Share
Whitehall Sources
Salmond, Budget previews, UK & US Polling
Season 3, Ep. 34
•
Calum and Kirsty discuss recent budget leaks and their implications, the ongoing political controversy surrounding Taylor Swift's concert, and reflect on the legacy of Alex Salmond following his passing. They explore the impact of Salmond on Scottish politics and the broader UK landscape, emphasising his unique ability to engage with diverse audiences and drive significant political change. The conversation also touches on the current state of the Scottish government and the challenges it faces in seizing opportunities for energy transition.
Plus, the conversation delves into the upcoming UK budget, discussing the current economic context, particularly the low inflation rate, and the various tax policies being considered. The speakers analyze the political implications of these budget discussions, emphasizing the importance of public perception and the government's ability to manage expectations. They highlight the challenges faced by the government in maintaining trust and the potential impact of their decisions on economic growth.
Scarlett Maguire discusses the current political landscape in the UK and the US, focusing on the challenges faced by the Labour Party under Keir Starmer and the dynamics of the upcoming US elections with Trump and Harris. The discussion highlights public perception, polling data, and the implications of key policies and events on voter sentiment.
More episodes
View all episodes
35. Labour in the USA, Prisoners Released, The Budget
26:24||Season 3, Ep. 35Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss various pressing political issues in the UK, including prison overcrowding, the Labour Party's involvement in US elections, and the upcoming budget. Kirsty shares insights from her experience in the Ministry of Justice, emphasising the complexities of the criminal justice system and the need for reform. The conversation also touches on the political implications of Labour's actions and the fiscal strategies being employed by the government.33. BE MORE NORMAL! Tory Leadership Contest latest
47:37||Season 3, Ep. 33In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss the mounting expectations surrounding the upcoming UK budget, the implications of Sue Gray's resignation, and the unexpected twists in the Conservative leadership contest. They explore the challenges facing the party, including issues of unity and direction, and the potential impact of the leadership debates on the party's future.Jordan Urban, a senior researcher at the Institute for Government, discusses the recent political dynamics surrounding the Labour government, particularly focusing on the resignation of Sue Gray and its implications for governance. The discussion delves into the roles within Number 10, the structural challenges faced by the government, and the importance of clear direction and communication in effective governance. Urban emphasises the need for a coherent organisational structure and the impact of personal dynamics on the functioning of government, while also highlighting the challenges that lie ahead for the Labour party as they navigate their early days in power.32. The Four Tories
53:00||Season 3, Ep. 32In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan delve into the current political landscape, focusing on the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing Conservative leadership contest in the UK. They analyse the speeches of the four candidates vying for leadership, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and the implications for the party's future. The conversation highlights the complexities of international relations and domestic politics, emphasising the need for clarity in the Conservative Party's direction amidst a challenging political climate.31. Political Forecast: What Lies Ahead for Labour?
49:57||Season 3, Ep. 31Calum and Kirsty are joined by Jo Tanner who's nursing some Lemsip after Labour Party Conference. We delve into the recent Labour Party conference, exploring its significance, the challenges faced by the new government, and the public's perception of their performance. Kirsty and Joe provide insights into the conference atmosphere, the handling of controversies, and the implications of key policy decisions, particularly regarding winter fuel payments. The discussion also touches on the importance of effective communication and the impact of speeches on public sentiment, culminating in a humorous reflection on a notable gaffe made during the conference speeches.30. The PM in the Oval Office... with Lord Darroch
54:22||Season 3, Ep. 30Lord Darroch, Kim Darroch, joins to discuss Sir Keir Starmer's visit to the United States. The UK's former ambassador to the US says it's significant as it is his first visit to the White House. The purpose of the visit is to discuss various international issues, including Ukraine and Gaza. There is speculation about a potential meeting between Starmer and Kamala Harris, which could create diplomatic tensions. The relationship between the UK and the US has been impacted by Brexit, but defence, security, and intelligence links remain strong. The relationship could become more strained if Donald Trump wins the presidential election. Kamala Harris has shown some differences in her approach to Israel and Ukraine compared to Biden, but overall, there is unlikely to be a significant deviation in US policy.Plus, Kirsty and Calum discuss the winter fuel payment cuts and the impact on pensioners. We explore the controversy surrounding the decision and the political implications for Keir Starmer and the Labour Party. We touch on party discipline, the handling of the policy announcement, and the upcoming budget.29. The Phoney War? No Pain No Gain
45:31||Season 3, Ep. 29In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald discusses the current political landscape with Kirsty Buchanan and Theo Bertram. They touch on topics such as Keir Starmer's speech, the challenges facing the Labour government, and the upcoming budget. They also discuss the recent trip to Germany and the future of UK-EU relations. The main themes of the conversation include setting the baseline for the government's agenda, focusing on economic growth, and the importance of planning reform.28. Labour's Growth Minefield
43:57||Season 3, Ep. 28In this conversation, Calum and Kirsty discuss various challenges and potential obstacles that the Labour government may face in achieving their growth agenda. They touch on topics such as the employment rights bill, train drivers' pay, and a recent Supreme Court ruling on environmental impact assessments. Kirsty highlights the importance of working with businesses and considering unintended consequences in policy decisions. She also emphasizes the need for the government to deliver on their growth ambitions to maintain trust and prevent the rise of populism.27. The Riots: Who Do We Point To?
48:23||Season 3, Ep. 27Calum and Kirsty are joined by John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair to discuss who is to blame for the riots across the country, who should have done more to prevent them to get this far and who could lead us from them.