Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

This week, I’m in conversation with the chair of Compass, Neal Lawson, who argues the current challenges facing the UK are incomparably different to 1997 — and demand more daring solutions from Keir Starmer.Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In last week’s podcast, the Shadow Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, outlined her plans for childcare. But how will they be paid for? Do Labour dare to give details in advance of an election? Will such details help Labour win — or will they become a vote losing ‘tax bombshell’?Rock & Roll Politics is live:Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Shadow Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, joins me this week to discuss her plans for childcare, the ending of tuition fees, new roles for schools and the mood of Sunderland voters that supported the Conservatives in 2019.Rock & Roll Politics is live:Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/Ropetackle Shoreham March 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/Witham Barnard Castle April https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak seeks a deal on the Northern Ireland protocol, but faces familiar obstacles in the form of rebels in his own party and the DUP.Plus, Keir Starmer's barring of Jeremy Corbyn from standing for Labour in next year's general election — and the future of Scottish independence after Nicola Sturgeon.Rock & Roll Politics is live:Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/Ropetackle Shoreham March 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/Witham Barnard Castle April https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The current Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case, is in the news most days of the week. Lord Robin Butler, who served under Thatcher, Major and Blair, joins me this week to reflect on his time in the Cabinet Office, comparing parliamentary dramas then and now... Plus, reflections on NIcola Sturgeon's shock resignation, and the consequences likely to stem from it...Rock & Roll Politics is live:Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/Ropetackle Shoreham March 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/Witham Barnard Castle April https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The BBC chair Richard Sharp has lost authority whether he stays or goes. Where does that leave his search for ‘impartiality’? Plus brilliant questions on Brexit, Andy Burnham and much more..Back the podcast on Patreon for bonus content, early editions and more. Current series of Patreon exclusives is The Troublemakers. Episode 2: Enoch Powell: https://www.patreon.com/posts/subscriber-ep-2-78365294Rock & Roll Politics is live atBirmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/Ropetackle Shoreham March 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/Witham Barnard Castle April https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In my conversation with Andy Burnham, we discuss whether he had more power as a cabinet minister, or now as Mayor of Greater Manchester, his policies since becoming mayor, whether he has become more radical... and the similarities - or lack of them - with the build up to Labour's victory in 1997.Rock & Roll Politics is live:Birmingham, March 21st: https://1000trades.org.uk/events/London, March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/Belfast, March 26th: https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/Shoreham, March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/Barnard Castle, April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/Brighton, April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023Subscribe to Patreon for this month's bonus show, Episode 2 of "The Troublemakers" on Enoch Powell, and much more here: 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.

Liz Truss's comeback was delusional in its lofty grandeur, yet also very narrow. Why did she choose outlets with limited audiences? The answer tells us much about the modern Conservative Party.Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham, March 21st: https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ London, March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast, March 26th: https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Shoreham, March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Barnard Castle, April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Brighton, April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Subscribe to Patreon for this month's bonus show, Episode 2 of "The Changemakers" on Enoch Powell, and much more here: 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.

I speak to the the transport expert and host of the Calling All Stations podcast, Christian Wolmar, about the state of the railways, the all-important context going back to British Rail, and his hopes and fears for the future.https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21st: https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ London, March 23th Kings Place https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast, March 26th, Black Box https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Shoreham, March 29th, Ropetackle https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Barnard Castle, April 1st, Witham https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Brighton, April 24th, The Old Market Theatre https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023Send your questions to [email protected]! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are deep reasons for the crises erupting around Rishi Sunak, but there is also an immediate one — Boris Johnson.https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsRock N Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21st: https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ London, March 23th Kings Place https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast, March 26th, Black Box https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Shoreham, March 29th, Ropetackle https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Barnard Castle, April 1st, Witham https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Brighton, April 24th, The Old Market Theatre https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023Send your questions to [email protected]! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Timothy, Theresa May's joint chief of staff during her first phase in Number 10, remains a strong believer in the "good that government can do.”He still sees support for a more active state as the most fruitful route for his party, despite the state-shrinking campaigns of Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. Does his view have much support amongst Tory MPs, and was Theresa May ever fully committed to his approach?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/The Ropetackle, Shoreham on March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ The Witham, Barnard Castle April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ The Old Market Theatre, Brighton April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Patreon: 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.

In the run up to the 1997 election, the Conservative government was falling apart over 'sleaze' and rows over Europe. Nearly three decades later, we're back there again. How did it come to this?Plus brilliant questions on my interview with Lisa Nandy, levelling up and much more...Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/The Ropetackle, Shoreham on March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ The Witham, Barnard Castle April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ The Old Market Theatre, Brighton April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Patreon: 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.

