Politics At Sam and Anne's

Today, Sam and Anne ask the question, is the Prime Minister’s focus abroad distracting from his own problems and domestic reforms at home?With a plethora of contentious legislation to get through ahead of the spring statement in March and the Kings speech in May - the duo forecast whether there could be more rebellions down the line. The pair home in on the complicated problems facing Bridget Phillipson - how she deals with SEND reforms and the use of single sex spaces. Will the government take on parents over statementing kids, how will it be funded and is the EHRC acting in bad faith?

Three things from Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy to start your political day.What the government is having to deal with – the unpredictability of Donald Trump.Just as Britain signs up to troops in Ukraine if there’s a peace deal, it’s having to use its best diplomatic language on what the President’s thinking about Greenland.What the government wants to deal with – publishing the road safety strategy which is something every driver will have a view on.What some government sources are thinking – Sam’s got a story about whether AI is to blame for a massive rise in the number of Written Questions in the Commons.You can vote for Politics at Sam and Anne’s in the people’s choice category at the Political Podcast Awards here - https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/

The Starmer drama continues as the PM is warned by the Scottish Labour leader to stay away ahead of a crucial set of local elections – so, how popular is Keir Starmer across the board?Well, not very according to the first weekly check-in on the state of the polls in 2026 – as ‘Never Here Keir’ jets off to Paris for another Coalition of the Willing meeting.Before that, it’s the first cabinet of the New Year – and Sam and Anne have exclusive news on a potential revolt over business rates, as well as threats to industry to lobby less aggressively if it wants a u-turn.

It's a new year but does Keir Starmer still have the same problems? The Prime Minister is already under scrutiny, at home and abroad, to clarify his position on Donald Trump’s actions to strike and capture Venezuela’s President Maduro. Can he ‘beige’ it out or will he bow down to the pressure from his opponents and critics? Elsewhere, as MPs flock back to Westminster for 2026, is the PM premiership in a stronger or weaker position since the Christmas break? - Sam has all the behind-the-scenes reaction. Plus, is deeper integration with the European Union on the cards? You can vote for Politics at Sam and Anne’s in the people’s choice category at the Political Podcast Awards here - https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/

Could the next 12 months mould a new type of British politics, or could it break the entire system?Sam and Anne make their predictions and get into the political meat and potatoes of 2026, focusing on:If all the party leaders will still be in post?Could the local elections force a seismic change in UK politics?Does Britain still have a role in Europe and around the globe?Politics at Sam and Anne’s returns for daily service on Monday 5 January.

As Parliament wraps up for 2025 – Sam and Anne reflect on a tumultuous year in British politics, looking at the highlights but mainly the lowlights.The duo use their ‘glass half empty, glass half full’ approach to gauge if anyone can look forward to 2026 with pleasure or look back to 2025 in horror.Politics at Sam and Anne’s will be back for a special look ahead episode to 2026 on Monday 29th December, with normal daily service resuming on Monday 5th January.  

It might be the last full day of business before parliament wraps up for Christmas but there is plenty on the menu for Sam and Anne to tackle.The duo look at: The man to beat in the race to become the next UK ambassador to the United States Britain looking set to rejoin the Erasmus student exchange programme but how much will it cost the taxpayer? Gossip and fallout from the Angela Rayner polling about how she’s perceived with Labour voters 

As President Trump files a multi-billion dollar lawsuit against the BBC and reported friction on the recent U.S.-UK technology deal – what state is the ‘special relationship’ in?Sam and Anne pore over the details, look if things can get back on track or whether the President is meddling too much in UK political affairs.Also, we have some exclusive polling from Labour voters on who they would prefer as leader of the Labour party if it wasn’t Keir Starmer. Plus, Anne has an update on the talks held in Germany over a possible peace plan for Ukraine.

As the head of MI6 prepares to make her first public speech – is the UK facing a “new age of uncertainty?”Sam and Anne discuss the priorities for Blaise Metreweli – identifying where the perceived threats are coming from and how Britain is being targeted.Before he jets off to Berlin for more Russian-Ukraine peace talks, the Prime Minister will face the liaison committee as parliament begins to wind down for the year.Plus, Rishi Sunak makes another appearance at the Covid Inquiry. 

As UK-EU reconnection talks continue in Brussels and London, are more deals in the offing, what does it mean and when will the public see the difference?Anne has been speaking to the Minister for European Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, to see if any progress has been made and whether Brits can avoid the queues at immigration over the festive period. Back in Westminster, with a week until the Christmas break there’s plenty of business for the government to get through but it’s not all plain sailing. 

