continue to tank in the polls, we're already hearing rumours of a watering down of the winter fuel cut to save Labour votes - and the potential ousting of Kemi Badenoch as Tory Leader after disastrous results at the polls. Kamal and Camilla are joined by our Data Editor Ben Butcher to find out what the data is saying about Reform and if Nigel Farage is a serious contender for the next Prime Minister.Producer: Georgia CoanPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineyExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsSocial Media Producer: James Simmons Video Editor: Valerie BrowneStudio Operator: Meghan SearleEditor: Camilla Tominey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Votes have been counted – well, most of them. So what do Thursday's elections for four regional mayors, more than 1000 councillors and the new MP for Runcorn and Helsby mean for British politics, Keir Starmer and the Labour government's devolution agenda? Another big election has taken place too – and that's in Canada. Mark Carney – remember him? – has won the general election, and in doing so turned around months of terrible polling for the now still ruling Liberal Party. So how did he do it and what does it mean for the UK? Plus: The data on school absence is moving in the wrong direction. Moira Wallace, who used to run Tony Blair's Social Exclusion Unit, joins the podcast team to tell us what Keir Starmer needs to do – and how he could learn from the last Labour government. Presented by Catherine Haddon with Akash Paun and Alex Thomas. Music: ‘Everything to Me [Instrumental]' by Notize courtesy of artlist.io Produced by Candice McKenzie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reform UK, el partido de Nigel Farage, es la nueva sensación en la política británica. Dos victorias electorales simultáneas, una en las elecciones locales y otra en la circunscripción de Runcorn y Helsby, que han arrebatado al Partido Laborista por sólo seis votos, ha provocado todo un terremoto político. Con esta victoria, Reform UK recupera los cuatro diputados en la Cámara de los Comunes, un número que no le hace justicia ya que en las elecciones del año pasado fue el tercer partido más votado, pero el sistema electoral británico, uninominal mayoritario, redujo al mínimo su representación. El mismo día de la victoria en Runcorn y Helsby, Reform UK logró un éxito notable en las elecciones locales con mayorías en varios consejos de condado y ayuntamientos. En Lincolnshire, un bastión conservador, Reform arrasó, mientras que en Durham y Staffordshire también tomó el control desplazando a laboristas y conservadores. En Lancashire, un condado políticamente volátil, Reform se consolidó como fuerza dominante. Estos resultados confirman que el partido no sólo es el dueño de las encuestas, sino que eso se traduce en apoyo electoral real. Para el partido Conservador, liderado por Kemi Badenoch, los resultados fueron catastróficos: perdieron 676 concejales y 16 de 23 consejos disputados. Badenoch está en entredicho dentro de su partido. Para Farage es una bendición, le pidió que no dimita consciente de que su debilidad le beneficia. Los Liberal Demócratas, por su parte, capitalizaron el descontento, ganando en condados como Cambridgeshire y Oxfordshire. El partido Laborista, aunque ha retenido algunos territorios importantes como North Tyneside y Bristol, lo hizo con márgenes estrechos a causa de las peculiaridades del sistema electoral. En Doncaster, de hecho, superó a Reform UK por solo 700 votos. Estos resultados indican que las próximas elecciones generales serán muy disputadas, especialmente en circunscripciones donde los dos principales partidos llegan igualados. El éxito de Reform UK plantea una serie de cuestiones. Sus concejales, alcaldes y consejeros ahora tienen ahora la difícil tarea de gobernar en ayuntamientos y condados con presupuestos limitados y una aguda crisis en servicios públicos como el cuidado de mayores o el mantenimiento de infraestructuras. Farage, magnífico opositor, deberá demostrar su capacidad de gestión, un terreno en el que no tiene experiencia alguna. El ascenso de Reform UK supone de cualquier modo un giro en la política británica. A diferencia de sus predecesores, como el UKIP o el Brexit Party, Reform está mejor organizado y goza de mayor popularidad. Farage, una figura carismática y disciplinada, busca reemplazar a los conservadores como el principal partido de la derecha. Su agenda combina políticas antiinmigración, recortes fiscales y medidas intervencionistas. Eso atrae tanto a conservadores descontentos como a votantes de clase trabajadora. Aspira a una mayoría absoluta en las elecciones en 2029, un objetivo un tanto ambicioso ya que Reform UK tiene en estos momentos sólo cuatro escaños. Pero las encuestas le dan un 25% y el partido Conservador está en caída libre. A diferencia del voto táctico del centro-izquierda, la derecha está dividida, algo que ha llevado a algunos analistas a pedir un acuerdo entre los conservadores y los reformistas, pero Farage no cree que le convenga mientras lidere las encuestas. Faltan aún cuatro años para las elecciones, cuatro años en los que puede pasar cualquier cosa. En La ContraRéplica: 0:00 Introducción 4:03 La venganza de Farage 34:40 La causa del apagón 40:49 ¿Y si el apagón hubiese durado dos días? · Canal de Telegram: https://t.me/lacontracronica · “Contra la Revolución Francesa”… https://amzn.to/4aF0LpZ · “Hispanos. Breve historia de los pueblos de habla hispana”… https://amzn.to/428js1G · “La ContraHistoria de España. Auge, caída y vuelta a empezar de un país en 28 episodios”… https://amzn.to/3kXcZ6i · “Lutero, Calvino y Trento, la Reforma que no fue”… https://amzn.to/3shKOlK · “La ContraHistoria del comunismo”… https://amzn.to/39QP2KE Apoya La Contra en: · Patreon... https://www.patreon.com/diazvillanueva · iVoox... https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-contracronica_sq_f1267769_1.html · Paypal... https://www.paypal.me/diazvillanueva Sígueme en: · Web... https://diazvillanueva.com · Twitter... https://twitter.com/diazvillanueva · Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/fernandodiazvillanueva1/ · Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/diazvillanueva · Linkedin… https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-d%C3%ADaz-villanueva-7303865/ · Flickr... https://www.flickr.com/photos/147276463@N05/?/ · Pinterest... https://www.pinterest.com/fernandodiazvillanueva Encuentra mis libros en: · Amazon... https://www.amazon.es/Fernando-Diaz-Villanueva/e/B00J2ASBXM #FernandoDiazVillanueva #reformuk #nigelfarage Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