For the first time the podcast is twice-weekly. We’re joined by shadow Levelling Up Secretary Lisa Nandy to explore how a Labour government would give back control to local communities.Back us on Patreon to get all our podcasts early, bonus editions and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live are available now. Come and see Steve at…Kings Place, London – live and streaming online on Thur 21 MarchThe Ropetackle, Shoreham – Wed 29 MarchThe Witham, Barnard Castle – Sat 1 AprilThe Old Market Theatre, Brighton – Monday 24 Apr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It looks as if agreement can be reached on the Northern Ireland Protocol. But will Rishi Sunak's hardline Brexiteers back a deal? And how does Nicola Sturgeon find a route to independence? Plus brilliant questions and a big announcement.Back the podcast on Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live are available now. Come and see Steve at… Kings Place, London – live and streaming online on Thur 21 MarchThe Ropetackle, Shoreham – Wed 29 MarchThe Witham, Barnard Castle – Sat 1 AprilThe Old Market Theatre, Brighton (well, Hove actually) – Monday 24 Apr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last full year before the General Election is the defining one for a leader of the opposition. Is Starmer ready for the challenges ahead? Plus brilliant questions on Rishi Sunak, the NHS, trust and authenticity… and much more.Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live are available now. Come and see Steve at… Kings Place, London – live and streaming online on Thur 21 MarchThe Ropetackle, Shoreham – Wed 29 MarchThe Witham, Barnard Castle – Sat 1 AprilThe Old Market Theatre, Brighton (well, Hove actually) – Monday 24 April Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So far, Rishi Sunak has been a ghostly prime minister, but also a stubborn one.Does he understand the scale of the crisis in the UK, and has he the ideological flexibility to adapt?The answers will determine whether he has a chance of narrowing the gap in the opinion polls, and in the quality of all our lives...Plus, brilliant questions and much more.Rock & Roll Politics is live in March and April. Tickets below: Kings Place, London, March 23rd:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham, March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ The Witham, Barnard Castle, April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton, April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Subscribe to Patreon here: 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.

At the end of a year when Boris Johnson fell over issues relating to trust and the likes of Trump have tried to launch a comeback, I reflect on the issue of trust in the era of globalisation. It takes the form of a talk I gave at Newcastle University recently. ‘Trust’ is one of the most interesting terms because the nature of politics demands some evasiveness at least. But has trust between voters and elected politicians ever been so low?Back the podcast on Patreon and get early episodes plus extras too: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsLive at Kings Place, London, Thur 23 March 2023: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/Live at The Old Market Theatre, Hove, Mon 24 April 2023: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s back. One of the most ubiquitous terms in British politics, “reform”, is in fashion again – but like most prominent terms it is imprecise to the point of absurdity. Plus more brilliant questions from our listeners.Treat yourself and friends to festive gifts like tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live, the dream Xmas present…Live at Kings Place, London, Thur 23 March 2023: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/Live at The Old Market Theatre, Hove, Mon 24 April 2023: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023Support the podcast by backing us on Patreon and get fabulous benefits: 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.

Inflation and the cost of living are the immediate causes of this winter's strikes... but there are much deeper currents.Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts 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.

Well ahead in the polls, Keir Starmer becomes more confident and authoritative. He has learnt the lesson that ‘tax and spend’ debate is impossible for Labour to win in opposition but can be won in government. In my view the opposite applies to constitutional reform…Plus, brilliant responses to Hancock in the jungle and whether trains are better in Europe.Rock & Roll Politics – The Christmas Special is live at the Market Theatre, Brighton on Mon Dec 12th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsSupport the podcast on Patreon and get exclusive extra episodes, ad-free editions 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.

The three themes are connected… download this week's Rock & Roll Politics to discover how.Plus brilliant questions and much more!Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on Monday December 5th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/The Christmas Special is also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Monday December 12th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsDon't forget to rate the podcast and send your questions to [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WIth government sources briefing that they want a closer relationship with the Single Market, it looks as if questions are finally being asked about Lord "Frosty" Frost's disastrous hard Brexit. But where will they lead?Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on Monday December 5th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ The Christmas Special is also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Monday December 12th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Don't forget to rate the podcast and send your questions to [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So many questions were triggered by last week's Electoral Reform Special that they merit a bonus podcast.The epic themes: Fairness, how to bring about change, wider constitutional reform, the broader context, and more...Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on December 5th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/I'm also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Dec 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsThe Patreon version with bonus podcasts and much more is available here: 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.

Paying homage to their fiscal conservatism, Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt turn to recent history for inspiration. But the past is a fickle guide…Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on December 5th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ I'm also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Dec 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics The Patreon version with bonus podcasts and much more is available here: 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.