“Weak”, the words of President Trump to describe European leaders, but how will it go down here in the UK and across the continent?Anne is in Brussels mopping up reaction from the “decaying" group of nations to that explosive interview from the President as re-connection talks between the UK and EU continues.Elsewhere, Sam speaks to Kemi Badenoch about what success looks like for the Conservatives at the next set of local election – clue it may not be winning.Plus, has the ghost of Andy Burnham returned to haunt Keir Starmer with a leadership challenge? 

As Europe scrambles to respond to Donald Trump’s latest posturing on peace in Ukraine - with the head of the Royal Navy warning about Russia’s threat in the North Atlantic - how will Keir Starmer respond as he plots a course between the US and Europe?Angela Rayner returns to the Commons with a loyal-but-lively defence of her watered-down Employment Rights Bill, but will Labour’s leadership jitters overshadow some rare good news for Rachel Reeves?Plus, the government rolls out its Union Jack-branded Great British Railways reboot.

Some of the country’s biggest investment managers have sent a stark signal to Labour MPs. They worry that any attempt to oust Keir Starmer as PM could rattle the markets, weaken the pound and risk a Truss-style shock. As Labour Together, the group that campaigned for Starmer’s leadership, tests the waters for potential successors, Sam and Anne unpack what’s happening inside the party.In Downing Street Starmer hosts a high stake gathering with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, as Donald Trump publicly pressures Ukraine to accept his peace terms. Sam and Anne look at what could be unfolding behind closed doors.Plus, in Clacton, Nigel Farage has been reported to police over his electoral expenditure. Reform UK denies the claims.

How vulnerable is the British state from Russian attacks?Sam and Anne discuss how the government will fund the additional defence spending and the rumblings of some unhappiness in the British deep state.Away from defence, Sam hears of some tensions building between No10 and No11 over the handling of the budget as a formal leak inquiry is launched.Plus, is the government machine grinding to a halt? 

With reports that Nigel Farage expects to do a deal, or even merge, with the Conservatives before the next election – is it game over for the Tories or Reform? Sam and Anne discuss what this potential pact could mean for the right of British politics and whether the move will be seen as weakness from Mr Farage, in essence admitting that he can’t sweep to power alone. Away from party politics – Anne has the latest on the seemingly never-ending talks to stop the fighting in Ukraine. 

It’s almost a decade since the referendum on leaving the EU – and it feels like Keir Starmer has turned up the dial on his Brexit rhetoric.He said it would be “reckless” to use Brexit as a template for foreign policy.Sam and Anne discuss what the PM had to say. Elsewhere, how good is the UK-US zero tariff-drugs deal really and how are voters feeling about Labour as the budget dust starts to settle?Anne has some intel on the race to replace Lord Mandelson as the UK’s Ambassador to the United States.Plus, a listener asks why the PM didn’t dress properly for the Guildhall last night. 

The budget fallout continues but did the Prime Minister and the Chancellor exaggerate the size of the blackhole?Sam and Anne question whether Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves misled cabinet and the country to justify the smorgasbord of tax rises as pressure mounts across the political divide. Elsewhere, has the reset talks with the European Union hit the buffers over defence?Plus, the spotlight is on the head of the Office for Budget Responsibility as the investigation into the budget leak is given to the treasury. 

After all the drama can MPs, the markets, business and voters stomach Rachel Reeves’ budget? Sam and Anne look behind the headlines and dive deeper into items which were not noticed as much in the Chancellor’s budget, questioning whether it could be seen as a return to austerity. Plus, the duo also consider the practicalities of some of the new taxes and how they will be collected and monitored. Away from Westminster, Anne has an update on Ukraine and the push for a peace deal. 

Has the chancellor done enough to save the government after weeks of official and unofficial briefings of the "most trailed budget in history"?We knew Rachel Reeves was taking taxes to an all-time high before she was even on her feet in the Commons - thanks to the full budget being published by mistake on the Office for Budget Responsibility’s website - but what else was announced, and what didn't she say? Sam and Anne break down the budget and talk about:• The smorgasbord of tax rises - taking it to an all-time high • Britain's economic outlook and downgrading of growth • The opposition's response to "the worst chancellor in history"• A potential rebellion from her own MPs

Mansion tax, gambling tax, milkshake tax, scrapping the two-child benefit cap – today we finally get all the details of the most trailed budget in political history. So, who is the 2025 Rachel Reeves budget for and why? Sam and Anne assess how MPs and the markets will feel against voters and businesses. Politically, the giveaways look like they’re worth every penny – but, ultimately, it’s a tax raising budget that will hit everyone somehow. There are two episodes for budget day - Debrief on what’s happened in the budget without episode out around 6.30pm on Wednesday. 