On today's Inside Politics podcast Irish Times London Correspondent Mark Paul joins Hugh Linehan to discuss what Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is already calling “the beginning of the end of the Conservative Party" as Tories lost council seats all over England.And to add icing to Farage's cake, Reform Party candidate Sarah Pochin dramatically won the Runcorn and Helsby byelection by just six votes, the narrowest margin of victory in a byelection since 1944.Labour didn't fare well in Thursday's local elections either - will they now view Reform as a legitimate challenger? And is the clock already ticking for Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The by-election in Runcorn & Helsby has sent shockwaves through Westminster — not because Reform UK squeaked to victory, but because what once looked like a protest vote now smells like a political realignment. In this special weekend Despatch, Conservative Home's Henry Hill unpacks why Reform's close win changes the narrative, and why the Tories are running out of excuses. Is Nigel Farage building a right-wing version of the Lib Dems? Could Reform become an entrenched force in post-industrial Britain? And does Robert Jenrick have what it takes to hold the Conservative Party together? Brace yourself — the electoral map is shifting. And this might just be the beginning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman, and Ruth Davidson assemble for an elections debrief.  Beth's been following a very happy Nigel Farage after Reform gained an MP in Runcorn, took the Greater Lincolnshire mayoralty and seized control of several councils. But, how does the party promising change in its very name prove itself with greater power and responsibility?  They also discuss how Keir Starmer reacts to the Labour's losses (Harriet says he needs to deliver on what he's promised)  And what Kemi Badenoch has to do after a terrible set of results for the Conservatives (Ruth reckons it'll be worse for the 2026 set of elections)   Come and join us live on Tuesday 20 May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

