Politics At Sam and Anne's

With one month to go until the local elections in England, Wales and Scotland - is the electoral map about to be redrawn?In his first major test since the general election, Sir Keir Starmer faces a major health check and verdict on his government and leadership. Could the results reshape his premiership?In this special episode, Sam and Anne are joined by elections analyst Professor Rob Ford to discuss the key battlegrounds across the country.Can the SNP hold on for a fifth term at Holyrood?Could Welsh Labour lose power in the Senedd for the first time in its electoral history?Will Reform UK and the Greens' surge end the conventional two-party political system for good?Can the Conservatives stop the bleeding of votes across the board?Was the Liberal Democrat revival short-lived?Sam and Anne return for daily episodes from Monday 13 April.

MPs may be on recess - but as the Iran war enters its fifth week should Whitehall ramp up contingency planning for its impact at home?With the Strait of Hormuz still shut and reports of a potential U.S. ground invasion the Prime Minister will host a roundtable with key stakeholders from industry to discuss the ongoing impacts.Elsewhere, Labour launch its local elections campaign, and the duo look at the polls from a national perspective, assessing the state of the parties with a key month ahead to May 7th.Next Monday Sam and Anne return with a lookahead to the local elections with academic and pollster – Professor Rob Ford. Normal service will resume from Monday 13th April.

The Iran conflict may be dominating the headlines, but it’s the unintended consequences back home that are bothering the Prime Minister.With Tehran rejecting Donald Trump’s 15-point peace plan, will the government be forced to step up contingency planning to cover issues as diverse as fertiliser, fuel costs and even helium production?Sir Keir Starmer is in Finland for a military summit – so Sam and Anne assess the urgent priorities at home and abroad.But back in Westminster, the Morgan McSweeney phone theft story simply won’t go away. Are there yet more questions for No.10 to answer?

How does the government plan for making sure the country has enough fuel without accidentally triggering a change in public behaviour which causes shortages?Sam and Anne discuss that tightrope this morning. Ministers will be frustrated by comments from the CEO of Shell about ‘ripple effects’ from the Iran war.The UK says supplies are solid, but it’ll be looking at different approaches being taken elsewhere in Europe.It’s the last PMQs before recess and what’s the story with Morgan McSweeney’s phone theft?

Does Donald Trump always chicken out or is Keir Starmer in the dark about what is going to happen next in the Middle East? The U.S. President has paused military action in Iran for five days, but pressure remains on the government to support those struggling with energy bills.Sam and Anne unpack a turbulent 24 hours for the Prime Minister - examining how far the Chancellor can go to help those in need and whether she can afford it.Has Rachel Reeves learnt the lessons from Liz Truss – can she steady the markets and are there tricky decision coming down the line?Elsewhere, we have our weekly check-in on the polls – has the Starmer drama died down?Plus, Sam has a deep dive investigation in local councils wasting money on “unreasonable” planning decisions.

As oil prices climb again – with neither the U.S. nor Iran backing down over the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz – what can the Prime Minister do to ease the economic strain?Later today Keir Starmer will convene an emergency COBR meeting to assess the cost-of-living impacts of the Iran war and consider if the government can further support households with a potential energy crisis looming.Sam and Anne examine the economic challenges facing the PM and the Chancellor, what role Britain is really playing in the conflict and how long could it go on for.Elsewhere, does the Home Secretary have multiple headaches over the Hillsborough law and a deal with the French to curb migrant crossings over the English Channel.

After a targeted attack on Shabana Mahmood’s immigration reforms, has Angela Rayner forced another climbdown from the Starmer premiership?Rayner allies are eyeing her return to frontline politics before the May elections – will Rachel Reeves be her next target? And does the Prime Minister really need his former deputy’s support?Sam and Anne consider all the factors and assess how credible a Rayner vision for Britain would be.Elsewhere, the UK launches a 50% tariff on all steel goods being imported into the country, but what is the move trying to achieve?Plus, what does the public really think of the policing system – and is the minister responsible immune from the issues?