On the eve of the long-awaited budget, the rhetoric is ramping up and speculation across Westminster is wild – but has the criticism on the Chancellor been fair? Sam and Anne assess Rachel Reeves’ position, her pitch roll to Labour MPs and her potential smorgasbord of tax rises. Plus, the duo issue a warning about increased tariffs from China ahead of Christmas. 

As Business leaders gather for the CBI conference will the Chancellor be on their side? Sam and Anne consider whether Rachel Reeves could make this budget for business a “death by a thousand taxes.” Elsewhere, Sam has a scoop on the OBR’s growth forecasts and how they could impact the budget. Plus, Anne has the behind the scenes take from the talks to end the war in Ukraine. 

As the Prime Minister heads to the G20 in South Africa, could international support for the Ukrainian war effort be under threat as an alleged corruption case rocks the Zelenskyy government?Back home, is a massive political row about to erupt over the use of single sex spaces?Plus, there could be some uncomfortable reading for some in Westminster later, as Baroness Hallet presents her report into the UK’s decision making and governance during the Covid pandemic.

With just one week until the budget – what levers are left for the Chancellor to pull to plug the black hole in the public finances? Sam and Anne assess the current economic outlook and explore what tax options are on the table for Rachel Reeves and whether a set of announcements could alleviate some of the pressure on her. Elsewhere, the Westminster village braces itself for the political report into the UK’s decision making and governance during the Covid pandemic. Plus, how significant is it that the government has named China in the latest attack on the British political system to recruit potential spies? 

The Prime Minister is out of the country again for the first of two overseas trips this week - he's off to Berlin ahead of the G20 in South Africa. Back home, he leaves grumpiness and angst about next week’s budget – Sam tells Anne he’s hearing about the challenges of squeezing every last penny out of Whitehall departments.Is this the first budget that’s unravelled before it’s delivered? And with auditions becoming a theme of the Labour front bench, did the Home Secretary pass on her big day? Plus, is there a quiet man elsewhere in cabinet who is turning up the volume? 

Following a briefing war and a budget U-turn last week, can the Home Secretary get the government’s agenda back on track? Sam and Anne discuss Shabana Mahmood’s plan to overhaul the asylum system – inspired by the Danes – and whether it will cut through with the voters. Plus, they also consider the implications of the Chancellor’s decision to not raise income tax and where the ‘smorgasbord’ of other tax rises will come from. 

As the fallout from the briefings against Wes Streeting rumbles on - does the PM have more issues behind the door to No10? In a tumultuous 24 hours, Keir Starmer has been forced to refer himself to the ethics advisor over the appointment of the new football regulator. Elsewhere, Sam has an exclusive on the links between a lobbying firm and Downing Street’s chief of communications, Tim Allen. The duo also consider if a former Labour leader could return to the top job and whether calls from cabinet ministers and backbenchers to sack the PM’s chief of staff – Morgan McSweeney – have any substance. 

What is going on? Sam and Anne share notes on the late night WhatsApps chats following a day of briefings about Keir Starmer’s future (and the WhatsApps keep coming as we record) The message from the PM’s team was if there’s a leadership challenge (from the someone in his own cabinet or elsewhere) - he’d stand and fight. Allies of Team Starmer have pointed a finger at Wes Streeting.  He’s denied any plot and has got an opportunity of the morning round to bolster that. As one government figure said to Sam - “bonkers”. If the PM doesn’t trust the Health Secretary – how does he stay? 

With Donald Trump threatening to sue the BBC, will the BBC have to pay out? And how have those across the political spectrum been reacting? And with 15 days until Rachel Reeves’ budget, Matthew McGregor - CEO of campaigning organisation 38 Degrees and a former digital strategist for both Labour and Barack Obama - takes issue with Sam’s take from yesterday and sends in a voice note.  And Sam and Anne discuss the latest twist in the Your Party saga, and it’s all about money. 

Sam reveals there might be some Traitors style plotting going on behind the scenes in the government. But from who? And how might Keir Starmer see off this challenge?  Budget speculation continues, and specifically – who is and is not a “working person”? And, should it occur, what would the consequences be of breaking a manifesto commitment? How perilous a moment for Starmer could this be? And after the BBC’s Director General and CEO of News resign, what does Starmer now say about the organisation? And who will come next in the top BBC job? 

