Political Fix

Labour has held on to Sir Keir Starmer’s old seat in Holborn and St Pancras, in a boost to Andy Burnham but a major setback for Green leader and by-election candidate Zack Polanski. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by deputy political editor Jim Pickard and columnist Stephen Bush, who weigh the impact of the Greens’ anti-Zionist position and round up the news from the Tory Party conference. Have pledges to cut taxes, boost the military and reform welfare put them back on the electoral map? Plus, we get the latest from the business community ahead of the Budget with UK chief business correspondent Ashley Armstrong.Follow Lucy on X or Bluesky @LOS_Fisher, @lucyfisher.ft.com ; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; Jim @PickardJE @pickardje.bsky.social; Ashley @AArmstrong_says Want more? Labour holds off Greens’ Polanski to win London by-electionSix things we learnt from the Tory party conferenceHealey warns banks that UK faces ‘challenging’ fiscal picture but stays tight-lipped on taxBurnham pledges to end use of non-compete clausesKemi Badenoch’s pitch goes some way to assuaging British business concernsKemi Badenoch: ‘I refuse to play by Westminster rules’Tory inheritance tax pledge: do the sums add up?Kemi Badenoch’s European nightmareWhat will the UK Budget mean for Britain? Join Lucy Fisher and colleagues political editor George Parker, markets columnist Katie Martin, economics editor Sam Fleming and North of England correspondent Jen Williams for an exclusive FT subscriber webinar on 29 October. To register, and send us your questions, go to ft.com/budget2026. Registration includes access to the video replay.Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comPresented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity and original music by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineer is Petros Giuompasis. The FT’s head of audio is Flo Phillips.

Recorded in front of an audience at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, host Lucy Fisher and political editor George Parker unpack Andy Burnham’s first conference speech as prime minister. From rethinking Britain’s relationship with the EU to ending the pensions triple lock and scrapping the electoral system, Burnham laid out an ambitious agenda for the country. Lucy and George speak to business secretary Jonathan Reynolds about the prime minister’s plans, before northern correspondent Jennifer Williams and Inside Politics writer and columnist Stephen Bush join them to give their takeaways from the week.Want more? Free links:Andy Burnham sets up battle lines on social care and EuropeHow would Andy Burnham’s social care shake-up work?Burnham’s brave new world — just one more election awaySix takeaways from Andy Burnham’s conference speechA faintly hopeful mood at Labour conferenceSign 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. Video editing, original music and mix by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Labour officials in Downing Street and beyond have discussed the parameters in which a snap election could be called. Will Andy Burnham take the gamble? As speculation about the idea grips Westminster, host Lucy Fisher is joined by political editor George Parker and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to weigh up the risks and rewards of going to the public early. They also look ahead to the Labour Party conference in Liverpool starting this weekend, and the troubles that lie ahead for UK-EU relations. Plus George reports back from Burnham’s first major international summit at the UN general assembly in New York, where the prime minister weathered his first encounter with Donald Trump.Follow Lucy on X or Bluesky @LOS_Fisher, @lucyfisher.ft.com ; George on @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Jim @PickardJEWant more? The risks of calling an early election for Andy BurnhamTreasury open to smaller fiscal headroom to reduce UK tax risesThe FT’s budget dashboard: the data confronting chancellor John HealeyLabour conference set to vote on new AI regulator as cabinet concerns growDonald Trump rejects ‘globalist scheme’ to control AI in blow to Andy BurnhamUK to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in its fight with Houthi rebelsHow could John Healey raise tax in the budgetSign 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.Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comPresented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Persis Love. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. Broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Richard Topping. The FT’s head of audio is Flo Phillips.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

With borrowing costs and inflation rising, are the UK’s finances worse than Burnham and Healey thought? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues George Parker, political editor, and Stephen Bush, columnist, to discuss the tightening fiscal outlook ahead of the October Budget, and whether scrapping the triple lock on pensions would cost the government more politically than it would save in cash terms.Plus, Reform’s week of mega-donations — and the Labour government’s response, and the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland begin a new push for independence from the UK.Follow Lucy: @LOS_Fisher; George: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Stephen @stephenkb Want more?  Britain, Burnham and tax: the walls close inHealey prepares UK for ‘really challenging’ budgetNigel Farage refuses to say if Reform UK’s £72mn gifts would comply with new capUK state pension will surpass income tax threshold next yearBank of England says rates likely to rise as it overhauls gilts salesIt’s time to scrap the triple lockScrapping triple lock on pensions need not wreak political damageA ‘lucky’ chancellor must also be a resolute oneSign 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.Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comPresented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Persis Love. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. Broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. The FT’s head of audio is Flo Phillips.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

