The Standard

Snow, ice and freezing fog has brought the capital to a halt. Drivers have been left stranded on the M25, flights cancelled, there’s mayhem on the rails and school closures a plenty.Ross Lydall, City Hall Editor and Transport Editor of the Evening Standard, gives you a definitive guide to the travel chaos and looks ahead to the rail strikes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles Terera in Othello at the National Theatre leads a cast giving landmark performances. Plus, why Best of Enemies at the Noël Coward Theatre had the rare ingredients for five stars.The Evening Standard’s chief theatre critic Nick Curtis is joined by culture editor Nancy Durrant to discuss this week’s extraordinary treats.Get ready for the 66th Evening Standard Theatre Awards, which returns after a two-year hiatus as the capital begins its Covid recovery. An exciting roster of winners will be announced on Sunday.Part 1: Othello at the National TheatreClint Dyer’s production of Othello is the first major version of the play by a black director at the National Theatre.Hamilton star Giles Terera is an “extraordinary actor” who shows the “humanity” of Shakespeare’s Moor.Why it’s a difficult, moving and complex play to watch but you’ll be glad to have seen it.“Particularly stark and harsh” with a “singular focus on Othello’s race”, compared to recent productions.Rosy McEwen’s stellar, strong performance as Desdemona displays an “intelligent woman who knows what she wants” and Paul Hilton presents an “almost carnivalesque” interpretation of Iago.“Pretty damn close to perfect” but listen to the end to discover Nick’s criteria for awarding that hallowed fifth star.Part 2: Best of Enemies at the Noël Coward TheatreJames Graham’s “tighter, richer and deeper” play transferred from the Young Vic traces back our modern adversarial climate of political debate to the 1968 American TV discussions - often explosive exchanges - between right-wing polemicist William F. Buckley Jr. and liberal left commentator Gore Vidal.Explores the political bubble and how a news network failed in its bid to “elevate boring” current affairs during presidential candidate debates.“Riveting” and “hugely enjoyable to watch”, Homeland and Supergirl star David Harewood continues in his Young Vic role of Buckley, while “excellent” Zachary Quinto is new to the Gore Vidal role, played as “serpentine” and “ghastly”.As a black actor, Harewood “wields the pompousness” of white Buckley, sending up the “flag and scotch” Republican.Why this is the show to watch this Christmas.For all the latest visit www.standard.co.uk/culture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Graff is Linkedin's MD for EMEA and LATAM. He joined the company 11 years ago, and has seen it evolve into one of the biggest, and most influential platforms in the world.In this bonus episode we talk about: What is the perfect LinkedIn profile? How the site's changed over the last decade Why, as a member of the LGBT+ community, Josh felt he “didn’t belong” in business How coming out “made work a Hell of a lot more fun” How LinkedIn users changed their thinking during the lockdown. You can listen to the full episode with Josh Graff here.Head to standard.co.uk/business for the latest news, interviews and analysis, or pick up the Evening Standard newspaper.New episodes of How to be a CEO drop first thing every Monday morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the third episode of the Evening Standard’s year-long series of specials called ‘Let Girls Learn’, we’re going to Duhok in Iraqi Kurdistan.  The Lotus Flower is a non-profit organisation that supports women and girls impacted by conflict and displacement. Their centres also offer classes such as; English, yoga, art and music.The Evening Standard’s Charline Bou Mansour finds out how Yazidi girls are using activities such as boxing to recover from the trauma of ISIS brutality, defying some of the traditions of their community to build new futures.In the #LetGirlsLearn series, we’re aiming to shine a light on innovations and solutions that are helping girls to fulfil their right to education and healthy, productive lives around the globe.You can find out more online at www.standard.co.uk/optimist/let-girls-learn  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry and Meghan’s bombshell Netflix series is out - How will it impact their reputation? Accusations of ‘unconscious bias’ in the royal family, ‘more of the same’ after Oprah interview, Harry and Meghan’s penguin onesies. Royal Commentator Richard Fitzwilliams discusses the impact the series might have on the royals, and the Evening Standard’s Insider Editor Suzannah Ramsdale considers how the public might react to the series. In this episode:How does the series compare with the Oprah interview?Does the show make you sympathise with Harry and Meghan?Could the Royal Family respond?The focus on Harry and Meghan's ‘love story’Potential ‘low blows’ aimed at William and Kate?Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The radical new relationship workshops in London schools. Lessons on communication, toxic relationships, and unhealthy behaviours. How girls and boys think differently about relationships. Why male pupils say they’re ‘scared’ of how they might act in future. Our Commissioning Editor and Features Writer Katie Strick takes us on her journey learning about these important and expanding workshops taking place across London schools. In this episode:Why £1 million is going into relationship sessions by domestic abuse charity TenderHow the Everyone’s Invited movement put a spotlight on sex educationPupils on what they’ve learned from the workshopsWhy it’s important not to “isolate” or “demonise” young menHeadteacher sees noticeable increase in reporting of inappropriate behaviourFollow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nine children in the UK have died with Strep A in recent weeks. What symptoms should parents look out for? How can we avoid infection? Are lockdowns to blame for a drop in immunity? We hear from mum of three Hayley Tidley about her son’s experience with Strep A. Plus our Health Reporter Daniel Keane talks through the symptoms, how Strep A spreads, and why we've seen a rise in infections over recent weeks. In this episode:Hayley’s experience looking after her son with Strep AWhat symptoms did he develop?Hayley's advice to parentsWhat has caused this recent outbreak?Are Covid lockdowns partly to blame for this recent rise in infections?Could antibiotics be the solution?Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer reveals Labour’s proposal to abolish the House of Lords. How could changes at the top benefit the public? The government’s muted response to the plans, and the pros of devolution. Our Political Editor Nicholas Cecil deconstructs the proposals. Plus Parth Patel from the IPPR discusses why democratic reform can be key to dealing with wider issues. In this episode:What has Labour announced?How the proposals could mean more funding for regionsHow Labour’s showing itself as a ‘government in waiting’Why centralisation causes problems for the countryHow changes to the political system are needed to improve our servicesFollow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney court drama staged in The Wagatha Christie Trial at Wyndham’s Theatre. Nick Curtis, the Evening Standard’s chief theatre critic, joins deputy culture editor Nick Clark to discuss why this story is more than just a social media whodunnit.Plus, culture editor Nancy Durrant on how Elf the Musical is not one to watch with a festive hangover, but why kids will love it.Part 1: Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial at Wyndham’s TheatreThe infamous ‘dot, dot, dot...’ tweet that fuelled the Twitter gossip millCourt transcript of the Vardy Vs Rooney trial, in this production directed by Lisa Spirling and adapted by Liv HennessyAre the women in the public eye mocked?Lucy May Barker as Rebekah Vardy and Laura Dos Santos as Coleen RooneyWhat was the audience’s reaction?How this isn’t just a play about social media drama - and why it reminds Nick Clark of the Amy Winehouse documentary Should the show have been 90 minutes?Will there be a rematch?Part 2: Elf the Musical at the Dominion TheatreWho is Buddy the Elf?If you like an extremely Christmassy show, then this one’s for you – but it’s very expensiveWhy it’s not a musical to watch with a hangoverThe songs, the cast …and the questionable dressesHow a supermarket festive ad helped boost Elf the Musical’s ticket salesWhy the audience has a rip-roaring time, and could this be the perfect children’s Christmas show?What's on right now in the West End? Well, this is your Theatre Review.For the latest visit: www.standard.co.uk/culture Clips used with permission: Elf: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) - soundtrack album by Chad Beguelin and Matthew Sklar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Huib van Bockel is the CEO and founder of the energy drink company Tenzing. Formerly head of marketing at Red Bull, he’s taken his company from start-up to significant player, while maintaining a commitment to environmental protections. But, it's not been an easy journey, one hurdle in fact was his first pitch to Selfridges... which didn't quite go according to plan.This is taken from our How to be a CEO podcast, you can hear the full episode here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Never mind the 12 days of Christmas, Britain’s facing eight days of rail strikes.The government’s urging the RMT union to suspend industrial action, saying it will cost the UK economy in excess of £1.7 billion.Now, the Elizabeth line could also be hit by its first strike as the TSSA union balloted members on Friday in a dispute over pay.At the same time, MPs are probing the decision by Southeastern to axe more than 700 trains a week on rail services crucial for commuters.The New Year will also heap misery on to passengers with annual ticket rises.While on the Tube, TfL bosses are looking to fill a financial chasm by pumping up fares by 40 per cent in the