Today, Reform have won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by just six votes - one of the closest parliamentary elections ever. Sarah Pochin overturned Labour's large majority to become Reform's fifth MP after a recount. Elsewhere, Reform wins its first mayoral election in Greater Lincolnshire, and Labour narrowly holds three mayoral races in North Tyneside, the West of England, and Doncaster - with Reform second in all three. This is still an emerging picture, with plenty more results to come.Adam is joined by Chris Mason, Laura Kuenssberg - as well as Richard Fuller from the Conservatives, Luke Pollard from Labour, Adrian Ramsay from the Greens and Daisy Cooper from the Lib Dems. 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://discord.gg/m3YPUGv9New 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://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

Votes are being counted across England, but there is a clear early winner from these local elections: Nigel Farage. His party triumphed in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election this morning, overturning a 14,000-odd majority and winning by just six votes! Elsewhere, Andrea Jenkyns triumphed in Lincolnshire; Reform came second in a number of mayoral races; and their 38 per cent vote share in Runcorn matches the best-ever performance that Ukip achieved in a by-election. So far, the story is one of teal triumph – at the expense of the two main parties. Labour are already pointing to the difficulty incumbents often face at local elections, and will claim victory after narrowly holding out in three mayoral races: North Tyneside, the West of England and Doncaster. The Tories, however, appear to have totally capitulated – but with widespread results for councils across England expected later, that could all change. Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Lucy Dunn. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

We're on a highway to Helsby… As Reform take Runcorn, rack up council seats and take Staffordshire and Lincolnshire county councils, Rafael Behr joins Andrew Harrison to explain what it all means. Is it really Farage's night? Who's more damaged, Badenoch or Starmer? Is this definitive proof that Labour can't beat the enemy by becoming the enemy? And… Andrea Jenkyns. Sheeeeesh.  • Back us on Patreon for ad-free listening, bonus materials and more.  Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Starmer Sunk: Labour Wrecked as Reform UK Surges" KeirStarmer #LabourParty #ReformUK #UKPolitics #NigelFarage Keir Starmer is under intense pressure after Labour's disastrous showing in the local elections and the Runcorn by-election. Rather than reconsider, he's doubling down on policies that are deeply unpopular across the UK.

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.

The success of Reform in this week's local elections and at the Runcorn by-election is not so much a wake up call as a fire alarm that should be clanging loud and clear at Labour HQ. But are they listening? If so, do they understand what they hear? The Matts believe a dramatic change is required. Clarity in strategy, excellence in communications. and a new occupant at Number 11. But above all, a focus on Labour's core support. The Matts have specific ideas on how this can be achieved, but are clear about the alternative; either find a way to beat him, or prepare for Prime Minister Farage.EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get The New European for just £1 for the first month. Head to theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage's Reform UK has had a breakthrough night at the local elections — making big gains in local councils, winning their first mayoralty in Greater Lincolnshire with Andrea Jenkyns, and snatching a knife-edge by-election victory in Runcorn and Helsby.The results have Reform celebrating, Labour licking its wounds, and the Conservatives turning on themselves, with one MP blasting leader Kemi Badenoch for "staying out of the limelight" after a dismal performance.Kamal and Camilla are joined by Reform's deputy leader Richard Tice to ask what this all means for the political landscape and if it is really a serious threat to the two-party system.And as Prince Harry loses a legal challenge over his security whilst in the UK, we ask what it means for his and his family's future in the country.Producer: Georgia Coan and Lilian FawcettPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineyExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsSocial Media Producer: Rachel DuffyStudio Operator: Meghan SearleVideo Editor: Andy MackenizeOriginal music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I check in with you guys to discuss a huge result in the Runcorn by-election. Turns out punching the public can only be done by John Prescott. I also discuss the Tories drifting into obscurity and why people don't care about Labour enough to truly hate them. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There's No Bloke Without Fire'. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 Watch my STAND-UP SPECIAL 'Basic Bloke' on ITVX:  https://www.itv.com/watch/geoff-norcott:-basic-bloke/10a6363a0001B/10a6363a0001 Order the PAPERBACK EDITION of my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/British-Bloke-Decoded-Everything-explained/dp/1800961308/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Watch my COMEDY SPECIAL on YouTube https://youtu.be/YaxhuZGtDLs  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Nick Ferrari at Breakfast.Nick speaks to Reform UK's Nigel Farage, who insists that, although his Party's win might be by a 'small margin', it is a huge victory given it's 'one of Labour's safest seats in the country'. And Polling expert Sir John Curtice tells Nick that Reform are 'significant players' and that they challenge the traditional dominance of the Conservatives and Labour.All of this and more on Nick Ferrari: The Whole Show Podcast.

