The New Statesman Podcast: UK general election news and analysis

Could the Conservatives become the third party? Is Ed Davey being too frivolous? Has Rishi Sunak made a huge mistake? And why do we still talk about older people like they're the Second World War generation? Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, and Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, answer listener questions and give their campaign highlights thus far. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us

One week down, five to go.The Diane Abbott row continues to be a tricky thorn in Keir Starmer's side, and in the past 24 hours there have been more reports that candidates and MPs have been barred from standing. Is this a purge on the left of the party?Hannah Barnes, associate editor, and Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, also discuss the launch of the Green Party's campaign, who are hoping to win four seats, and today's announcements on VAT and the economy.

Today Labour announced some bold plans for the NHS, stating that they would clear the Tory backlog in their first time. However this has been completely overshadowed by the mishandling of Diane Abbott's position in the party.This morning, Abbott, who has served as Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since being elected in 1987, has announced that she has been barred by the party from standing in the next general election. By lunchtime Starmer was saying that no decision had been taken to block her from standing for Labour. So what's going on and will this botched stage handling backfire for Labour?Hannah Barnes, associate editor at the New Statesman, is joined by Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, and Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning CallSubmit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us

For the next six weeks we’re bringing you new episodes every weekday, with updates on the party campaigns, reaction from around the UK and the best polling analysis with our experts. Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Andrew Marr, political editor, and Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, to discuss the developments over the busy bank holiday weekend: National Service, Triple Lock Plus, 'Sleepy Keir', and the unravelling of the Conservative party.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call

Political advertising in the UK has been a largely regulated space, that us up until about a decade ago.Historically, political advertising has been banned from broadcast aside from a small allotted period of time in the run up to an election. However, as the times are-a-changin, and technology and advertising formats have evolved, political parties have found and embraced some legal loopholes. Our screens are now awash with political adverts, character attacks, and sometimes factually inaccurate messaging - created and paid for by our government and the opposition.So what does it mean now that our leaders are playing dirty? What can we expect to see in the lead up to the general election? And will this have any effect on voters, or is it just Westminster name-calling?Rachel Cunliffe, associate political editor, is joined by Jonn Elledge, journalist, author and New Statesman columnist.This episode was recorded prior to the calling of the general election last week.

On Monday we published an investigation by business editor Will Dunn into England's water and sewage crisis. Will joins Hannah Barnes, associate editor, and Freddie Hayward, political correspondent, on this episode of You Ask Us to answer some listener questions on the water companies.The team also give their 90:50:10 predictions for this year in British politics.Read: The Great Stink: Britain’s pollution crisisListen: The Great Stink: how England came to swim in sewageSubmit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us

After a day of increasing speculation, Rishi Sunak called the next general election which will take place on the 4th of July. Sadly, for him, he was almost drowned by the pouring rain, and drowned out by the pounding of D:Ream's ‘Things Can Only Get Better', the song widely known as Labour's 1997 anthem.To kick of the New Statesman's general election coverage, the team review yesterday's events, the prime minister's potential motives, and the kickstarting of campaigns.Hannah Barnes, associate editor, is joined by Freddie Hayward, Rachel Cunliffe, and George Eaton.Have you got a question about the election? Get in touch here

Fuel poverty is on the rise with millions of households in England having to choose whether to “heat or eat”.Last year, the Government estimated almost 9 million households could be classed as “fuel poor”. This means that, after housing costs, more than 10 per cent of their household income would be spent on heating.Covid supply disruptions and the war in Ukraine have contributed to the problem alongside the UK’s economic crisis. In this episode host Zoë Grünewald is joined by British Gas Energy Trust Chief Executive Jessica Taplin, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Rhondda Cynon Taff, Ashley Comley and Chief Executive Officer of Bromley by Bow Centre, Ellen De Decker. They explore reasons for the sharp rise in fuel poverty, what’s being done to support those in need and what needs to change to ensure Government funding gets through to those who need it most.This New Statesman podcast episode is sponsored by The British Gas Energy Trust, an independent charitable trust funded solely by British Gas. The Trust offers financial support for vulnerable households and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

The sea is no longer safe to swim in, tomatoes are growing on beaches from seeds in undigested human faeces, and rivers are awash with pig’s blood. When did everything start to go wrong, and who bears the brunt of this grotesque responsibility? The Great Stink by Will Dunn is this week’s cover story and you can find it here