With a full-on pointed and personal attack at the Prime Minister – is Angela Rayner beginning to position herself for something bigger?The former deputy prime minister ramped up the rhetoric – claiming that the future of the Labour party was at stake if mistakes continued and that certain reforms were “un-British.”Sam and Anne pore over her explosive comments, assessing what an ‘Ange-Britain’ could look like, where she differs from the current approach being taken by Keir Starmer and what the overall strategy is.Away from Westminster, up in Holyrood MSPs vote against assisted dying - but will the decision have an impact on the legislation going through Westminster?

Global insecurity and transatlantic tensions dominate the agenda for Keir Starmer - but is the UK about to edge closer to the EU?Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver a speech on plans to deepen the ties with the European Union, as Donald Trump ramps up the rhetoric on Britain’s limited involvement in the Iran war.But - with oil and gas supplies under pressure - how long can the Prime Minister hold back from supporting the U.S. President before needing Washington’s help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to stabilise global supply chains?Back in London, President Zelenskyy makes a visit to Downing Street - a timely reminder that the war in Ukraine against Russia rumbles on.Plus, is Angela Rayner slowly making a return to front line politics and how does it fit in with Labour's promises of reform when they came in?

The U.S. President is pilling the pressure on the UK to back his war in Iran – but how long can Keir Starmer hold his nerve?Barrels of oil remain above $100, and the Straits of Hormuz remain shut - all as Donald Trump casts doubt on the future of NATO for nations not co-operating with him.Ahead of a key PM speech later today, Sam and Anne examine the diplomatic fallout and assess how Starmer will navigate an increasingly fraught relationship with Mr Trump.Plus, what does all this mean for people back home with a potential energy bill price hike – does the government have a package of measures ready to help?

The release of the Mandelson files, war in the Middle East and a fresh cost-of-living crisis are all causing turmoil for the Prime Minister – but strangely, are they also doing him a favour?The fallout from the first details of Peter Mandelson’s departure from Washington have already exposed the cracks between Keir Starmer and some advisors. With thousands more emails, messages and WhatsApps to come, this could be just the beginning.But Sam and Anne assess how a lack of obvious successors might actually shore up the PM’s position.Meanwhile, as the Iran war continues to escalate in the Middle East – pushing oil prices ever higher – Sam hears from government sources that contingency planning is already underway to soften the blow if energy bills surge.

The first wave of files relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador get released today.Not only will we see emails, WhatsApps and minutes about the due diligence, any comments about the US president himself will also be there for us all to see.Sam and Anne discuss the potential consequences.Peter Mandelson denies any wrongdoing, including misconduct in public office. He has apologised to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims for remaining friends with him.Plus, we’ve more on the tensions between defence chiefs and Downing Street.

The government, like the rest of us, is trying to work out where it stands this morning after Donald Trump swung from hitting Iran ‘twenty times harder’ to ending the war ‘very soon’.If Trump’s got things to boiling point and now looking for an offramp – how will that make the UK response look?Sam and Anne pick up on what they’re hearing about relations between the PM and his defence chiefs.Back in Parliament, the Courts and Tribunal Bill returns to the Commons – we go over the streamlined plans for juries – and where any rebellion could come.Plus, Kwasi Kwarteng, Nigel Farage and bitcoin.

As Iran names its new supreme leader oil prices skyrocket, sending shockwaves across the global economy – but how will the UK government deal with the issue?President Trump claims the surge is a “small price to pay” for peace - but as G7 finance leaders hold an emergency meeting later today can they find ways to limit the damage?Sam and Anne discuss the steps Keir Starmer can take to reassure the public, if the conflict could hit people’s pockets and whether there is potential of world economies collapsing under the pressure.The pair also consider the increasingly turbulent “special relationship's”: is it just a one-way street?Plus, with the courts bill returning to the House of Commons tomorrow will we get a picture of how big a potential rebellion could be?

As the war in the Middle East enters its sixth day, questions remain over the Prime Minister’s stance – but did a cabinet revolt shape the UK’s response?Reports suggest Keir Starmer was in favour of granting the US access to UK military bases sooner, but was overruled by an alliance of Yvette Cooper, Ed Miliband, Rachel Reeves and Lord Hermer.Sam and Anne unpack the power dynamics at the top of government and the pressure the PM faces from international allies – some of whom are wondering which side Britain is on.Away from the conflict, Home Secretary Shabanna Mahmood unveils tougher immigration plans in a major speech - but will the rhetoric cross the line?Plus, the duo have insider gossip from Morgan McSweeney’s leaving do.

