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The Politics Show

The Politics Show

By: The New Statesman
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Helping you make sense of politics – every week.


Anoosh Chakelian and the New Statesman team bring you sharp reporting, clear analysis and thoughtful conversations to help you understand what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.


The New Statesman is Britain’s leading source of news and commentary on politics and culture with a progressive perspective. On The Politics Show, our journalists and expert guests cut through the noise of the headlines to explain the forces shaping our world. From the battles inside the Labour Party to the future of the Conservatives, from the rise of Reform UK to the debates that dominate Parliament, we provide the clarity you need to follow UK politics.


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START HERE:

▶︎ Kemi Badenoch isn't working | Cover Story with Tom McTague

▶︎ Do billionaires really benefit the UK?

▶︎ One year of Labour rule: can things still only get better?


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MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

❓ Ask a question - we answer them on the podcast every Friday

⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter in your inbox every morning

✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday


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Hosts:

Anoosh Chakelian



Regular contributors and co-hosts:

Tom McTague, Editor-in-chief

Ailbhe Rea, Political editor



Production team:

Senior podcast producer: Catharine Hughes

Podcast and video producer: Rob Le Mare

Assistant producer: Biba Kang

Executive producer: Chris Stone

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

153321 Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • What would “Burnhamism” actually look like?

    What would “Burnhamism” actually look like?
    Jun 6 2026

    Andy Burnham’s tucked-in t-shirt, a bonkers “festival of AI optimism” and which MP would make the best James Bond.


    Will Dunn is joined by editor Tom McTague to discuss the stories of the week.

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • What does Makerfield make of Andy Burnham?

    What does Makerfield make of Andy Burnham?
    Jun 4 2026

    The spectre of the Makerfield by-election on June 18th is hanging over British politics.


    If Andy Burnham wins, he’s in prime position to challenge Keir Starmer’s leadership. However, a Burnham victory in Makerfield is far from certain. Reform and their candidate Robert Kenyon are mounting a serious challenge.


    Tom McTague is joined by polling expert Scarlett Maguire and our political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss.


    READ

    https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/in-makerfield-voters-on-both-sides-are-united-by-despair

    https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/andy-burnhams-door-knock-to-downing-street

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Why UK politics has failed for 20 years

    Why UK politics has failed for 20 years
    Jun 1 2026

    While Westminster looks inward, the world is moving fast. Keir Starmer's government needs to focus on the urgent changes affecting all of our lives.


    Tom McTague joins Anoosh Chakelian to discuss his latest essay for the New Statesman, and answer listeners questions.


    This week, listeners ask: "Why have British politicians been so useless for the past 20 years?" and "is it finally time for voting reform?"

    LISTEN AD-FREE:

    📱Download the New Statesman app


    MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

    ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

    ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

    ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
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