The Standard

From our politics team, Rachael Burford and Jitendra Joshi discuss the Conservatives' chances in London ahead of the July 4th general election. Plus, Londoners Diary editor Ethan Croft reveals the behind-the-scenes drama at Westminster, during Rishi Sunak's announcement on Wednesday. Follow us on X or on Threads.

As Rishi Sunak celebrates the latest drop in inflation, our political editor Nicholas Cecil explains why it’s not the news the City was hoping for, and why it’ll be a while before we see the impact of this latest drop. Plus, our homes and property deputy editor India Block reviews the new Netflix reality show Buying London.Follow us on X or on Threads.

Nine in ten pensions get worse returns than a tracker fund - but why? Financial journalist Michael Hunter explains how a drop in pension funds investing in UK stocks could be impacting how so many are underperforming. Plus, film critic Jo-Ann Titmarsh discusses her review of the drama based on Donald Trump’s life called The Apprentice. Follow us on X or on Threads.

Our health reporter Daniel Keane reveals the devastating revelations from the final infected blood inquiry report, and explains why the findings are so damning. Plus, the Standard’s Ethan Croft reveals Sir Keir Starmer’s favourite London pubs.  Follow us on X or on Threads.

It is the impossible dream - cut-price commuter tickets to help ease the crushing financial burden of daily travel into the capital.So, why are long-suffering London rail travellers always bearing the brunt of expensive fares, when there are deals to be had on other lines out of London?It comes as a low-cost train operator has announced plans for a new no-frills service linking London and Manchester.But, it’s not due to start until 2027.Mark Blunden hears how it’s been a significant week for rail infrastructure from our transport editor, Ross Lydall.Plus, in part two Rachelle Abbott speaks with ES commissioning editor El Hunt about her five-star review of the much anticipated third album from Billie Eilish, titled Hit Me Hard And Soft.El discusses the record’s themes, its best tracks, rumours about Eilish’s next album and if now is a competitive time for an album release.

This is a preview of Brave New World season two. In episode one, Evgeny Lebedev talks to stoicism expert Professor Bill Irvine, whose books detail the ancient wisdom of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius for a new generation.To hear the full episode search Brave New World Evening Standard.

London's been named the worst region in the country for recycling. How plastics are sent to Bristol to be incinerated. Why China and other far-away countries are picking up the Capital’s trash. In Part One, author and journalist Oliver Franklin-Wallis explains what’s really happening to our recycling and why. And in Part Two, our acting culture editor Nick Clark explains why he gave the V&A’s ‘Fragile Beauty’ exhibition five stars.Follow us on X or on Threads.

A London council has revealed officials are investigating owners of nearly 2,500 properties who it’s claimed have broken the rules on short-term lets.Westminster is pledging a crackdown on what's described as a "wild west" of residents renting out homes to holidaymakers, in an ongoing battle with owners breaching a 90-day limit governing short-term rentals.To discover more, we’re joined by Evening Standard chief political correspondent Rachael Burford.Plus, Gucci turns the Tate Modern art gallery into a plant-filled runway - and Evening Standard fashion director Victoria Moss explains why the Italian luxury label chose Southwark for its showcase.

The prime minister has sought to brush off Labour claims of 14 years of Tory failure and portray his party as best placed to lead Britain.Rishi Sunak set out his election stall to Britain’s voters, claiming it was his government that could be trusted to keep families safe and warning of “increasing dangers” facing the nation.Sunak gave the speech in central London before Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer met his party’s regional mayors, including London’s Sadiq Khan, at a pre-General Election summit in Wolverhampton.With the latest, the Standard podcast is joined from Parliament by Evening Standard political editor Nicholas Cecil.