next three-and-a-half years.To analyse the latest on strikes, Christmas travel, fare increases and - hopefully - how to save a few pounds on train tickets, the Leader’s joined by Dr Tom Haines-Doran, author of Derailed: How to Fix Britain’s Broken Railways, and Evening Standard transport editor Ross Lydall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Battle of Britain-style NHS winter “war rooms” are being set up by London hospitals to deal with a health service crisis set to be worsened by looming strikes.NHS England describes hospitals as being “full” and says digital hubs inspired by air traffic control towers will use “real-time” data to work around bottlenecks.Forty-two such centres will monitor A&E performance, waiting times and staff levels to find free beds or divert ambulances to where there’s an available slot.It comes as the Royal College of Nursing says up to 100,000 nurses will strike in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on 15 and 20 December. Ambulance unions have also balloted workers over strike action.Evening Standard health reporter Daniel Keane joins The Leader with the latest on the hospitals crisis and examines what patients can expect into 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How London’s least glamorous train station is being transformed into Britain’s priciest transport hub - while solving a nightmare Tube interchange long tormenting commuters. Interviews with HS2 project client director Andy Swift and Evening Standard transport editor Ross Lydall.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been two months since the disastrous mini-Budget masterminded by Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng.They'd hoped it would boost growth, but the announcement actually sent the money markets spiralling after multi-billion-pound losses for the Treasury were revealed.Now, its true impact has been revealed in new Bank of England mortgage borrowing data - but what does 2023 hold for homebuyers?Insight with ES business editor Jonathan Prynn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The biggest dinosaur ever discovered will have its likeness put on display at London’s Natural History Museum.So, how did this 101-million-year-old fearsome vegetarian arrive in the capital?It’s actually a youngster in archaeology terms after being dug up in Patagonia in 2010, and is now on loan to London from colleagues in Argentina.At 37 metres long and 5m tall, the Titanosaur dwarfs the NHM's previous largest sauropod, much-loved Dippy the diplodocus.Patagotitan mayorum - its Latin name - is also 12m longer than Hope, the blue whale skeleton on display in the museum’s Hintze Hall.In fact, it was so big that a researcher was seen noticeably shorter when photographed laying next to the dinosaur's half-ton thigh bone.Now, the titanosaur will take up residence in the Waterhouse Gallery, with 280 original bones cast from the Patagonia dig.The Leader speaks with Sinéad Marron, the Natural History Museum’s Titanosaur exhibition lead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the Royal Shakespeare Company’s My Neighbour Totoro, adapted by Studio Ghibli, worth a stage at the Barbican? Production design wizardry shifts two dimensional puppetry to 3D in nods to the Hayao Miyazaki’s joyous 1988 Japanese fantasy animation. Plus, the on-stage 12-legged cat bus, floppy chickens and “soot sprites”...Also up for discussion is Superhigh Resolution at the Soho Theatre, a hard-hitting and timely tale about the state of the NHS.The Evening Standard’s chief theatre critic Nick Curtis joins culture editor, Nancy Durrant, to review two more shows from London’s stages.Part 1: My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican-What is My Neighbour Totoro about?-The consoling figure from the forest, but does the play lack jeopardy?-The puppets – the most ‘chickeny chickens’ on the WestEnd ever, puppeteers, direction and cast-The music score, sung in Japanese and English, by Joe Hisashi-Was the show too long, and was the acting any good?-The floating cat that isn’t neuteredPart 2: Superhigh Resolution at the Soho Theatre-The bang up to the minute story of a junior NHS doctor-Why it’s reminiscent of Tennessee Williams’s style-Why it’s an important, sometimes funny, but tough watch-Why you shouldn’t go Christmas shopping after watching the show-Jasmine Blackborow’s ‘deeply affecting’ central performance-The brilliant ingenious and simple set, entirely made by hospital curtains – by Andrew EdwardsWhat to watch in London right now? Well, this is your Theatre Review from the Evening Standard.For all the latest visit www.standard.co.uk/culture Find us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wil Harris is the CEO of Unbound, a digital publisher with ambitions to disrupt an industry he says is almost unchanged in hundreds of years.Unbound uses a crowdfunding model to finance the publication of books.This is taken from our business podcast How to be a CEO, you can hear the full episode here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nurses