{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/658300edbbd71a00174fea51/699dae89e3f0d89ce21d9782?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"‘Keir Starmer is a liar’: Voters speak out ahead of crucial by-election","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/658300edbbd71a00174fea51/1771941504291-465b812b-2587-4fcd-8882-5f1c9d1128dd.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>As Lord Mandelson’s <a href=\"https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/23/peter-mandelson-led-from-home-police-jeffrey-epstein-leaks/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">arrest sends shock waves through Westminster</a>, Sir Keir Starmer is set to face his biggest electoral test yet.</p><p><br></p><p>It is not just a by-election; it is a referendum on the establishment. This week, all eyes are on Manchester as the Gorton and Denton by-election prepares to deliver a verdict that could redefine the UK’s political map and <a href=\"https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/23/labour-rightwards-greens-gorton-leftism-nationally/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">stick another nail in Labour’s coffin</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>Camilla and Tim are joined by Scarlett Maguire, pollster and founder of Merlin Strategies, to break down the numbers in what is traditionally a “red wall” fortress, discuss the extraordinary unpopularity of Sir Keir and the potential for a new coalition government.</p><p><br></p><p>And they catch up with <a href=\"https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/22/reform-matthew-goodwin-interview/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Matt Goodwin, Reform UK’s controversial candidate</a>. The academic-turned-politician discusses his belief that the party will win the seat, the “darker forces” and “sectarianism” he claims his opponents are enabling, his comments on the UK’s fertility crisis and Reform’s push to win over white working-class and minority voters.</p><p><br></p><p>Producer: Georgia Coan</p><p>Senior Producer: John Cadigan</p><p>Executive Producer: Charlotte Seligman</p><p>Video Producer: Will Walters</p><p>Studio Operator: Meghan Searle</p><p>Social Producer: Nada Aggour</p><p>Editor: Camilla Tominey</p>","author_name":"The Telegraph"}