Share
The Politics Show
Armando Iannucci & Dominic Grieve: Is democracy slowly collapsing in Westminster? | Westminster Reimagined
The renowned satirist and broadcaster Armando Iannucci returns to the New Statesman Podcast to co-host five more special episodes. In these shows Iannucci, explores the parts of British public life that he believes are broken, and he will be joined by guests from both inside and outside Westminster to discuss how politics could be better.
In this episode, Iannucci and Anoosh Chakelian examine what is at the very heart of British politics: the constitution. What is it, is it fit for purpose, and what can be done to change it?
They are joined by special guests Meg Russell, professor in British and comparative politics and director of the Constitution Unit at University College London, and Dominic Grieve, the former Conservative MP and attorney general for England and Wales.
They discuss Britain’s ramshackle constitution vs a codified system of government, concerns over “democratic backsliding” under Boris Johnson’s government and a lack of parliamentary scrutiny, and the kind of democracy people want.
Podcast listeners can subscribe to the New Statesman for just £1 a week for 12 weeks using our special offer. Just visit newstatesman.com/podcastoffer.
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
More episodes
View all episodes
Is Zack Polanski too "online"?
31:17|For some time, Zack Polanski’s tenure as Green Party leader had been largely characterised as a success. But he’s been having a turbulent time in recent weeks. He was accused of inciting violence with an Instagram post, failed to steal the Manchester mayoralty from Labour, and the party is becoming increasingly divided on the subject of defence of spending.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political correspondent Megan Kenyon to discuss.
Chris Philp goes GONZO in the English Channel | Weekly roundup
34:28|The best day of Andy Burnham's life, Chris Philp goes gonzo in the Channel, and more climate change denial in a burning country.Anoosh Chakelian and Will Dunn round up some stories you might have missed this week.
The Burnham comms and policy blitz
01:12:19|Andy Burnham’s policy and comms blitz powers on - he is setting out his intentions early, and with a very different style than his predecessor.Meanwhile, on his second week, his government is fully appointed, but the fallout is still rumbling away in the background.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss.
Can the UK turn its life sciences strengths into global leadership?
17:39|This New Statesman podcast episode has been fully funded by argenx and features an edited panel discussion recorded at the New Statesman’s Igniting Growth Conference.The UK has world-leading science, research and regulatory expertise, but too often struggles to turn those strengths into investment, innovation and better patient access.Can it turn its life sciences strengths into global leadership?Chaired by New Statesman policy correspondent Samir Jeraj, the panel brings together Dame Chi Onwurah MP, Naomi Weir from the CBI, David Knechtel from argenx UK and Ireland, and Clare Pelham from the Epilepsy Society.Our panel discusses why the UK’s scientific and regulatory strengths are not consistently translating into growth and patient access, as well as the commercial pressures affecting confidence in the sector.They talk about the need for more joined-up delivery across government, the NHS and industry, how innovation can reach patients, and what must change for the Life Sciences Sector Plan to deliver.
Gary Lineker wants to pay more tax. What's stopping him?
32:15|Anoosh and Will are back for their weekly politics round up, this week includes: the tired spectacle of a new prime minister, Wes Streeting's hot mic moment, Gary Lineker's plea for higher taxes, and the ongoing saga of Stella Creasy's parakeet misidentification.
Burnham's cabinet
44:24|It’s day 4 of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s premiership.His cabinet is now appointed - With some notable appointments to the top jobs, plenty of reshuffling, and some loyal Starmer-ites out.The PM has also begun to announce his measures to tackle the cost of living, from bus fares to energy bills, and a big clear target from the off: end rough sleeping.Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham
32:56|Today, Keir Starmer made his way from No 10 to Buckingham Palace to officially resign as Prime Minister.He was closely followed by his replacement, Andy Burnham, who is currently in his first few hours in the job.Anoosh Chakelian is in Westminster with Ailbhe Rea to discuss.
Starmer bows out
50:34|Keir Starmer has bowed out of his role as Prime Minister. At his final PMQs, an unusually convivial tone was struck.As Starmer's political career draws to a close, Will Dunn and Tom McTague discuss his tenure, his final week, and ponder his unpopularity.
The transition begins
41:16|As Keir Starmer's premiership draws to a close, Andy Burnham is putting the finishing touches on his plan for power.Ailbhe Rea joins Tom McTague in the studio to discuss: Anne Widdecomb's role in British PoliticsKeir Starmer's final days as Prime MinisterThe people likely to be appointed in an Andy Burnham cabinetWhy appointing Shabana Mahmood as Chancellor would go against Andy Burnham's own principlesWhy the briefing against Ed Miliband shows Burnham's plan to improve Number 10 culture will be an uphill battle📚 READ Exclusive: Andy Burnham appoints Number 10 policy chiefhttps://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/07/exclusive-andy-burnham-appoints-number-10-policy-chief