will go on strike for two days next month as part of a major escalation in a dispute over pay. Dozens of trusts will see nurses walk out on 15th and 20th December. It’s a tricky time of year for the NHS at the best of times but the RCN say they’ve been left with no alternative.The Evening Standard’s Health Reporter, Daniel Keane, discusses the potential impact and how we reached this point. In part two, Ross Lydall, our City Hall Editor and Transport Editor, speaks to Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, about his decision to expand the Ultra Low Emissions Zone to cover all of the capital. From next summer, drivers of the most polluting cars will have to pay £12.50 a day to enter the Greater London Authority boundary. As a result, an estimated five million Londoners will breathe cleaner air.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s that time of year again… Black Friday is upon us. Research suggests that an extra £500 million is expected to be spent during the sales. The question is though, how do you know if you’re really bagging yourself a bargain? Also, the Royal Mail strikes have started and are set to continue into tomorrow. How will this impact deliveries and with action also announced for December, should we reconsider using the post for the foreseeable? Ellie Davis, the Evening Standard’s Shopping Editor gives you her top tips and the deals to look out for all the way through to Cyber Monday.  In part two, we speak to Ricky McAuley from Royal Mail about the strikes and how much disruption people should prepare for in December. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, says the next national election will be a de facto vote on Scottish independence after the Supreme Court’s landmark decision on indyref2. The UK’s highest court concluded that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to hold a second independence referendum. It’s a defining moment for the union, establishing a constitutional precedent with ripple effects that could be felt for years to come.Tristan Kirk, the Evening Standard’s Courts Correspondent, explains how the Supreme Court reached its decision. In part two, our Deputy Political Editor, David Bond, examines the political fallout from this landmark ruling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For those on the breadline - this Christmas will be a harrowing time of rising food prices, escalating fuel costs and little thought about what’s under the tree.The Evening Standard and our sister paper the Independent, are joining forces with Comic Relief, to raise as much as we can to help those struggling in this cost of living crisis. David Cohen, the Evening Standard’s Campaigns Editor and Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief explain how you can help via our Christmas cost of living appeal. We also hear stories directly from families who are facing devastating choices such as “heat or eat” this winter.Donate to the On The Breadline campaign here: https://www.comicrelief.com/on-the-breadline Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A 6-2 win for England, a last minute armband u-turn, and continued controversy over human rights. As the World Cup in Qatar is underway, our Senior News Correspondent Anthony France describes the atmosphere at the tournament, and explains how fans have responded to the controversies around it. Plus Robbie de Santos from Stonewall discusses the concerns for the LGBTQ+ community at home and at the event, and Rothna Begum Senior Researcher at Human Rights Watch discusses the issues migrant workers have faced in the country. In this episode:How have fans in Qatar reacted to the armbands U-turn?Why it’s difficult for LGBTQ+ fans to enjoy this World CupShould countries boycott controversial events?How migrant workers in Qatar have faced abuse and exploitationWhy the families of workers who have died deserve compensationFollow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world’s longest-running show, The Mousetrap, by Agatha Christie, celebrates 70 years, and the “untraditional” new musical 'From Here to Eternity' – with music that could leave you “tapping your feet”.This week, chief theatre critic Nick Curtis is joined by Nick Clark, deputy culture editor, to unpick two more shows from London.Part 1: From Here to Eternity, the musical by Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson - The Charing Cross TheatreFrom Here to Eternity, the story set around the time of Pearl HarbourWhy it’s an untraditional musical and not based on the filmThe intimacy of using Charing Cross Theatre, the production, the staging, and bringing the audience inside the storyWhy it’s all about the music and not all about the performancesDoes the show lack jeopardy?Which male cast member looks “like a love child of Benedict Cumberbatch and Will Poulter”?Part 2: Celebrating 70 years of The Mousetrap – St. Martin’s Lane TheatreMarking 70 years of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap – the world’s longest-running showWhat The Mousetrap is about and the “Cluedo” characters2022: The marketing, the history, selfies and “adding a knowing wink to the audience”How Christie underestimated the length of time the play would actually runThe cultural phenomenon of The Mousetrap and surviving Covid 19Can you even review The Mousetrap?How radical Agatha’s writing is and why those who enjoy Poirot would really enjoy this playWhich Broadway show does The Mousetrap beat in longevity?What show should you see this Christmas?Well, this is your weekly Theatre Review from the Evening Standard.Visit standard.co.uk/culture or find us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir John Hegarty is an iconic figure in advertising. His career goes back to the 'Mad Men' era of the 1960s and triumphs include his creation of the "Vorsprung Durch Technik" line for Audi. He's also the co-founder of The Garage Soho, an early stage investor and brand builder.This is taken from our How to be a CEO podcast. To hear the full episode listen here.This episode contains strong language. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of the Evening Standard’s year-long series of specials called ‘Let Girls Learn’, we’re going to Morocco. Education for All is a project which builds and runs girls’ boarding houses near secondary schools, so girls from rural families can complete their education.The Evening Standard’s Alex Goldsmith finds out how EFA is helping girls from remote areas, giving them opportunities and changing social attitudes. In the #LetGirlsLearn series, we’re aiming to shine a light on innovations and solutions that are helping girls to fulfil their right to education and healthy, productive futures around the globe.You can find out more online at www.standard.co.uk/optimist/let-girls-learn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Energy price cap extended beyond April, windfall tax hiked to 35%, more money for schools and the NHS. Following the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, our Deputy Political Editor David Bond deconstructs today’s medium-term budget announcement. Plus economist Fran Boait from Positive Money gives her reaction to the fiscal plans. In this episode:Jeremy Hunt’s tax rises explainedHow will the public react to more tax rises?Where has spending been cut?The ‘grim’ mood at WestminsterWhy the government should have focussed more on wagesPeople feeling the impacts of the economy ‘from all directions’Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Classrooms of 60 pupils, teachers not being replaced, and no more school trips. Headteachers are preparing to vote for strike action, warning that underfunding schools risks some being forced to close. Our Commissioning Editor and Feature Writer Katie Strick explains why schools are struggling so much, as Richard Slade, headteacher of Plumcroft primary school in Greenwich explains the issues he’s dealing with. In this episode:Why are schools struggling?How ‘underfunding’ of schools impacts staff and extracurricular studiesSchools not replacing teachersHow the work stress is pushing teachers to the edgeWill the Autumn Budget provide some respite for schools?Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How will the Chancellor fill the £55billion black hole? Concern as the energy price cap ends in April. Could changes be made to VAT? Our Deputy Political Editor David Bond discusses the potential moves Jeremy Hunt could make. Plus Tina McKenzie from the Federation of Small Businesses discusses why many firms in the UK face closure if things get worse. In this episode:Which taxes could the Chancellor target?Where might spending cuts be made?Will benefits be brought in line with inflation?Small businesses hoping for help from the governmentWhy SMEs are key to economic growthFollow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why the UK-France Immigration deal is ‘an incremental improvement’. Will drones and night-vision cameras make a difference? Could smugglers move operations into Belgium? Our Home Affairs Editor Martin Bentham discusses the details of the new deal, and how significant the new measures are. Plus, former Head of UK Border Force Tony Smith explains why he's hopeful the deal will deliver results. In this episode:How the deal compares with previous immigration agreementsAre the measures more or less extreme than was expected?How effective will these measures be?The risk that smugglers will move operations elsewhereHow new drone tech could make a differenceFollow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Tennant in ‘Good’ at the Harold Pinter Theatre and why it’s an important watch. Plus, does ‘Mary’ at Hampstead Theatre need a trigger warning? This week the Evening Standard's chief theatre critic Nick Curtis is joined by Nancy Durrant, our culture editor, as they unpick two more interesting shows from London’s stages.In this episode:Part 1: ‘Good’ at the Harold Pinter TheatreThe very ‘good’ German man who gradually changes to NazismDavid Tennant’s "best friend" personality, his performance and career choicesElliot Levey and Sharon