The Reform UK party has made huge gains in local elections across England. Nigel Farage's party took control of ten council areas including in Labour heartlands like Durham. The party also clinched the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by six votes. We speak to Reform's Ann Widdecombe and explore the full range of election results, including successes for the Lib Dems.Prince Harry has said his father, The King, has stopped speaking to him in an exclusive interview with the BBC. The Prince was speaking after losing a legal challenge in the UK over his security arrangements.And the Trump administration has weighed into German politics again, criticising the country's domestic intelligence agency after they labelled the far-right AfD party as "extremists", allowing German authorities to intensify surveillance, including the use of undercover informants and monitoring communications, under judicial oversight.

Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have a Friday episode to take stock of the by-election, mayoral and local election results so far. Sam's pulled an all-nighter to cover Reform's victory in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election – it won by just six seats. It won the Greater Lincolnshire mayoralty too.  So it's a morning of questions to ponder – how do bigger parties respond to the Reform victories?Could a Starmer visit to Runcorn have secured the few votes needed for victory there? And is Labour focussing on Reform voters at the expense of people at the other end of the political spectrum? Plus, with lots of councils that were controlled by the Conservatives still to declare, at what point does someone mention Boris Johnson? 

For the last decade, the spectre of Nigel Farage has been haunting British politics. From UKIP to the Brexit Party, he has loomed in the background of Westminster, threatening but never quite managing to pose a real threat to the two major parties. All that changed today. With just six votes in it, Reform took their first seat from Labour, in Runcorn - which had been one of the safest seats in the country. The party has secured other big council and mayoral wins too. Farage now claims that he, not Kemi Badenoch, is the leader of the opposition. Is he right? How will Labour respond to this Reform victory in the by-elections? What does it mean for Keir Starmer's government? And does it mark the end of the two party system as we know it?The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Reform is expected to make sweeping gains in the local elections and to win the Runcorn by-election in a previously safe Labour seat. Will this signal a seismic and permanent change in the political landscape or are these elections a fleeting protest against the government and the Conservatives? Why is this happening and what will be the consequences? Plus, what Canada's election results and the victory of Mark Carney mean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Helen Pidd heads to the industrial town before this week's byelection. How will Labour fare in its first big electoral test since taking power? Kiran Stacey reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The local elections AND the Runcorn and Helsby by-election stampede towards zero hour. Will Labour do as badly, and Reform as well, as predicted? And what will it all mean? Plus, we're joined by the hosts of our new companion podcast CRIME SCENE. Ex-Met Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe and former editor of the Mirror Alison Phillips tell us how they'll bring the truth about true crime from the guns of London to the Southport Riots… and delve into the complex truth about the knife crime epidemic. • Listen to CRIME SCENE NOW on your favourite apps. • We're on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow   www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lesley appeared on Debate Night last week. We look back at this, the issues that were raised by the audience, and the replies of the panel.Here's the link to Lesley's justified rant over the energy rip off.https://www.facebook.com/reel/984639903833195Kneecap have clarified their position and apologised to the families of David Amess and Jo Cox after the accusations made over statements made during gigs. John Swinney has called for the group to be removed from the TRNSMT line-up, echoing those made by Kemi Badenoch and others over Glastonbury. Is this furore simply, as Kneecap have claimed, a distraction from the real issue of Israel's actions in Gaza?Meanwhile Louis Theroux has made a follow up documentary on the Israeli " settler" movement. We look at Daniella Weiss, the so called "Godmother" of the movement her actions ,the Zionist nationalist tradition she comes from, and the influence she has on the Israeli government.We turn our attentions to three sets of elections. The result of the Canadian General Election,  the English local elections, and the Runcorn and Helsby by election. There has been a landmark decision at appeal giving Poet's Neuk, a local community group, the right to buy privately owned land under a compulsory purchase order. It's taken nine years  after the passing of the 2016 Land Reform Act for this to happen for the first time. Will this set a precedent?All of this plus gig reviews and TV recommendations. ★ Support this podcast ★

