Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

President Biden will not fight a second term… but it's taken him a long time to reach an obvious conclusion that was right in front of us. And he’s not alone. Most leaders do not dare to accept that it’s over when it is. Plus, more on Labour's foreign policy, your questions and much more.Back us on Patreon to join the Post-Election Post-Mortem on ZOOM on Tue 30 July: https://www.patreon.com/posts/join-steve-for-108244685 – plus you get bonus podcasts, live events, exclusive merchandise and much more. https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock & Roll Politics is at the Edinburgh Festival from Aug 11th and then every day, with a different show every time. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsWritten and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The attempted assassination of Donald Trump is a symbol of a disturbed democracy and will be another destabilising factor for the US. UK Prime Ministers choose to hug the US close, but how reliable an ally is the US for a British government seeking a more mature foreign policy after the reckless misrule of recent years? Plus: Why England losing is part of a reassuring pattern…your brilliant questions… and much more. Rock & Roll Politics is at the Edinburgh Festival from Aug 11th and then every day… with a LOT to make sense of. Tickets here Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts, live events, exclusive merchandise and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is only the third Labour leader to enter Number 10 having won a landslide. Only Attlee and Blair achieved similar results. Starmer has the bonus of facing a demoralised and divided Tory party. How will he make use of rare political space? Plus, as ever, your brilliant questions. Rock & Roll Politics is live daily at the Edinburgh Festival with a brand new show every day from Aug 11th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsBack us on Patreon for bonus podcasts, live events, exclusive merchandise and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsWritten and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour's mammoth lead has been virtually unchanged from the start of the campaign six weeks ago. Despite this the election has been full of surprises and if we look closely enough there is much to discover from the oddest campaign in decades.Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon.Rock & Roll Politics – the post election special is live at Kings Place on July 10th. If the polls are right it will be the first live show at Kings Place under a Labour government:. Tickets here.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets here.Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special bonus episode! We recorded the Rock & Roll Politics live show at Kings Place in London on the 24th of June for all to listen back to. It’s the only show of the election campaign, complete with unreliable predictions, reflections on all the main parties and audience questions.Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon.Rock & Roll Politics – the post election special is live at Kings Place on July 10th. If the polls are right it will be the first live show at Kings Place under a Labour government. Tickets hereRock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets hereWritten and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most Labour leaders have argued that economic growth is the key to improving public services but will the distinct policies of Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves deliver? Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon.Rock n Roll Politics – the post election special is live at Kings Place on July 10th. If the polls are right it will be the first live show at Kings Place under a Labour government. Tickets here.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets hereWritten and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Tory papers and their online equivalents are used to setting the agenda, having played their part in successive election victories for the Conservatives. The BBC has tended to be heavily influenced by these newspapers. So how will they respond to a transformed political landscape and how should a Labour government deal with the media? Plus brilliant questions on Farage, the implications of a big majority for Labour and much more.Rock & Roll Politics: The Bonus Election Special is live at Kings Place on June 24th - Tickets here.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug11th. Tickets here.Written and presented by Steve RichardsBack us on Patreon for bonus podcasts on all the recent strange election campaigns and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Look at the government's own figures and it's obvious that taxes and borrowing will have to rise or else there will be further cuts to the UK's decaying public services. Why can't the parties be more honest? Has it always been like this in elections? What are the consequences? Plus brilliant questions and a key notice for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative. Rock N Roll Politics – The Election Bonus is live at Kings Place on June 24th and there are only a few tickets left!Rock & Roll Politics: The Bonus Election Special is live at Kings Place on June 24thRock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets hereBack us on Patreon for bonus podcasts on all the recent strange election campaigns and much more.Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the surface frenzy of the Diane Abbott saga are two overlooked questions. Does a leader have a right to have a say who is selected as candidates? What is the role of an MP? The ambition of all candidates is to be an MP, but is there any clear sense of what's expected of an MP? In this case also there are questions about how Keir Starmer and his unelected allies manage or mismanage their party.Rock & Roll Politics: The Bonus Election Special is live at Kings Place on June 24th. Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets here.Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts on all the recent strange election campaigns and much more.Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So far the Conservative campaign makes Labour’s in 1983 and Theresa May’s in 2017 seem slick and confident. Why does it seem so indisciplined and ill thought-through? The answer lies in the mind of Rishi Sunak.Rock & Roll Politics: The Bonus Election Special is live at Kings Place, London on June 24th. Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets here. Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts on all the recent strange election campaigns and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak surprised most of us by calling an election for July 4th. Why has he done it when he's 20 points behind? What will happen in the campaign and how will the parties handle the new levels of intense scrutiny? It’s time for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative to gather more often than usual to make sense of the suddenly changed political context… The election is only six weeks away!Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on July 10thI'm also live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sun Aug 11th with a new show every day. Get tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A familiar pattern forms again: scandals, cover up, victims struggling to prove the truth and an inquiry that reveals a dysfunctional state. Where does power lie in the UK? And what happens next?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on July 10th I'm also live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sun Aug 11th with a new show every day. Get tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a silly question. We all know the answer to that one. And yet that was what was asked of Starmer at a point of unusual distinctiveness. He reiterated his unqualified opposition to the Rwanda populism, but did so at that moment of ambiguity. Plus, the defection of Natalie Elphicke: there are many lessons, not least for the media asking the silly question.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on July 10th. Tickets here. I’m live at the Edinburgh Festival with a different show each day. Tickets here.Back Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get early, ad-free episodes, live Zooms, merchandise and much more.Image: Keir Starmer takes a boat trip on the River Tees during a visit to PD Ports on April 18, 2024 in Teesside, England. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the elections, Sunak’s right wing dissenters called off their planned coup even though the results were disastrous for the Tories, while outlining their agenda for the future… which is similar to the one Sunak is pursuing. Do they know what they are doing?Plus, the dangers of Keir Starmer walking into traps in his attempt to avoid others, and brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics Co-operative. Rock & Roll Politics – The Pre-Election Special is live at Kings Place on July 10th. Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sat Aug 11th. A different show every day. Tickets here.Support the podcast on Patreon for early, ad-free episodes, merchandise, special events and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A First Minister and SNP leader falls after a short tenure. Like the Tory party’s problems in Westminster, does the SNP leadership crisis raise thorny questions well beyond the flaws of one leader? And with what implications?Rock & Roll Politics: The Pre-Election Special is live at Kings Place on July 10th. Tickets hereBack Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon here to get exclusive live events, bonus podcasts, free entry to Steve’s local elections post-mortem, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Lawson once noted that the party that wins the battle of ideas wins elections. He was right. Ideas matter and yet play little part in the contest between Sunak and Starmer. But the Right remain ideologically confident. Will a Labour government be able to counter the anti-state onslaught that is bound to happen? Plus exciting notices and brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative.Rock & Roll Politics is live at King’s Place, London, on Wed 10 July for a pre-election special. Get tickets here. Back Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get FREE access to Steve’s 2024 Local Elections Post-Mortem live on Zoom, 5pm on Friday 3 May. Analysis, projections and your questions – all free to Patreon people. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his last term as Prime Minister, Harold Wilson was seen as old, paranoid and ineffective… yet now we discover he was lively enough to be having an affair. This suggests the caricature might be wrong. What if Wilson was livelier politically too? And what if we choose to see other leaders as stereotypes which do not present anything like the full picture? Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon for early episodes, exclusive merchandise and more. PLUS get free admission to Steve’s Local Elections 2024 Post-Mortem, live on Zoom at 5pm on Friday 3 May.https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsSee Rock & Roll Politics live at King's Place on the 10th of July. