Political Business

The UK economy is at a breaking point as the OECD downgrades growth forecasts for 2026. In this episode, we dive into the "big headaches" facing the Chancellor, the escalating energy crisis fueled by Middle East tensions, and the internal power struggle between Number 10 and Ed Miliband’s "Full-Brand Milibandism."Plus, we break down the government's massive New Towns announcement: where are the 7 new sites, and will they actually solve the housing crisis before the May elections?

In this episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever discuss a volatile week for the UK. From the 150% surge in gas prices following Middle East tensions to the internal "soft-left" revolt within the Labour Party, we break down what this means for the upcoming May elections.We also dive deep into the newly announced New Homes Accelerator and Atlas program. We give essential updates for anyone in the London housing and development sector.Key Topics Covered:The Energy Crunch: Why UK gas prices soared 150% and what the Bank of England’s 3.75% rate hold means for your mortgage.Labour’s Internal Battle: Is Angela Rayner rolling the pitch for a leadership bid? We analyse the "Rayner-Khan-Burnham" axis.London Housing Reform: A breakdown of the £12 billion New Homes Accelerator package and the end of late-stage review mechanisms.The Mais Lecture: Rachel Reeves’ "Big Bet" on AI and Quantum Computing.

We’re live from the International Property Conference (MIPIM) in Cannes to discuss why global capital is flocking to London despite massive geopolitical uncertainty.In this special episode of Political Business, we consider the intersection of international conflict, UK defence preparedness, and the "Golden Age" of the Square Mile.We dive deep into the City of London’s "Golden Age" with two exclusive interviews:1.⁠ ⁠Chris Hayward (Policy Chair, City of London Corporation) on the "concierge service" for global investors and the challenge of viability.2.⁠ ⁠Tom Sleigh (Planning & Transportation Chair) on why the City approves 98% of applications and the secret to a "can-do" planning department.Today, we’re discussing:•⁠ ⁠Geopolitics vs. Growth: How the current situation in the Middle East is reshaping investment flows and defence spending in the UK.•⁠ ⁠The City’s Renaissance: Chris Hayward explains why technology has become the City's fastest-growing sector.•⁠ ⁠Predictability is King: Tom Sleigh shares why a 98% planning approval rate isn't "dodgy.” Rather, it's a sign of a high-functioning, enabling democracy.•⁠ ⁠The Retrofit Revolution: Why half of all London's retrofits are happening in the Square Mile.Whether you're an investor, a developer, or a political observer, this episode provides a unique temperature check on the UK’s standing on the global stage.

From the Middle East conflict to the streets of London, the political landscape is shifting.In this episode of Political Business, Nathan and Kevin talk through a historic week. We examine Keir Starmer’s "legalistic" defiance of Donald Trump regarding Middle East strikes and why the Prime Minister is avoiding a "forever war."We also break down the shock by-election results in Gorton and Denton. Has Labour lost its grip on the left to the Greens? Finally, we dive into the "labor-on-labor" friction within the new Oxford Street Development Corporation and what it means for the future of London planning.

Tomorrow, the voters of Gorton and Denton head to the polls. On paper, it’s a safe Labour seat. In reality? It’s a "pollster’s nightmare" and a three-way fight that could redefine Keir Starmer’s leadership.In this week’s episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever dive into a week of high-stakes political maneuvering and industry-shaking news.What we’re unpacking:📍 The By-Election Briefing Wars: Why are Labour, the Greens, and Reform all claiming they can win? We look at the "Andy Burnham factor" and why the ground game in Greater Manchester might be the only thing keeping Labour in the race.🎓 Kemi Badenoch’s New Deal: The Conservatives are pivoting to the next generation. By promising to scrap the interest on Plan 2 student loans, are they finally addressing the generational divide—or is it a tactical response to a polling crisis?🏗️ The Fall of Global Council: A story hitting close to home for the public affairs and comms industry. How does a thriving, profitable firm go into administration overnight? We discuss the human impact of the "Mandelson association" and what happens when the Cabinet Office issues a direction against your agency.Whether you're in Westminster or the City, this episode is a deep dive into how reputation, policy, and ground-game operations intersect.

Can Reform UK bridge the "credibility gap"? In this week's episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever dive into the seismic shifts occurring during the Westminster recess. We analyse the appointment of Robert Jenrick as Reform UK’s Shadow Chancellor (Treasury Spokesperson) and what it means for the party's attempt to shed its "protest movement" image.We also break down the government’s major U-turn on delaying 30 local elections - a massive legal and political win for Nigel Farage - and the grim reality of London’s housing starts falling by over 70%.In this episode:Reform’s Economic Pivot: Can Robert Jenrick avoid a "Liz Truss moment" for the party?The Election Shambles: Why the government folded on delaying 30 local council votes.Labour’s By-Election Hopes: Why the Gorton and Denton result might surprise Keir Starmer’s critics.London Housing Crisis: Why "Accelerator Packages" are failing and the truth about flat-lining house prices.

Today's episode of Political Business looks into the recent political turmoil in Westminster, focusing on the implications for the Labour Party and its leadership under Keir Starmer. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by the Prime Minister, the dynamics within the Labour Party, and the public's perception of political stability. Key themes include the impact of recent scandals, the role of gender in leadership positions, and the future policy direction of the Labour Party as it navigates a changing political landscape.

This week on Political Business, we break down one of the most turbulent weeks in UK politics.We examine the fast-moving story surrounding Peter Mandelson, the Epstein files, and allegations of historic cabinet leaks — and what this means for Keir Starmer, Number 10, and Labour’s judgement in government.We also analyse the Gorton and Denton by-election campaign so far, discussingLabour’s ground operation in Greater ManchesterReform’s decision to stand Matt GoodwinThe Green Party’s campaign, and what message they might have for votersFinally, we turn to policy, discussing the government’s proposed overnight visitor levy, what it could mean for high streets, tourism, and local government funding — and how business groups are responding.We unpack the strategy, the politics, and the real-world business implications behind the headlines.👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for weekly insight on politics, policy and business.

This week on Political Business, Kevin and Nathan break down the political decisions shaping the UK business climate right now.🔹 Keir Starmer’s trade delegation to China — the first UK PM visit in 8 years. Is Britain charting a new economic path between the US and China? What does this mean for British exporters, investors and global trade strategy?🔹 Andy Burnham blocked from returning to Parliament — and what it reveals about Labour leadership tensions, party control, and the post-election future of Keir Starmer.🔹 Conservative defections to Reform UK — why the Tory coalition is fracturing and how that reshapes the political landscape ahead of May’s elections.🔹 The Government’s pubs U-turn — a 15% business rates cut for pubs after political pressure. But does it fix the deeper problems facing hospitality, retail and high street businesses?We unpack the strategy, the politics, and the real-world business implications behind the headlines.👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for weekly insight on politics, policy and business.