Political Business - London Decides

The battle lines are drawn for the Makerfield by-election, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most consequential in British political history. In this episode of Political Business, hosts Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever break down the massive shift on the ground. With Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham aiming for a return to Westminster, his eyes are firmly set on the brewing Labour leadership contest. But Keir Starmer has more than just Burnham to worry about—former Prime Minister Tony Blair has just dropped a blistering 5,500-word critique of the current government's lack of vision.Meanwhile on the right, Reform UK is facing a surprise threat from 'Restore Britain'—the Rupert Lowe and Elon Musk-backed movement that is gaining rapid traction on TikTok and Facebook. Is the right-wing vote about to split, handing Labour an easy win?Plus, we speak exclusively with Westminster's Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning, Councillor Tim Barnes, on why the new Conservative administration has dropped their legal challenge against Sadiq Khan's Oxford Street pedestrianisation.Topics covered in this episodeMakerfield By-Election OverviewThe Rise of Restore Britain: How Musk & Rupert Lowe are Splitting ReformIs Andy Burnham Campaigning to be Prime Minister?Tony Blair’s Savage 5,500-Word Essay vs. Keir Starmer Wes Streeting & The Strategic Labour Leadership Battle Westminster Politics: The Oxford Street Pedestrianisation Legal BattleExclusive Interview: Cllr Tim Barnes on Growth, Planning & Sadiq Khan

In this episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever look ahead to the Makerfield by-election. How will the campaign be won and lost and has Reform already made a mistake with their choice of candidate? Could this become the most consequential by-election in British political history, how much power is in the hands of Makerfield residents? We also bring you live interviews from UKREiiF in Leeds as Kevin and Nathan talk all things property, housing and infrastructure with Westminster Councillor Mark Shearer, Lisa Webb from Newmark, and the Co-Founder of Reshape Jermaine Brown.

London has spoken. In this special LIVE episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever break down the seismic shifts in the capital’s political map. From a "bad night for Labour" in their traditional heartlands to the unexpected surge of the Green Party and a surprising Conservative comeback in Westminster, we analyse what this means for the future of British governance.The Green Surge: How the Green Party took control in Hackney and Lewisham.The Westminster Comeback: Incoming Leader Cllr Paul Swaddle on how the Tories won back the flagship borough.The "Squeezed Middle": Baroness Shama Tatler (Labour) on community politics and the Indian Hindu vote.The Fragmentation of London: Polling expert Scarlett McGuire, founder of Merlin Strategy, and journalist Dave Hill, from OnLondon, join us to discuss why voters are "done" with the establishment.Plus, we take your questions.

On the final episode of Political Business before the elections in England, Scotland and Wales, Kevin McKeever and Nathan Parsad-Wyatt look ahead at what to expect as the results flood in across Thursday night and Friday.20 million people are set to vote in what many are calling the UK Mid-terms.They ask what different results could mean for the political parties, and whether they could results in a leadership challenge to the Prime Minister.And what London Boroughs should you be keeping an eye on?

One week to go!Parliament has prorogued, pressure is mounting on Keir Starmer, and the countdown to election day is on. In this week’s episode of Political Business, Nathan and Kevin break down a difficult week for the government — and what it means as MPs leave Westminster to campaign.From growing unrest inside the Labour Party to the King’s high-profile visit to the United States, we explore the contrast between domestic political instability and strong international diplomacy.With just one week to go until the elections, we also look ahead to what could be a volatile and unpredictable set of results — and why the political mood feels increasingly uncertain.In this episode, we cover:- Starmer Under Pressure: Fallout from recent decisions, questions over leadership, and growing doubts within Labour.- Parliament Prorogued: What MPs are saying as they head out to campaign — and why expectations are low.- The King in Washington: Why the US visit has been a diplomatic success — and what it means for UK–US relations.- Election Countdown: Where the key pressure points are and what to watch for with one week to go!- London Elections: Why the picture remains fragmented — and what the data can (and can’t) tell us.📊 Download the 32-Borough London Decides Guide: https://londondesides.loichedry.com

The 2026 London Borough elections are around the corner, and the political landscape is more fragmented than ever. In this special edition of Political Business, Nathan and Kevin are joined by London "Supremo" Dave Hill (OnLondon) and elections expert Lewis Baston (OnLondon) to dissect the 387-page "London Decides" guide.From the potential "Green Wave" in Hackney and Lambeth to the "Reform Wave" in the outer boroughs like Bexley and Havering, we break down why this election is about more than just a "doughnut" strategy.In this episode, we cover:The Fragmentation of the Vote: Why London is now a 5-6 party system.Key Battlegrounds: Westminster, Wandsworth, Enfield, and the "Red Jam" center.The Green Threat: Is Labour at risk of losing control in its heartlands?The Reform Factor: Will the national surge translate to seats in the London suburbs?Demographic Shifts: How an aging population and high graduate density are changing the math.Download the full 387-page guide here: londondecides.lowickhedry.com