PM Keir Starmer flies to the Brazilian rainforest for the COP30 climate conference, a trip he almost biffed off, but the surge in polling support for the Green party may have changed his mind.  He’ll join Prince William and the King out in the Amazon – at the same time as considering rolling back on some of the government’s climate commitments. Back home, Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces criticism over her warnings for the next budget, while she brings in experts to school Labour MPs on how budgets, debts, and deficits actually work.  And there’s a mini recess for Westminster, so Sam and Anne have an extra few days off. They return on Monday. 

The Chancellor breaks the norm by making a speech in Downing Street 22 days ahead of the budget – with everyone closely watching for what exactly she says on tax rises. Sam and Anne consider why Rachel Reeves is doing it now and how budget preparations have changed since Liz Truss’ days. We’re not expecting new policy from the Treasury, more an event which tries to prepare voters for tax changes. Elsewhere in Westminster, Conservative leader – Kemi Badenoch – is out and about attacking the government’s spending on the welfare bill. Plus, we have our weekly check-in on the state of the polls. 

As speculation grows as to what could and could not be included in the budget, do Reform UK have a credible and alternative plan for the economy?Sam and Anne discuss how and where Nigel Farage will pitch his party on the economic front ahead of a key speech in the city, described by some as “bombproof."The duo also consider which sectors could be impacted by the upcoming budget and how the government might sell potential tax rises to voters.

Rachel Reeves admits breaking housing rules after failing to get a licence to rent out her Dulwich home, but Keir Starmer says an apology is enough. A penny for Angela Rayner’s thoughts - she too claimed she was wrongly advised - the prime minister and his Chancellor face a nervous morning to see the reaction. Plus, Sam’s been inside the Spectator Awards, where Lucy Powell and Shabana Mahmood jovially took aim at some of their Labour colleagues - and Nigel Farage vowed to take on Westminster's elite.  

The Chancellor’s on manoeuvres – talking in a new interview about “necessary choices” around the budget. Rachel Reeves says she needs to be “candid” and doesn’t want to “simply accept” forecasts – but to “defy them”. With four weeks to go to the budget, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy ponder what she might be up to. They also have some sums on how the government might fill a black hole coming in above £30bn. Will Labour manifesto pledges be breached?Elsewhere, Keir Starmer chooses a Labour veteran to lead their election campaigns next May. Spencer Livermore will take on the task. 

As Labour sinks to record lows in the latest YouGov poll, and the Chancellor wrestles with how to fill a £20billion budget gap, Keir Starmer’s government faces fresh pressure on migration, the economy and trust.  Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy break down the day’s biggest stories in British politics. 

A bruising weekend for Keir Starmer: Labour loses its stronghold Caerphilly seat to Plaid Cymru in a by-election and faces fallout from the mistaken release and chaotic recapture of a convicted sex offender. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack what went wrong, as a damning report on the asylum system slams the Home Office. Plus, Lucy Powell makes her debut as Labour’s new deputy leader Chancellor Rachel Reeves has left the country to try to push through a Gulf trade deal. Will she be successful?

Could ‘Maga-fication’ change the course of British politics? Anne has been speaking to former Conservative Prime Minister, Liz Truss, who outlines several perceived problems in the country – from lack of growth to higher taxes. The duo also discuss her comments about what the Tories really stands for and the threat from Reform UK as the party grapples for prominence in the polls.

With growing signs that Britain’s top civil servant will leave No10 in the coming weeks – some ask, does the Prime Minister have a problem with people? Sam and Anne discuss the potential impact of Chris Wormald departure from the government machine and whether there could be more exits on the horizon. Plus, the Home Secretary warns that the national inquiry into grooming gangs will leave “no hiding place” after several individuals quit the inquiry panel.

What is parliament’s role in what happens to Prince Andrew from here?With Virginia Giuffre’s book released today and new reports that he’s not paid rent on the Royal Lodge in Windsor for two decades – Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss how uncomfortable Westminster might be feeling about the former trade envoy. Outside of London, how are the parties feeling about this week’s Senedd by-election in Caerphilly? Plus, in our weekly check-in on polling, are the Greens cutting through with the voters and could that be encouraging Keir Starmer to change his plans for the COP summit in Brazil? There’s a full list of candidates standing in the Senedd by-election in Caerphilly here: https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/my-council/voting-and-elections/forthcoming-elections-2025/election-notices/senedd-by-election-caerphilly-constituency

The week kicks off with a rare Monday morning cabinet meeting – but have the government managed to shake off all the stories about China? With Anne still in Washington, she has the latest gossip on the race to replace Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the U.S. - as the job advert goes live. Back in Westminster, all eyes on the Lords as the Planning and Infrastructure bill returns, but will it help or hinder the Rachel Reeves’ quest for growth? Plus, are the UK going to follow Canada with a new pension and insurers partnership?