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The journalist and author Will Hutton has written an important new book on the eve of what’s likely to be a Labour government. The title is stark: This Time No Mistakes. But what mistakes were made? What are the lessons of the past? What are his hopes and fears for a Keir Starmer government?This Time No Mistakes is published on April 11th. Buy it through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund Rock & Roll Politics by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon for early episodes, exclusive merchandise and free admission to Steve’s Local Elections 2024 Post-Mortem, live on Zoom at 5pm on Friday 3 May.https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A rare chance to hear a live show… this one recorded in the main concert hall at Kings Place, London. On the agenda: How do the dramas around the current government compare with other ‘fin de siecle’ administrations? How does Keir Starmer compare with Harold Wilson and Tony Blair when they were on the edge of power? Plus unreliable predictions… Question Time… and much more.Support the podcast Patreon for bonus editions, special merchandise and exclusive live events for subscribers. Our next one will be the day after the May local elections so sign up to find out first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Lawson once said a party that wins the battle of ideas wins the election... Rachel Reeves has started to engage in this battle of ideas during her Mais Lecture. Labour are way ahead in the polls, so is this a battle they can win?Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon for bonus podcasts, special events and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With polls suggesting a slaughter at the election will Tory MPs seek to replace Sunak … and should they?Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on 26th March 2024 Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers.Buy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are obsessed by the character of leaders, even if context, ideas and external circumstances can determine the fate of a government as much as character. Keir Starmer has been unusually hard to pin down, which is why I was keen to speak to Tom Baldwin. Although he has done many interviews to promote his new book on the Labour leader, I sensed there was more to explore – and we do. Plus, reflections on the challenge for Labour after the budget and major assembly notices for the co-operative.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Weds March 13.Steve is speaking at the York Literature Festival on Sat Mar 16. Tickets £10.Venue: Memorial Hall, St Peter's School, Clifton, York, YO30 6ABRock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London on Tue March 26.Support the podcast on Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The nightmare in Gaza triggers chaos in the Commons, a victory for George Galloway and apocalyptic warnings from Rishi Sunak… and yet there’s broad agreement in the UK about the need for a ceasefire. Meanwhile on most domestic issues where there should be an intense political battle, there seems to be a passive consensus.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Weds March 13.Steve is speaking at the York Literature Festival on Sat Mar 16. Tickets £10.Venue: Memorial Hall, St Peter's School, Clifton, York, YO30 6ABRock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London on Tue March 26. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amidst the delusional craziness of Liz Truss’s interventions, she raises one valid question: Does too much power lie in unelected institutions? Since 1979 a huge amount of power has been handed over by elected politicians, and only Truss explores the implications as she sees them. Time for the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative to step in and save an important question from the fleeting Prime Minister.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London on March 26. Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham on March 13th. Tickets here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Tom Baldwin's new biography of Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner describes the Labour leader as “the least political person I know in politics”. What does she mean? Is she right about Starmer? And what are the implications?Rock & Roll Politics is live in March:The Ropetackle, Shoreham, Wed Mar 13th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2/Kings Place, London, March 26th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-march-2024/ Support the podcast on Patreon for bonus editions, live events and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsBuy Keir Starmer: The Biography by Tom Baldwin through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund Rock & Roll Politics by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour is way ahead in the polls and has dropped its most radical policy, the £28 billion green recovery plan. But in opposition, in the build up to the 1979 and 2010 elections, the Conservatives put forward radical right wing programmes – and won from opposition. They did not retreat. Why is Labour more cautious and less confident?Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on March 26th with a brand new show. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-march-2024/ Support the show on Patreon for bonus podcasts, live events and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starmer and Reeves have got in a mess over their pledge to borrow £28 billion for a green recovery programme. The proposal has been marked by defensive ‘retreats’ when it would enable UK to compete with the US and EU and bring good news to every voter. Why has this happened, and what can be done about it?Plus, points from the Rock N Roll Co-operative on the return of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Lord Frosty Frost and moreBack the podcast on Patreon for bonus editions and much more too.Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on March 26th with a brand new show. Get your tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-march-2024/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Attempted coups against PMs and leaders are becoming increasingly familiar. Will the current plot against Sunak succeed? Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon to get bonus editions, merchandise and more. Rock N Roll Politics is live with a brand new show at Kings Place on March 26th. Get in-person or streaming tickets here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s become a cliché that Keir Starmer's pitch lacks the clarity and sense of purpose that marked New Labour's victory in 1997. But Blair’s over-mythologised win was a lot lighter on specifics than we tend to remember, says Steve Richards. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsBuy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on 26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week Steve Richards asked what the deeper lessons were from the Post Office scandal. The responses from the Rock N Roll Politics Co-operative suggests it merely reflects a much wider problem. How do we even begin to fix Britain? Or to be more precise; how does a future Labour government fix it? Plus important notices on exclusive new content for Patreons, live events and brilliant questions.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including a bonus series on Labour in 1997, exclusive merchandise and live events only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsBuy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Tickets for live event including a Q+A to celebrate 'Turning Points': Hornsey Library on January 28thTickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on 26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The indifference of ministers in the coalition government to the Post Office scandal is becoming a big story. But the indifference was not accidental, it was a deliberate act and part of a wider culture that is still pervasive: The state should step back and give 'operational independence' to non-elected figures. Steve Richards assesses how when things go wrong, as they often do in this culture, ministers become responsible, and whether these vague lines of accountability are part of the reason why nothing works in the UK.Plus we hear brilliant questions on Labour's election slogan and much more.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsBuy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on 26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A bonus New Year episode for all in the Rock N Roll Politics Co-operative: With Keir Starmer following a Blairite pre-election strategy, Steve Richards thinks Rishi Sunak has only one route to reduce Labour's lead. But will he fail to take it? Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsBuy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on 26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a packed house at Kings Place this December for a live Rock N Roll Politics: The Festive Special. As a special Christmas gift from Steve Richards we have the live recording for those in the Rock N Roll Politics Co-operative who couldn't be there, and for those who could.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsBuy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on 26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A small but emblematic announcement highlights why public services are so poor in the UK; the government has scrapped plans for an app to make booking train tickets easier. Steve Richards explores why public services are not structured for the benefit of the public.All this plus brilliant listener questions and notices for the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative and a Happy Christmas to you all! Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsBuy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NHS waiting lists spiralling out of control. A crisis in social care. Station boards full of cancelled trains. Creaking schools. But somehow, Rishi Sunak's future depends on flying a single plane full of migrants to Rwanda. How do we get a more grown-up politics in the UK?Plus your brilliant questions, notices from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, and much more.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Kings Place London on Dec 18th.Buy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the resignation of Robert Jenrick, plus Suella Braverman's opposition to his new Rwanda legislation, can Rishi Sunak govern any more? If not, will he call an early election next year? Steve Richards assesses another Westminster drama with a special bonus podcast.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Kings Place London on Dec 18th.Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a new week and Boris Johnson will finally be held to account for his leadership during the pandemic at the Covid-19 Inquiry this week.Steve Richards imagines how different and more effective the response would have been if Gordon Brown and Alastair Darling were in charge. Would they have handled it as well as they did the financial crash?All this plus reflections on Glenys Kinnock, Keir Starmer and Margaret Thatcher, the demise of Newsnight and the BBC and brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll co-operative.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Kings Place London on Dec 18th.Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now even Holland is under the rule of a right wing populist, it might be time to admit that they are winning again. Argentina has elected another. Trump might win next year. And Farage is in the jungle watched by millions. Steve Richards asks what's happening and why?Plus Steve answers brilliant listener questions and important notices for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Kings Place London on Dec 18th.Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK government is presiding over a crumbling, broken country and investment is required urgently. Steve Richards asks why are Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt focussing instead on tax cuts?Plus Steve answers brilliant listener questions and important notices for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and an exclusive Live Zoom Q+A only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live:Kings Place London on Dec 18th.Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak's desperate attempt to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda will be the dominant political theme for months, sucking up all energy as Brexit did.Steve Richards considers how this is political madness at the best of times, but what is prompting this lunacy now when so much in the UK doesn't work?Plus Steve answers brilliant listener questions and important notices for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and an exclusive live Zoom Q+A only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live:Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Nov 20th.Kings Place London on Dec 18th.Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here.The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics. To get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/roc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak has sacked Suella Braverman and brought back David Cameron. But in terms of party management and the direction of policy, do these seemingly dramatic changes make much difference? Steve Richards considers all this plus news of an upcoming special Patreon-only Zoom event coming soon.Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and an exclusive live Zoom Q+A only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live:Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Nov 20th.Kings Place London on Dec 18th. Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics. To get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/roc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Richards considers how Rishi Sunak pays homage to Elon Musk, and discusses the confirmation from the Covid inquiry that no one and no agency was in control during a national emergency. A King's Speech is unveiled, most of which will not be implemented plus Sunak and Starmer follow the United States in their attitude to the Israel/Hamas conflict. All this begs the question who actually wields power in the UK? Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live:Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Nov 20th.Kings Place London on Dec 18th. Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics. To get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Covid struck the UK at the worst possible time. Johnson was governing amidst casual chaos and yet he was popular and this popularity made him dangerously powerful. Neither his subservient cabinet nor a parliament with a big Tory Majority dared to challenge him. Now we are discovering quite how bad things were.Plus brilliant questions on Keir Starmer and the Israel Gaza conflict, Brexit, the leadership of Heath compared with Sunak and whether I want to be an MP.Rock & Roll Politics -the Xmas Special is live at Kings Place on Dec 18th when we look back at another wild year and look ahead to 2024, the likely election year. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-11/ Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more The latest episode in the series on political rivals is Denis Healy vs. Tony Benn. Other series include epic general elections, prime ministers' chosen advisers and apparent government cock ups, all exclusively available to subscribers:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsSteve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Question Time Special, Rock & Roll Politics explores the Israel/Gaza nightmare, the origins of Brexit and the crises facing the Conservative party. Plus, will Labour win an overall majority?Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham this Wednesday 1 November. Tickets here: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsSteve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics. To get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conservative Party has a reputation for adapting ruthlessly to changing times, but is it deserved? After the two historic by-election defeats last week, the United Kingdom's governing party of choice faces the possibility of a calamitous defeat at the next general election. Steve Richards asks; did the Tories ever learn the full lessons from the election slaughter in 1997 and what have they done for voters since 2010 that can give them hope of a fifth term next year? Plus brilliant questions from the listeners on Israel and Gaza and much more.Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more The latest episode in the series on political rivals is Denis Healy vs. Tony Benn. Other series include epic general elections, prime ministers' chosen advisers and apparent government cock ups, all exclusively available to subscribers:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsSteve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tensions are high in the UK and yet virtually everyone condemns the brutal atrocities in Israel while warning about the horrors in Gaza. Steve Richards asks; amidst a consensus over the horror, why is there such angry disagreement?Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer framed a powerful and coherent argument in his conference speech, but what about the gaps? Steve Richards asks; What have we learnt from the conference season so far? The SNP is coming up next.All this plus brilliant listener questions and notices for the Rock n Roll Politics Co-operative. Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Richards is at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. The mood is disciplined and yet ebullient and businesses have flocked to the conference assuming Keir Starmer will be prime minister next year. Are Labour ready for the challenges of power?Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his party conference speech, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claimed to be the “change-maker” who was moving Britain on from “the last thirty years”. Steve Richards asks, did he pull his speech off?Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pre-election Conservative Party conference manages to be both noisy and subdued. The autumnal gloom has set in, there's a pervasive sense that defeat looms and that sense makes defeat more likely.It is true that Sunak inherited a nightmare, but why has he failed to rise to the challenge?All this from Steve Richards, plus more brilliant questions and notices for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative.Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.