So here it is ...The Electoral Reform Special!I reflect on why I have been an opponent, and my latest position. And now... over to you!Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on December 5th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ I'm also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Dec 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics The Patreon version with bonus podcasts and much more is available here: 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.

With the Conservatives miles behind in the polls, the route to election victory is narrow... but not entirely blocked.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Old Market Theatre Brighton for a Christmas Special on December 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsSubscribe on Patreon for the new, exclusive series on governmental cock-ups - new episode on Tony Blair and the Iraq War coming soon! https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAnd don't forget to send your questions in to [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak, the self-declared fiscal conservative, becomes Prime Minister having lost the summer's leadership contest. But will his Thatcherite instincts allow him to rise to the epic challenges ahead? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/I’m also live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham on Oct 27th; just a few tickets left: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-the-liz-truss-special/And live at the Old Market Theatre Brighton for a Christmas Special on December 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsSubscribe on Patreon for exclusive podcast series and 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.

The Liz Truss era is over after just a few weeks. Since 2010, four Conservative Prime Ministers have fallen between general elections, suggesting that Truss is part of a deeper pattern...Rock & Roll Politics: The (Post) Liz Truss Era is live at Kings Place on October Weds 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/Back the podcast for early, ad-free episodes and 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.

Liz Truss is in the untenable position of supporting an economic policy she opposed with revolutionary disdain during the leadership contest. But can Tory MPs agree on an alternative?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/I’m also live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham on Oct 27th; just a few tickets left: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-the-liz-truss-special/And live at the Old Market Theatre Brighton for a Christmas Special on December 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsSubscribe on Patreon for exclusive podcast series and 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.

The mighty markets have wrecked the Truss/Kwarteng shallow revolution… but how will they constrain a Labour government if Keir Starmer wins the next election? Plus brilliant questions and much more.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London on October 26: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/ And Rock & Roll Politics: The Christmas Special is live for the very first time at the Old Market Theatre Brighton on Dec 12: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politicsSupport the show on Patreon to get early editions, bonus podcasts, merchandise 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.

The Truss and Kwarteng u-turn on tax shows they failed to read the space available to them. How many consequences will there be? This week, there will be analysis, brilliant questions, and much more.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wed Oct 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/Sign up to Patreon here for bonus podcasts 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.

Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng have unleashed another shallow revolution, the third since 2010. The pound sinks and public services are on their knees. For 12 years, the UK has become a laboratory for whacky economic experiments. But will passive England vote for more?Rock n Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 26th, as the drama intensifies… https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/Sign up to Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAnd don’t forget, join the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative by sending your questions to [email protected] ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Liz Truss era resumes at breakneck speed. How should Labour respond? In this week's podcast, I reflect on the lessons of Harold Wilson's much-overlooked leadership with Nick Thomas-Symonds, shadow International Trade Secretary and author of Harold Wilson - The Winner. Plus, brilliant questions on the monarch and much more. Rock & Roll Politics is live - and streaming - this Thursday at Kings Place. Tickets available at kingsplace.co.uk Email me and the Rock & Roll Politics Co-operative: [email protected] Subscribe to Patreon: 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.

Can a monarch genuinely define an era while being unable to express a view or implement policies that can change lives? Plus more brilliant questions from our listeners. Email yours to [email protected] & Roll Politics: The Start of the Liz Truss Era is live at Kings Place London on Thursday September 22nd and streaming live. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/Support the podcast, help us grow and get each week’s edition early plus bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAudio production by Robin Leeburn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Prime Minister Liz Truss is set to overturn Tory orthodoxies in place since this long-serving government was elected in 2010. What will the consequences be and what are the implications for Labour?Rock & Roll Politics is live - and streaming - at Kings Place on Monday September 19th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ Join as a patron for exclusive bonus podcasts, on Prime Ministers and their special advisors: 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.

We had no time for listeners' questions earlier this week, so here's a bonus podcast with some of the brilliant ones I received, plus my reflections on the BBC and its board member, former Tory strategist Sir Robbie Gibb.Rock & Roll Politics - The Liz Truss Special is live at Kings Place on Monday Sept 19th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here is the 14th and final show at this year's Edinburgh Festival, in which the audience makes predictions on Liz Truss and Nicola Sturgeon, and I reflect on the ultimate irony of the Tory Leadership contest.Rock & Roll Politics - The Liz Truss Special is live at Kings Place on Monday Sept 19th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ Subscribe on Patreon for early episode releases and special series: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAnd don't forget to send your questions to [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meeting some of the members of the Rock & Roll Politics Co-operative has got me thinking, and so have the audiences at my live shows…Plus, I review some of the events and shows I've seen at the Fringe, including those in which Nicola Sturgeon and Keir Starmer were centre stage.Send your questions to [email protected], and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to grow the Co-operative further!Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics live at the Edinburgh Festival: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsTickets for Rock & Roll Politics 'The Liz Truss Era Special' on Sept 19th at Kings Place are here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/The Patreon version of the podcast is here: 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.