“This is not Winston Churchill we are dealing with here” - the words of Donald Trump as he attacks Keir Starmer over the UK’s approach to the Iran war - but does this mark a new low for the transatlantic relationship?As the conflict in the Middle East rages on, the UK deploy military hardware to Cyprus to protect its assets, is this a further sign the UK is being dragged into the war?Sam and Anne assess if events have overshadowed the Spring Forecast, examine where the UK stands in its special relationship with the United States and look at whether Whitehall is preparing for months of war.Remember, you can get a full analysis of the Rachel Reeves’ Spring Forecast in Politics at Sam and Anne’s The Debrief here

The Chancellor has been on her feet in the Commons – the backdrop?The momentous conflict unfolding in the Middle East - so was it a “non-event” that dated almost immediately? Or did the Spring forecast give us clues to the direction of the government?Rachel Reeves reiterated that her economic plan was “the right plan” but have the government made certain assumptions and do the OBR agree with them?Sam at the Resolution Foundation thinktank and Anne in Berlin debrief the contents of Spring Forecast and pour over all key economic indicators - with a focus on areas which might be trouble down the tracks.

Its Spring Forecast day but as the war continues across the Middle East – is the special relationship now under threat?Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and U.S. President, Donald Trump, trade blows on the legality of the military action but is Britain military and economically ready for what’s to come?Sam and Anne look at all options on the table and assess whether this could impact the Spring Forecast, and more importantly, people’s pockets.Elsewhere, we have an exclusive poll which puts the Greens on a stronger footing with the public.Plus, should MPs be paid close to £100,000 a year?

After a weekend of destabilisation and tension across the Middle East, the UK allows the U.S. to use its military bases for attacks in Iran – but what challenges do the government face?The U.S. President says he will continue bombings on Iran until “all objectives are met” posing problems for Keir Starmer with thousands of Brits stuck in the region and hundreds of oil tankers dropping anchor around the Strait of Hormuz.Sam and Anne examine the domestic and political reaction; the tight rope the Prime Minister is walking to maintain a working relationship with Donald Trump and how costly this could be on people’s day-to-day lives.Tomorrow, Sam and Anne will bring you a bonus de-brief episode on the Spring Forecast, which will be in your feed's late afternoon.

The plumber come politician – Hannah Spencer – claims a seismic and historic win for the Greens at the Gorton and Denton by-election but, where does this leave the Keir Starmer project? Sam and Anne examine what this means for the Prime Minister, who will be left soul searching after a massive collapse in their vote within the Manchester suburb. The duo also consider: Is the Labour vote bleeding from both the left and the right flanks of the party? Is this truly the end of two-party politics in Britain? What are the consequences of this result and has the blame game began?

After months of heated and passionate debate across the country and in the Houses of Parliament, is the assisted dying bill about to fall?Sam exclusively reveals that the government will not give additional time for the bill in the Lords – leaving little time to get it through before the end of the parliamentary session.Ahead of the spring forecast, the duo pore over policy areas pushing for further cash - especially student loans and defence - despite Rachel Reeves insisting this isn’t a moment for increased spending.Plus, does the United States have the final say on whether the UK should sell off the Chagos Islands?

With under 24 hours to go until the polls open in Gorton and Denton, is this by-election the biggest test facing Sir Keir Starmer’s government?Sam has been in the Manchester suburb - hearing from the political big hitters and gathering reaction from voters across the constituency – finding out their priorities and whether Andy Burnham could have made a difference.Back in Westminster, are the Metropolitan Police in a sticky situation over the arrest of Peter Mandelson and claims that he was a “flight risk?”A full list of candidates standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election can be found here: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/directory_record/538138/statement_of_persons_nominated_and_notice_of_poll_for_the_february_2026_gorton_and_denton_by_election?outputType=chromeless

Peter Mandelson is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a seismic moment in British politics - but will the pain of Epstein files continue to haunt Keir Starmer’s government over the coming days, weeks and months?With an active police investigation and limited scope of what he can reveal, the Prime Minister will face tough questions over his decision to appoint Mr Mandelson as the UK’s top man in Washington. Sam and Anne consider: Will the arrest impact the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election? Will the Liberal Democrats use the humble address to force the government to release documents on the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a trade envoy? Away from the Mandelson affair, on the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, allies from the coalition of the willing meet with President Zelenskyy. Plus, has more money been found to help tackle the courts backlog and will it make a difference?