AI promises major opportunities, but also significant risks – for the economy, employment, security and perhaps even human civilisation. But in Westminster, AI is far from a priority. In addition, fears that the UK’s AI Security Institute could be cut out of testing future frontier models before their release is fuelling alarm in Whitehall. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s AI editor Madhumita Murgia to discuss how developments in Silicon Valley are affecting UK politics. Plus UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and deputy opinion editor Miranda Green join the pod to unpack foreign secretary Ed Miliband’s trade ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The panel also examine the new Met police investigation into Reform’s finances, and Burnham’s latest devolution plans for a tourist tax. Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher; Robert: @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Miranda: @greenmirandaWant more?  Anthropic withheld latest AI model from UK testing agencyAI hasn’t gone rogue, it’s worse than thatGrowth in every postcode: good politics, dubious economicsIsrael’s hapless British defendersIsrael retaliates after UK bans trade with Israeli settlements in the West BankUK set to announce trade ban on Israeli settlements in the West BankThe five financing scandals facing ReformSign 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.Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comPresented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Persis Love. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. Broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Richard Topping. The FT’s head of audio is Flo Phillips. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Reform’s conference in Birmingham was soured by a Channel 4 News broadcast showing the party's leader Nigel Farage and some of his closest allies in conversations with a man purporting to arrange illicit political donations. Farage says the party has ‘broken no law’ but Reform has launched its own investigation and two top advisors have stepped down. Host Lucy Fisher hears from the FT’s acting executive news editor David Sheppard, who was at the Reform conference. Plus, political editor George Parker and economics editor Sam Fleming talk to Lucy about their exclusive interview with John Healey – and what the new Labour chancellor has planned for the country.Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher; George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Sam @Sam1Fleming; David @OilSheppardWant more?John Healey puts Britain on notice for tough Budget in ‘more dangerous world’What are the latest claims against Nigel Farage?Top Reform UK advisors to step down after donor stingLatest allegations make Reform look ridiculousNigel Farage and Reform UK hit by illicit-funding stingThe five financing scandals facing ReformJames Orr and the gospel of the British rightSign 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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

There’s big "new term" energy this week in parliament with MPs returning from summer recess for Andy Burnham’s first Prime Minister's Questions. After Burnham answered a mega 125 questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch lambasted the prime minister for being a “people pleaser” and a “spendthrift”. What did Burnham’s first appearance in the Commons tell us about his leadership style? And can Badenoch’s shadow cabinet reshuffle help the Tory party win back popularity? Plus, why is Green Party leader Zack Polanski standing in Keir Starmer’s old seat? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and deputy political editor Jim Pickard. Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher ; Robert @robertshrimsley; Jim @PickardJEWant more?Andy Burnham tries to calm bond markets as public spending fears mountBurnham seeks to protect UK farming and steel in EU reset talksAndy Burnham and Emmanuel Macron meet as Bayeux tapestry unveiledHow UK-Israel relations reached their worst point in decadesPMQs cannot change Andy Burnham’s political realityAndy Burnham’s summer of quietly backing away from radical pledgesJames Orr and the gospel of the new British rightGreens leader Zach Polanski to stand in seat vacated by Keir StarmerCome and join the FT and Political Fix panelists at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. To save 10 per cent on tickets, visit ft.com/festival and use the discount code FTPODCAST.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. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. Our broadcast engineers were Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

In his first interview with the FT since becoming prime minister, Andy Burnham tells political editor and host George Parker that he is pro-business and understands the pressures that business is under — but wants something in return from corporate Britain. Deputy political editor Jim Pickard and columnist Stephen Bush join George to unpack Burnham’s pitch on business and wealth creation, and what he had to say about tax, nationalisation and the EU.George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb; and Jim @PickardJEWant more?Andy Burnham pledges to ‘take pressure off’ business ahead of October BudgetAndy Burnham seeks to bridge gap with nervous business communityHealey to shelve his own defence spending target of 3% of GDP by 2030Andy Burnham set for first meeting with Trump in SeptemberThames Water creditors and government in stand-off over future Thames Water saga undermines case for more market solutionsHow the Bayeux Tapestry became a tool of soft powerCome and join the FT and Political Fix panelists at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. To save 10 per cent on tickets, visit ft.com/festival and use the discount code FTPODCAST.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 George Parker and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music by Breen Turner. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Our broadcast engineers were Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Andy Burnham has been on a regional tour of the UK, delivering a steady stream of policies aimed at tackling social issues. But now comes the hard part: should he push ahead with new drilling in the North Sea? After a summer of drought and wildfires, can the prime minister make the case for more fossil fuel extraction? FT political editor George Parker stands in for Lucy Fisher as host, and is joined by Inside Politics columnist Stephen Bush, and deputy political editor Jim Pickard. Plus, after Sue Gray described working in Starmer’s government as ‘unbearable’, and a top UK civil servant was revealed to have received a £500,000 payout package, the panel reflects on what we have learned about Starmer’s premiership now that it’s over. George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb; and Jim @PickardJEWant more?Burnham launches pandemic-style drive to cut rough sleepingAndy Burnham faces climate test over North Sea oil decisionAre ‘dodgy’ vape shops choking Britain’s high streets?Working in Starmer’s Number 10 was ‘unbearable,’ says Sue GrayJamie Dimon warns UK chancellor against higher bank taxesTop UK civil servant received record £500,000 payout after Starmer sackingCome and join the FT and Political Fix panelists at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. To save 10 per cent on tickets, visit ft.com/festival and use the discount code FTPODCAST.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 George Parker and produced by Persis Love. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. Our broadcast engineers were Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com