As in the 1970s, soaring fuel bills are transforming political assumptions and orthodoxies, with only the candidates to be the next PM struggling to catch up.And as always, your questions. Send them in to [email protected]!Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsRock & Roll Politics - The Liz Truss Era is live at Kings Place on Sept 19:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/Subscribe on Patreon for early episodes and bonus content: 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.

While the Tory leadership candidates row over tax cuts, there are bigger questions: what to do about Brexit labour shortages, and how will the war in Ukraine end? Plus brilliant questions from the importance of a leader's chosen confidant and adviser to the essence of 'authenticity'. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Mon Aug 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Rock & Roll Politics: 'The Liz Truss Era' is live at Kings Place on Sept 19th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ Patreon backers get exclusive access to episodes early, plus bonus content: 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.

Liz Truss presents herself as the change maker in a time of turmoil. Keir Starmer must do the same, even if the focus groups and the influence of mid-’90s New Labour point to an alternative, risky route of extreme caution… Plus brilliant listener questions.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival every day from Mon Aug 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsJoin Patreon for early access to episodes, bonus content and 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.

Some Conservative members want their next Prime Minister to be... Boris Johnson. A man who shares this view is... Boris Johnson himself, who anticipates a return to Number 10 despite the current race to replace him.Plus the undeserved elevation of Margaret Thatcher to god-like levels, even among non-Conservatives, and brilliant audience questions.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Aug 15. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsPatreon here for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPoliticsAnd don't forget to send your questions into [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To my surprise we are learning a lot from the contest even though the candidates are saying very little. The biggest lesson so far: Get ready of political storms this autumn when the winner seeks to implement their economic policies. Also this week, more of your brilliant questions.Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Monday August 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsBack us on Patreon for early, ad-free episodes, exclusive merchandise and 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.

For the third time since 2016 the Conservatives alone will elect a new Prime Minister. Yet the rest of us are excluded from the tax cutting, small state fantasy. In this episode: how the party has changed since the contest that followed the fall of Margaret Thatcher.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Aug 15th. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsJoin Patreon here::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.

For understandable reasons, there are more raging questions about Johnson’s lack of a moral compass. His hesitation in responding to the allegations about former deputy whip Chris Pincher relate to his tendency to misjudge the nature of every challenge, from Covid to Brexit… Plus, your brilliant questions on the ill defined ‘centre ground’.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from August 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsJoin Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more. Next up, a special episode on Harold Wilson and Marcia Williams: 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.

In a week when Matthew Parris claimed Rishi Sunak was a ‘centrist’ and Keir Starmer proclaimed that Labour was on the ‘centre ground’ I wonder where the ‘centre’ is and what it means… if anything. Plus your brilliant questions on Mick Lynch, Boris Johnson, the by-elections and much more.Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Monday Aug 15th. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsPatreon for bonus podcasts and much more is here: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.

In my reflections I suggest that the fragmentation of the railways – with no clear lines of responsibility – is the biggest cause of the current crisis… plus brilliant questions on a range of urgent issues from the BBC’s choice of panellists to Northern Ireland to what happens if the Conservatives win the next election but Johnson loses his seat.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Mon Aug 15th. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsBack us on Patreon to get the podcast early and ad-free plus exclusive bonus editions 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.

The confidence vote that Boris Johnson won narrowly is already having consequences.Tory MPs deploy their new leverage to demand vaguely-defined tax cuts and a new war with the EU over the Northern Ireland protocol …but what about the spending increases the same Tory MPs also want?And as the UK economy totters on the cliff’s edge, how would it cope with an economic battle with the EU?Rock & Roll Politics is live daily at the Edinburgh Festival from Monday August 15th. Tickets here:https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politicsBack the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Patreon to get exclusive early episodes, bonus podcasts and 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.

Boris Johnson 'won' the vote of confidence in his leadership, but voters will note that many of his MPs don't support him and will wonder why they should, either.If there is a leadership contest most voters will not have a role - and all candidates will pitch to the right in order to win. Rock & Roll Politics is live and streaming live on Wed June 8th - A Tory Leadership Special. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8-jun/ Back the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Patreon to get exclusive early episodes, bonus podcasts and 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.

As millions enjoy street parties and raise a glass to the Queen - what exactly are they celebrating? Plus, brilliant questions on Partygate and Johnson’s survival.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wed June 8th. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8-jun/My new series on Prime Ministers and their advisers, starting with Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings, is exclusively on my Patreon page from the 1st of June:https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics And don't forget to send your questions in to [email protected] ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.