Nigel Farage is throwing the kitchen sink at Labour and he's not being subtle about it. As Reform UK ramps up its local election efforts, Farage is fielding candidates in councils up and down the country. But the real showdown is in Runcorn and Helsby, where Reform is plotting a high-profile coup in the upcoming by-election. What's at stake in Runcorn, and why should Keir Starmer be worried?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Geraldine Scott, The Times' Senior Political Correspondent.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Taryn Siegel and Edith Rousselot. Further reading: Labour and Reform in fierce battle for Runcorn & Helsby seatClips: Sky News, Reform UK Youtube, Nigel Farage Youtube and Facebook, Channel 4, Green Party TikTok, Liberal Democrats Youtube.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is a big UK/EU summit in May which ministers are confident will be a significant event – and not just a talking shop. Meanwhile Rachel Reeves has dared to state the obvious – that a deal with the EU is the biggest prize for the British government, as Trump oscillates wildly. Are these signs that a government so fearful of raising Brexit is beginning to turn towards Europe? And what would be the consequences?  Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on May 8th and streaming live, just days after the local elections and the Runcorn by-election. A new landscape? Tickets available here. Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free.  Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are proud to present yet another live recording this week featuring our new look for Season 21 of Cheshire Matters. WE'RE BACK once again with your favourite 'digital' pub with discussions from the 'quirky three', filled with satire, humour (and more than a dash of sarcasm) featuring your absolutely fabulous, amazingly brilliant, witty and ridiculously talented 'Ab Fab', the delicious, delightful and delovely digital pub landlord (with the great hair do) podcast host Jonathan Starkey, with regular panelists Trevor Nicholls (the Gazelle) and Mark Hartley (Stats Man). With host Ab Fab, Stats Man and the Gazelle are discussing current affairs like the Runcorn and Helsby By Election, Landlords being bought by Labour to house Migrants and is Islam taking over the UK with the help of Labour.This is a must listen to for everyone worldwide but also residents in Cheshire, MPs, councils and Councillors in Cheshire and all other public officials (in case we don't survive another week in the UK). Hope all public officials in authority are enhanced DBS checked? Cheshire Matters will be checking up on you. You don't really know who in public office you can trust these days!!!!!!!Join us for our often humorous but sometimes serious commentary and insights on these subjects and more from the best digital pub with the best and most deliciously witty digital pub landlord in the UK (the guest panellists, apart from Stats and the Gazelle, are extremely minor entities along for the ride).Opening and Closing Music - Moving On © and ℗ JMN 2015Another absolutely brilliant (and we mean absolutely brilliant and better than anything else that jumps out of your phone from Cheshire and beyond) JMN production for Cheshire Matters.DisclaimerAt the time of recording and publishing Cheshire Matters believes all information relayed to be correct to the best of our knowledge. Views of guests are not necessarily the views of Cheshire Matters. Any information and opinions given are not intended to cause any non-trivial, psychological or physical harm to a likely audience.