Following Sam's scoop that the chancellor is considering tax rises and spending cuts in the budget – who is she actually targeting to fill the black hole?Anne has the latest from the US as she travels with Rachel Reeves to Washington.The duo also chat about Ms Reeves's economic position, her language and the likelihood of her ever getting out of the dreaded 'doom loop.'Elsewhere, the prime minister publishes three witness statements by the deputy national security advisor in an attempt to end the China spy row, but has it left more questions than answers?

The Chancellor tells Sam – on the record – that she is considering tax rises and spending cuts ahead of a critical autumn budget. In an exclusive interview – her first since being briefed by the OBR on the size of the black hole – Rachel Reeves discusses whether there is a way out or if she’s stuck in a ‘doom loop’. As she meets with economic leaders at the IMF in Washington – the duo consider the political ramifications and options on the table for her to plug the £20-30 billion gap in the public finances.

On the day, the government wants to talk about cutting ‘burdensome bureaucracy’ in the planning system – China is the story it can’t shake off again. Sam and Anne go over the fresh warning about “significant threat” posed by Chinese hackers and how they contributed to a record number of serious online attacks. And there’s more to say about the collapse of the China spy trial.Ministers are sure Jonathan Powell had no role in the case being dropped – but could the PM’s national security adviser walk regardless? It’s also Polling Tuesday on the podcast – did the party conferences shift the dial on anything with voters? Did the Tories see any traction for their promise to scrap stamp duty? Plus, why politicians should keep their voice down on the tube

As Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are exchanged on one of the most significant days for peace in the Middle East – what role did Britain play in the peace plan? With the Prime Minister in Egypt for the summit of peace – Sam and Anne assess if Keir Starmer can take any credit or whether he is there for the photo opportunity after criticism from international allies. Back in Westminster, the duo unpick the background to the China spy row as an angry shouting match erupts across SW1.

It’s day two of the prime minister’s trip to India - but has there been any progress towards an enhanced trade deal for the jumbo business delegation?Sam has the latest update from Mumbai – as he travels with Keir Starmer – after speaking to senior figures on the trip. The transcontinental duo also caught up with YouGov pollster Patrick English – to ask what state the parties are in with the voters as conference season concludes.

Sam and Anne break down Kemi Badenoch’s speech to the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The duo consider: Did she do enough to dampen the threat of a leadership challenge? Will her big headline announcement – to abolish stamp duty – cut through with the voters? Why did she attack some political opponents but not others? Plus, Sam and Anne briefly reflect on the conference season before MPs return to Westminster next week.

Sam and Anne join forces 4,600 miles apart as the Prime Minister takes a jumbo trade and business delegation to India. In Mumbai, the PM is given a warm welcome – with banners and posters lining the streets – but will the trip help or hinder the existing trade deal between the nations and business? Back in Manchester, Anne has the latest from the Conservative conference as Kemi Badenoch prepares to make her speech to party members. Elsewhere, the tit for tat trade war between the European Union and the United States could leave British Steel in a perilous position. Later today, Sam and Anne will debrief Kemi Badenoch’s speech to the Conservative party conference.

Sam and Anne have done the late-night Conservative conference parties and have news from those – as well as the day ahead. It’s ‘law and order’ day in Manchester - Robert Jenrick will unveil plans to abolish the sentencing council to end what some Tories call “two-tier justice system.” But Jenrick is at the centre of another story – calling the Handsworth area of Birmingham one of the “worst integrated places” he’d ever seen.Sam and Anne discuss if he’ll mind having those comments out there. And, on the second anniversary of October 7th, the Prime Minister warns people to not take part in protests, calling them “un-British.”

Sam and Anne manage about three points from the “10 things you didn’t know about Mel Stride” briefing before getting onto the substance of the day. (Licenced pilot and unpublished novel, by the way) It is the shadow chancellor’s big day at Conservative conference in Manchester – where he’ll identify billions of pounds of budget cuts – is there a distinct policy difference between ‘Melonomics’ and Reform UK? And, away from Manchester, should China be considered a friend or enemy of Britain after spy charges were dropped?