Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

Rock N Roll Politics is streaming live from my boudoir for the last time tonight...the theatres are reopening soon!Get you tickets here and see you at 7pm:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The current political situation is like the best political thrillers where nothing is quite what it seems...a contrast to Brexit which was a rollercoaster thriller but all of it on the surface. There were no mysteries. There are now. We will crack them live on Wed night....Rock N Roll Politics is streaming from a room in my house for the last time before the theatres re-open. Tickets here...get the wine ready:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 'centre ground' is the most overused and imprecise term in British politics. Cameron, Osborne and Blair claim to be on 'the centre ground'. So do most political columnists. But what if these economic liberals are nowhere near the centre ground... if it exists at all?Tickets for the final historic show being streamed live from my boudoir on Wed May 12 are here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even if most voters are paying no attention the allegations around B Johnson's integrity and judgement will destabilise Number 10, the wider government...and, indeed, B Johnson, a figure unused to facing consequences of earlier decisions and conduct.The historic final live show from a room in my house takes place on Wednesday May 12. Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine if Ed Balls or John McDonnell had been Chancellor. Cameron would've been in no position to text them. This is partly a saga of one party rule at Westminster..plus your questions and who will win the Hartlepool by-election? The historic final live streamed show from my boudoir is on May 12th. Tkts:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics/[email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just a quick reminder about tonight's live show and what we'll be doing...including the lessons from the contrasting careers of David Cameron and Shirley Williams, live questions and unreliable predictions..Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-1504/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Such a lot to cram in..BBC's response to Prince Phillip's death, Northern Ireland, Sturgeon v Salmond latest...and I reveal what I'll be covering on this Thursday's Rock N Roll Politics streaming live at 7pm and then available for another week.https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-1504/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm joined by Alastair Campbell to reflect on Ed Miliband's leadership, Keir Starmer and Tony Blair as he publishes his revelatory diaries that span 2010-2015..plus brilliant questions on A Salmond, K Starmer and the Covid Inquiry...and the latest from listeners in rural Australia and idyllic Portugal. Rock N Roll Politics is streaming live on April 15th. https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-1504/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Salmond sets up a new party and some SNP figures defect. Defections will be destabilising for N Sturgeon.. Tory defections to UKIP freaked out D Cameron and in the early 80s defections to the SDP doomed Labour ...PLUS a recipe from one of our listeners in Italy..Rock N Roll Politics is streaming live at Kings Place on April 15th. You need to get a ticket in advance. https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-1504/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The greater the doubt about the UK's place in the world the more it seeks to fly the flag....since the Suez Crisis the UK's sense of itself has been a contradictory mix of jingoism and extreme insecurity.....It's more straightforward for believers in 'British exceptionalism' to get worked up about the Union Jack rather than assess the role of a middle ranking power ....plus brilliant questions on all the urgently topical issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rock n Roll Politics is streaming live tonight at 7pm...My themes:Covid, Voters and The State; Rishi Sunak-Who is He?; Met Police-Who's in Charge? Plus Predictions, live questions and much more.Tickets here for live show and valid for a week-https://shop.kingsplace.co.uk/26461/26462 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A preview of Wednesday evening's livestream plus questions on whether the fashion for localism is misplaced, Keir Starmer, the vaccine 'war' and why we should be alarmed that most people in the UK have little or no interest in politics.Tickets for Wednesday evening's Rock N Roll Politics are available here. The show is then available for another week. https://shop.kingsplace.co.uk/26461/26462 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Benn used to argue it was the policies and not the personalities that mattered. Was he right-with reference to Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon, RIshi Sunak and Boris Johnson?Rock N Roll Politics is streaming live at 7 on Mar 17th. Tickets here:https://shop.kingsplace.co.uk/26461/26462 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The defining relationships in British politics is that between Prime Minister and Chancellor and Opposition leader/ Shadow Chancellor....In budget week how do Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak compare with past duos ..and Keir Starmer and Annelise Dodds...?Rock N Roll Politics is streaming live on Mar 17th. Book here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-online-streaming-march-17/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lord 'Frosty' Frost is now in the cabinet responsible for Brexit negotiations t...Having negotiated a deal that is causing chaos. B Johnson is not a good judge of people...he thought Cummings was his saviour and has yet to see that 'Frosty' is a puny courtier in his increasingly frenzied court.Send questions to [email protected] for the next live show on Mar 17-https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-online-streaming-march-17/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My theme for tonight's live stream-Can Keir Starmer win? Plus questions and unreliable predictions...book in advance and get the wine ready for tonight. The show will then be available for seven days if it clashes with anyone's packed evening schedules.https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-feb-2021-online-streaming/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brilliant questions and a mini travelogue as we find out more where we listen to the podcast...from Australia to Germany and on to the great Manchester canal.Join me for the live stream next Wednesday at 7pm. I'll be reflecting on the leadership of K Starmer- Can he win the next general election...and how? Plus questions, points, and unreliable predictions. Details here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-feb-2021-online-streaming/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