The local elections are just around the corner, with voters heading to the polls on May 1st. It's the first big test for the political parties since the general election, particularly the Reform Party, who are expected to make big gains in the North. The party hopes to claim a win in Runcorn and Helsby as their first ever by-election victory, making them a very serious contender for the governing party in the next big election.Cleo Watson and Kamal Ahmed are joined by Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common and The Telegraph's data expert Ollie Corfe to find out which seats we should be watching, where Labour and Tories could be losing seats to Reform, and why Nigel Farage's party could end up being the biggest in the country.Producers: Georgia Coan Executive Producer: Louisa WellsPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineySocial Media Producer: Rachel DuffyStudio Operator: Meghan SearleVideo Editor: James MoorheadOriginal music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Runcorn and Helsby has been Labour's turf for decades — but the ground is shifting, and Reform UK can smell blood. In this week's edition of Despatch, Gawain Towler — former director of communications for Reform UK — takes us inside the Cheshire constituency where poverty is entrenched, campaigning is curiously absent, and Keir Starmer's team seems strangely quiet. Why is Labour pulling its punches in its 16th safest seat? What is Morgan McSweeney really playing at? And could Nigel Farage's insurgents turn a protest vote into a political earthquake? Despatch unpacks how this by-election could be the first domino in a collapse of Labour's red wall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beth, Harriet and Ruth discuss the UK Supreme Court's judgment on how a woman should be defined in law. They also hear from Ellie, a trans woman who says she's now afraid for her safety and her future. Harriet literally wrote the law in question, the Equality Act 2010 - she and the team dig into what the judgement means for individuals and institutions across the country. And on May 1st, there are local and mayoral elections in England and the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. The polling group More in Common have helped us hear what's on the minds of voters in Doncaster. Find all the candidates in Doncaster and in your area at the Electoral Commission: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information Come and join us LIVE on Tuesday 20th May at Cadogan Hall in London, tickets available now: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/electoral-dysfunction-live/ Remember you can also watch us on YouTube! 

With much of England set to go to the polls next week we're previewing a crucial set of local elections, with more than 1,600 council seats up for grabs, as well as six mayoral contests and a high-profile Parliamentary by-election in Runcorn and Helsby.On the panel is Jonathan Ashworth, chief executive of the think tank Labour Together and a former shadow cabinet minister, Max Wilkinson, Liberal Democrat MP for Cheltenham and his party's culture spokesman, as well as Scarlett Maguire, pollster and founder of Merlin Strategies, and Jack Sellers, a former Conservative special adviser who worked for Rishi Sunak in Number 10.They talk to host Alain Tolhurst about the government's potential electoral struggles, Reform's high hopes, whether the Tories will take another pasting, and why nobody is talking up the Lib Dems.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot

Lesley's latest article in the National asking if the SNP's passion for independence has been so thoroughly and habitually muzzled of late that nothing will now let it off the leash has certainly set some hares coursing throughout both the SNP and the wider independence movement. We discuss.https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25096446.independence-front-centre-snps-campaign/The ripples of the Supreme Court judgement on the question of the definition of a woman continue to spread. Has the decision settled the apparent conflict between women's and trans rights? Could it even have been expected to?The latest More In Common opinion poll of over 16000 people shows devastating results for the Labour Party. We look at the poll and its findings plus the upcoming English local elections and the Runcorn and Helsby by election.We also reflect on the tenure and legacy of Pope Francis.To get tickets for Lesley's Denmark film follow the link belowhttps://lesleyriddoch.com/events ★ Support this podcast ★

In this bonus episode of the Groupchat Wrestling Podcast, we're joined by two beloved figures from the UK wrestling scene:Prince Pelé – The self-proclaimed “Crown Prince of Runcorn,” rising star since his 2022 debut, and a man with a deep love for Pokémon and Shrek!.​Charlie Crothers – The ever-present front-row superfan known for his passionate support and quirky fundraising stunts, including his upcoming zipline challenge in Las Vegas for Maggie's Centres.​We dive into:✅ Our favourite wrestling video games✅ Pelé's Pokémon obsession✅ The “Runcorn Bridge Over the Mersey Battle Royal” concept✅ The state of women's wrestling in 2025✅ Charlie's Vegas zipline fundraiser (and our not-so-subtle jealousy)✅ A well-deserved shoutout to Simon Miller​

