Political Fix

Boris Johnson’s first major cabinet reshuffle did not go to plan this week, as Sajid Javid abruptly quit as chancellor over a row about his advisers. We look at the tension between No 10 and No 11 Downing Street, Javid’s replacement Rishi Sunak, and what lies ahead for the Budget. Plus, we’ll examine the other hirings and firings in the cabinet. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green and Chris Giles. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK and the EU unveiled their mandates for the trade talks this week, setting out the dividing lines for striking a deal this year. Are the sides irreconcilably split, or is there a path towards an agreement on the three key issues? Plus, we discuss the Derek Mackay scandal engulfing the SNP in Scotland — are their hopes of secession in danger? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley, Ben Hall, Laura Hughes and Mure Dickie. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK has left the EU, three and a half years after the referendum result. What has been the mood leading up to departure day, will anything actually change and how will Boris Johnson define Britain's future position in the world? Plus we discuss the High Speed 2 railway project and why it has been drastically mismanaged. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard and Gill Plimmer​. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton​ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK chancellor Sajid Javid has been in Davos with the world's rich and powerful this week, talking up the UK economy post-Brexit. Is there good news on the economy, and is there more to him than a very junior partner to Prime Minister Boris Johnson? Brexit Day is next Friday, but that doesn't mean it'll all be over. We discuss what happens next - expect a roller-coaster year. Presented by Miranda Green, with Robert Shrimsley, David Bond, Delphine Strauss and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What line is Brussels likely to take in the next phase of talks now Prime Minister Boris Johnson has his mandate to act tough? Keir Starmer is ahead in the competition to replace Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn but Rebecca Long Bailey and Lisa Nandy are making their marks. Plus, a discussion of the FT’s profile of the powerful Dominic Cummings in No 10. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker, Jim Pickard and Sam Fleming.Produced by Anna Dedhar and Jack Denton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The contest to succeed Jeremy Corbyn is well underway, with Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long Bailey in poll position. Can any of the other candidates halt their momentum? Who will make it on the ballot paper? Plus, we discuss Ursula von der Leyen’s first encounter with Boris Johnson and how he might tackle alignment in a future trade deal. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 28 years at the FT, Whitehall editor James Blitz looks back on his time as political editor and defence editor, and the stories he has covered - including Tony Blair’s election victory, the Iraq war, the fights with Gordon Brown, the future of the armed forces, the civil service and Brexit. Presented by Sebastian Payne and produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 14 years of editing the Financial Times, Lionel Barber discusses British politics over the last three decades - including the fall of Margaret Thatcher, her relationship with Ronald Reagan, the first Conservative wars over Europe, the rise of New Labour, the financial crisis, Brexit and Boris Johnson. Presented by Sebastian Payne, and produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parliament returned this week and Boris Johnson delivered on his election pledge of voting on Brexit legislation before Christmas. We discuss what lies ahead for the government’s programme, the new Bank of England governor and the mini cabinet non-reshuffle. Plus, we examine the latest in the Labour leadership race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn and Nicola Sturgeon’s efforts to push for another Scottish independence referendum. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green, Robert Shirmsley, Jim Pickard and Mure Dickie. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a majority of 80, Boris Johnson has delivered the Conservative party’s best performance in three decades. With such a significant mandate, the UK is now leaving the EU and the political landscape has been ripped up. We unpick the election result, the key moments throughout the night, its implications for Brexit, the future of the Labour party, the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish Nationalists, the future of the union and more. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green, Jim Pickard, Laura Hughes and James Blitz. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson endured some of the most difficult days of the campaign to date, as he struggled to deal with an NHS crisis in Leeds. Will it knock him off course? Plus, we discuss Jonathan Ashworth's leaked comments, why the Liberal Democrats are miserable and how the Conservative campaign is going in target seats in the north of England. Presented by George Parker with Sebastian Payne and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last full week of the UK’s election campaign was dominated by Boris Johnson’s failure to turn up to an interview with Andrew Neil, yet another anti-Semitism row in Labour and the Brexit party descending into more infighting. We analyse all the latest developments, plus we discuss our exclusive interview with John McDonnell and what is happening on the campaign trail in Kensington and Peterborough. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley, George Parker, Jim Pickard and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the campaign enters the final week, the Conservative party is eager to ensure its lead is not knocked off course. Prime Minister Boris Johnson must hope US president Donald Trump does not destabilise his chances of re-election, and that neither Friday's TV debate nor a collapse in the Liberal Democrat vote produce a boost for the Labour party. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Laura Hughes and James Blitz. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK's general election continued as the opposition Labour party struggled with anti-Semitism and its economic platform. A major new poll suggested the Conservatives are on course for a comfortable majority, but will the polls themselves stop that from happening? Plus, we discuss how the campaign is looking for the Liberal Democrats and Labour from the key seats of Golders Green and Northampton South. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard and Ben Hall. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An unprecedented intervention from the UK’s chief rabbi has knocked Jeremy Corbyn’s campaign off course. A disastrous BBC interview also raised questions about his party’s economic credibility. Can the leak from UK-US trade talks put Labour’s campaign back on track? Plus, we look at the Conservatives’ manifesto, which has already almost been forgotten. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Laura Hughes and Jim Pickard. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second week saw Labour propose sweeping tax and spend changes, the Liberal Democrats struggle to make an impact and the inconclusive first TV leadership debate. We discuss whether the sums made public so far add up and look ahead to the Conservatives' manifesto, too. Plus, we hear what the voting public is saying in marginal seats around the country. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Sebastian Payne and Chris Giles. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn survived their first head-to-head encounter but neither candidate to be prime minister scored major points or made much headway. Plus, we discuss the manifestos from the Liberal Democrats and Labour and where the opposition parties sit in the campaign. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Laura Hughes and Jim Pickard. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Clips from the ITV debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first week of campaigning is over, but none of the parties have made much progress. Boris Johnson struggled with the floods, Nigel Farage tied himself in knots on where to stand candidates, Jo Swinson tried to cut through and Jeremy Corbyn unveiled a radical policy to offer free broadband for all. We examine all their campaigns and what might happen next. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage's decision to stand down his candidates in Tory-held seats was intended to help the Conservatives, but should he stand them down in Labour marginals, too? How is Jo Swinson going down on the doorstep, and who is winning in the Labour-Tory battle over spending? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first week of the election did not go to plan for the Conservatives, as their campaign was beset by gaffes and mistakes. Can Boris Johnson get back on track? Is Labour pleased with how its campaign is going, despite the resignation of Tom Watson? Plus, we delve into the new fiscal rules pledged by both parties and what the spending splurge means. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green, Chris Giles and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSwinney.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister finally succeeded in calling a general election this week, so Britain is heading to the polls on December 12. How is the campaign going to shake up? How did the launches for Labour and the Brexit party go? What will be the key themes? Plus, we discuss why so many female moderate Conservatives are quitting politics and the changing face of parliament. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Laura Hughes and Miranda Green. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister introduced legislation to parliament this week to deliver Brexit. It may have passed a vote in principle, but the government's rapid timetable for implementing it was rejected. Why did Boris Johnson not agree a slower implementation? And why is he now pushing once again for a general election? We examine the bill, the parliamentary arithmetic and the scenarios of what might happen next. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley, James Blitz and Maddy Thimont Jack of the Institute for Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeny.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a week of intense diplomacy with the EU, Boris Johnson brokered a new withdrawal agreement - without the troublesome Irish border backstop but with a contentious customs border in the Irish Sea. He lost support from the DUP, but does it have a chance of passing parliament? We dig into all the details and drama. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Sam Fleming, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green, James Blitz and Laura Hughes. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The highest court in Britain ruled that Boris Johnson's decision to shut down parliament was unlawful, with parliament unexpectedly returning this week. What are the constitutional implications of this landmark decision? What is the Commons planning to do now? And has our political rhetoric become too toxic? Plus, we review a radical Labour party conference, its latest convulsions on Brexit and radical policies on the environment - and look forward to the Tories' gathering next week. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jane Croft, David Allen Green, Laura Hughes, Jim Pickard and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After months of stalemate, a Brexit deal suddenly became increasingly possible after an unlikely breakthrough between Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar on the Wirral this week. What sort of new deal is being cooked up? Can it pass parliament? And will it be ready for October 31? Plus we discuss whether 10 Downing Street is dysfunctional or if the apparent chaos surrounding Dominic Cummings is planned. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Sam Fleming, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Eoin McSweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Conservative’s annual conference came to a close in Manchester, Boris Johnson made his bold play on Brexit - proposing the long-awaited ideas to replace the infamous Irish border backstop. Does it have any hope of gaining favour with the EU? And is another Brexit delay inevitable? Plus we’ll be reviewing Boris’ first conference as Tory leader and look at how ready the party is for an election later this year. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Sam Fleming, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brexit returned to the Supreme Court this week as judges and lawyers debated whether Boris Johnson legally prorogued parliament earlier this month. We discuss what arguments were made and what will happen if the government loses. Plus, we look back at the Liberal Democrats' conference, whether its new Brexit policy will help the party at the next election and how Labour might respond. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Miranda Green, Jane Croft and David Allen Green. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government is accused of not doing enough preparation to rescue a deal but there are rumours of movement on the Northern Ireland backstop. Plus, as the conference season opens, we discuss who might emerge stronger or weaker - Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn, Jo Swinson or Nicola Sturgeon. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker, David Bond, James Blitz and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Janina Corboye. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister lost control of his Brexit strategy this week, as parliament forced no deal off the table, 21 Tory MPs rebelled and were ejected from the party. Will Johnson be successful in forcing a snap election? Plus we discuss Labour’s plans for government, the radical redistribution of assets and when it wants Britain to go to the polls. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, James Blitz, Jim Pickard and Chris Giles - plus special guest Maddy Thimont Jack. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister announced plans to shut down parliament for five weeks this autumn to thwart efforts to stymie his Brexit strategy. Was it wrong, clever or unconstitutional? And what does it mean for legislative efforts to avoid a no-deal Brexit? Presented by Sebastian Payne. With George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and James Blitz of the FT - plus Maddy Thimont Jack of the Institute for Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister set off on his first visit to world leaders, meeting Angela Merkel in Germany and Emmanuel Macron in France. What was his Brexit message - and has anything changed? Plus, we discuss the leak of the Operation Yellowhammer document. Presented by Sebastian Payne with James Blitz, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Labour leader announced plans this week to form a temporary government to avoid a no-deal Brexit, appealing to other opposition MPs to back his efforts. But he was soon rebuffed by the Liberal Democrats and independents who don't trust him in office. Does this plan to stop a no deal have any chance of success? Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and guest Maddy Thimont Jack of the Institute for Government think-tank. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister and his aides have made it known they’re ready to force through leaving the EU with or without a deal, even if MPs collapse his government. Is this a bluff, and will it work? Plus, we discuss Labour’s position on forming a caretaker government and whether it is now aligned with the Scottish nationalists. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley and Mure Dickie. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look back at a mixed first full week in the job for Boris Johnson, as he toured Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland against a backdrop of a slump in sterling and Bank of England warnings about economic trouble ahead. In Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, the self-styled "Minister for the Union" was warned he could break up the country if he presses ahead with a no deal Brexit. Opinion polls look good for the new PM, but in the real world the Tories lost the Brecon by-election. Presented by George Parker, with Miranda Green, William Wallace, Mure Dickie and Vincent Boland. Produced by Caroline Grady and Salome Pkhaladze. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The key appointments by Britain's new Conservative prime minister and what we're learning about his priorities and strategy, especially - of course - on Brexit. Plus, we discuss the jostling for position among the other political parties, and Nigel Farage's latest project in the US. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker and Jim Pickard of the FT and Henry Newman of the Open Europe think-tank. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Theresa May's last days in No 10 - is she going with a bang or a whimper? And who will be the next prime minister, and what do we know about him? Plus, the new top team in Brussels, the balance of power in Europe and what it will mean for Brexit. Presented by George Parker, with Jim Pickard, Miranda Green, Ben Hall and Alex Barker. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The resignation of the UK's ambassador to the US this week caused a huge stir in Westminster, thanks to a leak of confidential diplomatic cables. Why did Kim Darroch decide to go? Was Boris Johnson to blame? And what does it tell us about the state of the civil service? Plus, we discuss the BBC expose of how Labour has dealt with anti-Semitism complaints and whether it is finally becoming the party of Remain. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, James Blitz and Jim Pickard - and Bronwen Maddox from the Institute of Government. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ballot papers have gone out to Conservative members for the leadership election and voting has begun. Boris Johnson is leading in the polls, Jeremy Hunt is still fighting - but is it game over for him? We also discuss the prospect and wisdom of an early election. Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker and James Blitz in London and Sebastian Payne on the campaign trail in Darlington. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Salome Pkhaladze. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The skirmishes between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt became more personal, with clashes over character and scrutiny. Is the foreign secretary gaining momentum? And has the frontrunner recovered from his difficult weekend? We also discuss the prospect of Sajid Javid as the next chancellor and what both candidates plan to do on the economy and immigration. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley and Chris Giles. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four candidates were knocked out of the Conservative party leadership race this week: Michael Gove, Sajid Javid, Rory Stewart and Dominic Raab. Does the foreign secretary have any hope of beating the frontrunner? Plus we discuss whether Jeremy Corbyn is finally moving Labour towards becoming the party of Remain. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard and Miranda Green - plus special guest Tim Montgomerie. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first round of voting in the Conservative leadership contest, Boris Johnson confirmed his place as the clear frontrunner. Matt Hancock, Esther McVey, Andrea Leadsom and Mark Harper have all exited. Who will win the battle for second place? Plus, we discuss whether a new prime minister could stop no deal, even by shutting down parliament. Presented by Sebastian Payne with George Parker, Miranda Green and James Blitz. Plus special guest Conservative commentator Tim Montgomerie. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Brexit party came close but failed to win its first seat in Westminster. What lessons are there for Labour and the Tories? Plus, we discuss the latest from the Tory leadership race and who will bag second place alongside Boris Johnson. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Robert Shrimsley, Laura Hughes and Miranda Green. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Hunt lost momentum in the Tory leadership contest this week, suggesting that the final race might end up being Boris Johnson versus Michael Gove - just like the 2016 contest. Plus, we discuss Donald Trump’s first state visit to the UK next week and the health of the ‘special relationship’. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green, Gideon Rachman and James Blitz. Produced by Anna Dedhar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister announced her intention to resign on Friday, following a dramatic week in Westminster where a final Brexit speech misfired and brought an end to May's time in office. We discuss how events unfolded, what her legacy will be, the impending leadership contest and how the likely successors are shaping up. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Theresa May has finally agreed to step down, clearing the way for a leadership contest this summer, against the background of the European Parliament elections. Might we have three prime ministers this year? And what does this all mean for Labour? Presented by Miranda Green, with George Parker, Laura Hughes and John Burn-Murdoch of the FT and political strategist John McTernan. Produced by Anna Dedhar.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anger is growing in the Conservative party against Theresa May, but MPs have failed to move against her. Will next week be a decisive moment for the prime minister? Plus, we discuss whether a universal basic income would help or hinder inequality, and whether Labour will support the policy at the next general election. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and Chris Giles. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson was summarily sacked by Theresa May, following a leak inquiry on the National Security Council. Can we be sure he was responsible? Who are the new entrants to the end cabinet? Plus, we discuss England’s local election results and what the Lib Dem revival portends for the European elections. Presented by Sebastian Payne and James Blitz, with George Parker, Laura Hughes, Robert Shrimsley, David Bond and Miranda Green. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An unprecedented leak from the National Security Council this week about the UK's 5G network has prompted much angst and a leak inquiry at the top of government. What was the row about and what does it say about the state of May's government? Plus we discuss Change UK's launch of its MEP candidates and whether the party might misfire in the European elections. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, David Bond, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green. Produced by Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Westminster is in recess, but campaigning has begun for the unexpected European Parliament elections on May 23. Will the Brexit party and TIGs surpass the two main established parties? Why have the Remain parties failed to co-ordinate? And will turnout be crucial? Plus, we discuss Sajid Javid's speech on crime and how the home secretary is using his past to sell his present politics. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with Jim Pickard, Robert Shrimsley, Miranda Green and Helen Warrell. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Caroline Grady. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK did not leave the EU (again) this week. Instead, exit day has been pushed back until the end of October. Where does this leave Brexit? Is the process moving any closer to a resolution? Plus, we discuss how the Conservative party can broaden its appeal and what its next leader must do to win over younger voters. Presented by Sebastian Payne, with George Parker, Alex Barker, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Elliott Kime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.