A royal arrest and a new cabinet secretary welcome the Prime Minister back from recess week but with a crucial by-election and significant white paper on special educational needs, can the government get things back on track?Sam and Anne examine the details of SEND white paper in England, looking at the challenges facing the reforms and whether the system, and its costs, are spiralling out of control?Will the government learn from previous rebellions to get tricky legislation through, or will this be another example of trouble down the tracks?Elsewhere, is the newly appointed head of the civil service – Antonia Romeo – already under pressure over an alleged cover up?Plus, are certain government departments already talking about a potential reshuffle?

In a special recess week edition of Politics at Sam and Anne, the pair look at who could replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.Anne – who's in Munich – tells Sam how the Europeans view the Starmer government and if his vision of closer ties with Europe aligns with his EU counterparts.Back home, is the Peter Mandelson affair ramping up with a possible police interview under caution within the next 14 days?Plus, Nigel Farage will announce part of Reform UK’s shadow cabinet next week, but who will make the cut?

As the parliamentary recess approaches, questions are still being asked about the PM’s judgement – but will the break give him a chance for yet another reset?After a further week of jeopardy for the Starmer premiership, Sam has the inside view from Downing Street following several senior departures from No10.The pair also consider just how close the Prime Minister was to standing down – and what price might he have to pay for the support of cabinet colleagues as well as his former deputy, Angela Rayner.Plus, a bombshell Sky News interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe - where he claimed Britain had been “colonised by immigrants” - has led to criticism and condemnation from across the political divide.

Like MPs, Sam and Anne are staggering through until recess. It’s only Wednesday but they have the latest on Labour psychodramas.Today – who was it calling Anas Sarwar before his presser on Monday? The new suggestion is that it was Angela Rayner.But lots of eyes are still on Wes Streeting, who continues to deny that he isn’t backing Keir Starmer.Elsewhere, Labour suspend Keir Starmer’s former chief of communications – Matthew Doyle – over alleged links to a convicted sex offender.Plus, is the civil service about to get its first female leader?

After a helter-skelter 24 hours - with calls for the PM to quit and another senior resignation from the heart of No10 – has Keir Starmer done enough to convince his party he is the man for the future, or has he simply just bought time?Sam and Anne reflect on a tumultuous day in Westminster and look ahead to challenges facing the Prime Minister in the coming weeks and months.Away from the psychodrama, the duo consider where this leaves Wes Streeting after he voluntarily shared his messages and WhatsApp’s with Peter Mandelson – it could lead to a spicy cabinet meeting.Elsewhere, could Unite the Union disaffiliate themselves with the Labour party over concerns that they are not delivering for workers or industries?Plus, Sam shines the light on the challenges around special educational needs provision.

The Prime Minister starts the week without his right-hand man – Morgan McSweeney – following his resignation over the appointment of Peter Mandelson but, has that secured Keir Starmer’s survival?Sam and Anne mop up the reaction from Labour circles and break down a crucial 24 hours for the PM as he faces the markets. Will his own MPs restore confidence in his premiership after he addresses the Parliamentary Labour party?The duo also consider the psychodrama and positions of the Prime Minister’s potential challengers and whether any of them are in a more positive position as the new week starts.

As the political drama over Peter Mandelson spills into the Commons - with another climbdown and a damaging revelation – it raises the bigger question: How secure is the Keir Starmer premiership?With some MPs calling for Starmer to go – along with his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney – pressure is mounting over the stark confession that the PM knew about Mandelson’s continuing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein before he was appointed the UK’s ambassador to the US.Elsewhere, has Andy Burnham actually improved his leadership chances by being barred from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election? Plus, Sam and Anne gauge the mood in the Labour party to figure out what happens next to Keir Starmer.