The first of May is set to be a big day for local government with council elections, mayoral races, and even a by-election taking place.Rachel Cunliffe is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker to discuss what's being contested and where the polls stand at the moment.Read more from Ben hereSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there a hint of British exceptionalism in the early days of the Trump-induced economic crisis? Apparently the UK got off lightly, while Keir Starmer can be a ‘bridgehead' between Europe and the US. Let's see…  Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on the 8th of May, just days after local elections and the Runcorn by-election. Tickets available here. Subscribe to Patreon here for live events, bonus podcasts and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Which party has the most to lose in the Runcorn & Helsby by-election? The political masterminds make their predictions, and discuss what's at stake for Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch.And as Sally reveals she's replaced her Tesla, do boycotts make any difference?Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They may have both been leading Brexiteers but Dominic Cummings and Nigel Farage were once fierce rivals, vying to be the top campaign of the referendum. As recently as last year Cummings accused Farage of ‘surrounding himself with useless characters' – so why are we now hearing of a secret meeting between the two before Christmas? Ed Balls and George Osborne pick apart the significance of this rendezvous at a time when Reform are contending with a senior bust up, as well as an imminent by-election in Runcorn where polling has them out in front. In a week where Diane Abbott and Andy Burnham backed Ed's criticisms of the government's welfare reform, Liz Kendall has been in the Commons to announce further detail of Labour's plan. And they reflect on what options Chancellor Rachel Reeves will have in her Spring Statement (or mini-budget) next week. Can she create a reset moment?Plus, in London this week was the new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. With rumours swirling about an imminent Canadian election, George and Ed debate the merits of calling a vote early into your premiership, reminiscing about the examples of Gordon Brown's ‘the election that never was' and Theresa May's disastrous loss of a majority in 2017. You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free with a Political Currency Gold subscription! And not only that… you could have been in the room asking a question as a member of Political Currency's KITCHEN CABINET, along with early and ad-free listening, and exclusive Political Currency merchSubscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency. Please note Kitchen Cabinet subscriptions are only available through Patreon.Technical Producer: Daniel PapeProducer: Miriam Hall and Jarek ŻabaExecutive Producers: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Given the Rupert Lowe drama, what does the future looks like for Reform and Farage?Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr and George Eaton to answer listener questions about trouble in Reform land and where to watch in the upcoming local elections.Read: Inside the Reform civil war, Will the Farage-Lowe saga hurt Reform at the polls?, A Reform Labour showdown looms in the Runcorn by-electionSign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Labour MP Mike Amesbury declared his plan to stand down as MP for Runcorn on Monday following his sentencing and acquittal on appeal for assaulting a constituent. Today we take a look at the runners and riders, and why Reform could win here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Anne McElvoy have their guide to the day ahead in British politics.    Bats, pylons, and planning reforms - how far is Keir Starmer willing to go to achieve the growth and infrastructure he's promised, and will Labour's new reforms help the UK get there? And what has the fallout been after Mike Amesbury announced his resignation, triggering a by election in Runcorn?  And over in Riyadh, ahead of peace talks over the war in Ukraine, how significant a role has Keir Starmer's National Security advisor Jonathan Powell been playing?  WhatsApp on 07511 867 633 or email us: jackandsam@sky.uk   

Divine appointments

Divine appointments

Today Laura and Seán react to news that Andrew and Tristan Tate are on a plane from Romania to America, despite still facing charges in Romania and the UK.We also get into Laura's trip to Runcorn on Wednesday, where she spoke to the constituents of now convicted Mike Amesbury and how they'd vote in a potential by-election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch has today given a major speech outlining the Conservatives' commitment to ‘realism' in their foreign policy. She said, ‘You cannot help others if you cannot help yourself', and that the sovereignty and strength of Britain matters 'above all'. She also pressed Keir Starmer to push defence spending north of the 2.5 per cent target and – as if it was all choreographed – the prime minister dutifully has, announcing in the Commons that defence spending will reach 3 per cent of GDP by the end of the next parliament. This will come at the expense of the foreign aid budget, another suggestion that the leader of the opposition made in her speech today. What is realism? Is it right to forgo our commitment to overseas aid? Also on the podcast, we got the news yesterday that MP Mike Amesbury has been jailed for 10 weeks after punching a man in his constituency last year. His constituency, Runcorn and Helsby, could be an interesting by-election – could it be a Reform gain? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Michael Gove. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.