B Johnson proposes to take back control of the NHS - A reform of reforms introduced in the first term of this long serving government. It is right to do so..and it was always absurd for D Cameron to give away significant powers while retaining responsibility....Plus great questions.Rock N Roll Politics is streaming live at 7pm on Wed Feb 17th. There'll be twists and turns...Tickets here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-feb-2021-online-streaming/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Northern Ireland protocol is looking wobbly already...that's because it doesn't answer the Irish Question arising from Brexit...Plus the lessons of UK's vaccine triumph..brilliant questions and the definitive answer to B Johnson's hair style.Tickets for the next live streaming of Rock N Roll Politics on Feb 17th here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-feb-2021-online-streaming/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson speaks and acts on a daily basis...but why does he show little sign of thinking through the consequences of what he says and does? Plus new questions on the implications of the Biden presidency, referendums, the art of leadership, Jeremy Corbyn and ...the latest on Johnson's hair style.https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-feb-2021-online-streaming/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

n this week's episode we focus on listeners' brilliant questions including ones on referendums and how they might work, Joe Biden...and B Johnson's hair style.Rock N Roll Politics- the Latest Lockdown Special streams live at Kings Place this Wednesday at 7pm-Reflectons on Joe Biden hours after inauguration , Donald Trump. Keir Starmer, unreliable predictions and live questions. Tkts here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-2001/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the 'special relationship' of such value to the UK that it prevents British Prime Ministers from making critical judgements about US Presidents and their administrations? Plus..more U turns from B Johnson ...brilliant questions about referendums, why Johnson is a winner and much more...Rock N Roll Politics-the Latest Lockdown Special is streaming live on Jan 20th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-2001/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When I heard that the Brexit deal was 'done' I wondered how all the fundamental conflicts had been resolved. The answer is that they have not been..all the thorny questions have been kicked in to the long grass...and B Johnson stumbles belatedly in to lockdown...the dark sequence recurs...plus brilliant questions and points of order. Tickets for the next live streamed show are here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-2001/ [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the Rock N Roll Politics Podcast Brexit/Covid Festive Special I reflect on my favourite political interview ...at the suggestion of a listener. Thanks to all of you for listening in 2020..and the for the brilliant questions..what a year..and we're going to need to stick together via the podcast and shows in 2021 to make sense of the ongoing epic dramas. ..and to hopefully have a few laughs as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We explore the layers of tragic irony as the UK heads for the cliff's edge . Tickets for Rock N Roll Politics live at Kings Place and the live stream are available here.https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/?kw=2020-12-16The Prime Ministers-Reflections on Leadership from Wilson to Johnson is available here and of course at local bookshops.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prime-Ministers-Reflections-Leadership-Johnson/dp/1786495880/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the biggest differences between Conservative Prime Ministers and the few Labour leaders that have made it to Number 10 is their level of self confidence. B Johnson has pursued the hardest possible Brexit without agonising about its impact on the UK economy and his own position. D Cameron failed to win a majority in 2010 but pursued an agenda on the radical right as if he had won a landslide.Rock N Roll Politics is live/live streamed at Kings Place on Dec 16: www.kingsplace.co.uk/RNRP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

M Gove wrote a well argued essay in the Times explaining the new tier system. Within hours a panic stricken B Johnson implicitly undermined the arguments to appease Conservative MPs.....plus your brilliant questions. Tickets for the live show at Kings Place on Dec 16th and the live stream are here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/rocknrollpolitics/The email for signed messages re my book on Prime Ministers, and for questions /thoughts: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Rock N Roll Politics streaming live on Monday at 7 here's a great chance to have more time for your brilliant questions... Keep the questions and points coming..the email: [email protected] for the live streamed show on Monday are here..a chance to ask questions and raise points live...There'll be much to discuss:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-online-streaming-23-nov/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the departure of Dominic Cummings there is much talk of a 'reset' in Downing Street... But how much will really change or can change? Plus more brilliant questions..keep them coming : [email protected]. Tickets for Rock N Roll Politics the live lockdown special on Monday Nov 23rd are here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-online-streaming-23-nov/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The victory of Joe Biden and the fall of Donald Trump raise many questions: What's the impact on the increasingly isolated B Johnson? Will 'Trumpism' flourish without Trump ( I doubt it)? Are there lessons for the BBC in CNN's grown up coverage (Yes)? Plus your brilliant questions at at time of historic upheaval. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're living through epic times...B Johnson calls a second national lockdown inevitably. Yet he acts weeks after he was advised to do so..the same dark sequence as in the spring. When leaders are out of their depth they repeat past misjudgements almost knowingly. Meanwhile K Starmer suspends J Corbyn to the predictable cheers of the fickle Greek Chorus of commentators-but was he right to do so? And the minor matter of the US presidential election..plus your brilliant questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A government with a big majority faces a dizzying array of critics less than a year since its election victory -some of its own MPs highlight forensically what's wrong with the 'world beating Test and Trace' system, Marcus Rashford is once again the voice of the poor with support across the country and Andy Burnham becomes a potent voice of protest but-in muddled Britain- without much power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A preview of the live stream of Rock N Roll Politics from the Kings Place Website at 7pm on Monday (and available for a few days after the live event). There'a lot to catch up on..Brexit, Covid latest, your questions and much more. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-online-streaming/See you there! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson claims a balanced approach in response to the second wave of Covid...in doing so he repeats the same mistakes of earlier this year and will be tormented again with the words "too little ...too late"...I explore why Prime Ministers succumb to the dangerous allure of policies that have failed in the past...plus your questions and how to watch the live Rock N Roll Politics on Monday Oct 19th Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In another packed episode-latest on Covid testing, B Johnson's conference speech crammed with objectives without explaining how he'll meet any of them-and your brilliant questions inc Andrew Neil's new channel, Keir Starmer's knighthood..and pro-Europeans without a voice...and what you're up to while listening to this podcast..plus details of next live show at Kings Place on October 19th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The media is trained to spot tensions between PMs and Chancellors, but often gets the complex relationship wrong...plus Covid, the government's response and Monty Python's Flying Circus...and your brilliant questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the virus wreaks havoc again, why some MPs call for the army to intervene ...and why there'll be significant consequences as some Tory newspapers give B Johnson a hard time (though nowhere near as hard as they would have done to a Labour PM)...Plus your brilliant questions.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government's 'oven ready' deal that would 'get Brexit done' is now being violated...by the government...and your brilliant questions on Boris Johnson, Brexit, Keir Starmer and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Number 10 that presided chaotically over Covid and its consequences does not go for introspective humility...Instead of learning lessons from its failures it moves on with naive self-confidence and counterproductive machismo as it threatens to renege on its own 'oven ready' Brexit deal....plus some of your brilliant questions answered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson is struggling. Does he realise yet that he is not equipped to meet the epic demands of leadership? Writing the paperback version of 'The Prime Ministers- Reflections on Leadership from Wilson to Johnson' I am struck by how miserable Prime Ministers are a lot of the time. They get to the top, feel euphoric...and then all hell breaks loose. Also given the performance of the government....should Labour be doing even better in the polls? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have the last twelve months been the most historic since the end of World War Two? Covid, Brexit, a big Tory election win....that takes a lot of beating..there's been the Suez Crisis, Sterling Crises, Three Day Weeks, Winter of Discontent, Iraq, Financial Crash...and what about the epic dramas of the early 1980s? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In UK politics B Johnson can escape scrutiny more easily than D Trump, Johnson's model of leadership in some respects. Johnson does not like being challenged and in one huge policy area he is getting his way. The UK economy faces another big hit because of the Johnson/Cummings approach to talks with the EU, but few are questioning what they are doing and what the likely consequences will be. On this Johnson has no need to fear scrutiny...and that is very dangerous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak walks on water but he does so by putting the case for borrowing and spending. How should Labour respond? There are big risks and opportunities for Starmer and his new team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Dominic Cummings the most powerful Number 10 special adviser of modern times? I reflect on the relationship between PMs and their favourite special advisers. From Harold Wilson and Marcia Williams to Johnson and Cummings...the most illuminating relationships in politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I reflect on the chasm between B Johnson's bold objectives and his capacity to deliver..plus Dominic Cummings, the shallow revolutionary with angry, contradictory plans...and K Starmer's sacking of RLB and the complex implications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I reflect on the contradictory leaks coming from Number 10, the Treasury and the wider government..and reveal the outcome of my exclusive poll on the fate of Boris Johnson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A lookahead to the next virtual live Rock N Roll Politics on Wednesday June 17th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In England voters only turn against Conservative governments when they are seen as incompetent. With one of the highest virus death tolls and a hard Brexit looming is B Johnson in danger of losing the battle of competence..with electoral consequences? Also some thoughts on the BBC's new DG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are signs of tension between Johnson, ministers and some of the scientists over the lockdown exit and the Cummings' affair. At first they appeared to be dancing together as ministers proclaimed absurdly that they were 'following the science', but now the mood on the dance floor darkens...plus Emily Maitlis and the BBC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is B Johnson so dependent on D Cummings? Is his determination to keep him a sign of strength or weakness? The saga of Cummings dash to Durham shows at the very least that the Vote Leave campaign runs Number Ten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.