Small, plus the various roles they playWhy the play was revived and why it still feels current two years onWhy it’s an important watch, rather than enjoyablePart 2: ‘Mary’ at Hampstead TheatreDoes Mary need a trigger warning?What is Rona Munro’s queen’s tale about?The representation of Mary Stuart's terrible treatmentThe playwright Rona Munro and Mary as the sixth part of the trilogyGangs of London’s Brian VernelWhy it "utterly failed to spark", and left Nick & Nancy feeling "flat"What shows are on in London in December? Well, this is your weekly Theatre Review from the Evening Standard.Visit standard.co.uk/culture or find us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Willingham is the founder and CEO of Nightcap, a company with the aim "to build Britain's biggest bar group". The former Dragon's Den star set it up in 2020, when the country was in lockdown, and describes how her broker asked if she'd "gone mad". This is is taken from our How to be a CEO podcast. To hear the full episode click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain’s shaky economy is on the brink of recession as Office for National Statistics data reveals a fall in GDP.It comes as former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng popped up in his first interview since being sacked, and criticised his former boss and political soulmate, ex-PM Liz Truss.He says they are still “friends” but has not returned her missed call from several days ago.It comes as Office for National Statistics data shows output dropped 0.2 per cent from July to September.Now there’s an increasing likelihood the fourth quarter will see another dip after the surge in interest rates triggered by Kwarteng’s disastrous mini-Budget in September.Those ONS figures follow Bank of England forecasts could be the longest recession since records began.The Leader’s joined by Alfie Stirling, director of research and chief economist at the New Economics Foundation, and Evening Standard deputy political editor David Bond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London endures another 24 hours of Underground closures in RMT strikes over pensions and station job cuts. Transport for London says passenger numbers were only at 10 per cent of normal demand on Thursday. Meanwhile, nurses vote to walkout in a pay and working conditions dispute amid record NHS waiting lists. So what does winter hold in store? Analysis with Evening Standard transport editor Ross Lydall and health reporter Daniel Keane. TfL say passenger numbers only at 10 per cent of normal demand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nurses forced to look after up to 18 patients at a time, skipping meals during shifts, nurses leaving the profession, how daily struggles are compromising patient care. The Royal College of Nursing announces the first ever nurses strike over pay. A&E nurse Lucy Shapcott explains why NHS staff have voted to strike. Plus, in Part Two - politics! Our Deputy Political Editor David Bond discusses how Gavin Williamson’s resignation will impact Rish Sunak and the Conservative party. In this episode:Part 1:Why have nurses voted to strike?The day-to-day struggles nurses faceHow pay and conditions are causing staff to leave the NHSCould nurses compromise on a payrise?Part 2:Is Gavin Williamson’s resignation a big blow to the Tory party?Will his appointment impact Rishi Sunak’s reputation?How will the public respond to this latest debacle?Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

France and the UK ‘close’ to agreeing an immigration deal. Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron’s ‘bromance’. How will it impact the Rwanda asylum plans? Our Deputy Political Editor David Bond discusses what the immigration deal could involve, and how it could be a big win for Rishi Sunak. In this episode:What do we know about the deal so far?What could the deal include?How might this deal impact the Rwanda asylum plan?Could it be a big political win for Rishi Sunak?Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why the mood at COP27 is ‘sombre and difficult’. Rishi Sunak calls on world leaders to protect the planet ‘for our children and grandchildren’. How police are dealing with Just Stop Oil protests on the M25. Our Home Affairs Editor Martin Bentham explains the difficulties with policing dangerous protest action. Plus Climate Scientist Professor Simon Lewis describes the action governments need to tackle on global warming. In this episode:What is the mood like at COP27 in Egypt?Is Just Stop Oil’s cause the right one?Is the UK playing its part on climate action?Protest action on the M25 explainedHow can police tackle the protest action?Will the government succumb to climate activists’ demands?Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming to you from the stage of the Shaftesbury Theatre, currently home to musical & Juliet, we kick off our brand-new theatre show.Every Sunday we review two of the most interesting shows onstage in London.This week, Nick Curtis, the Evening Standard’s Chief Theatre Critic, and Nancy Durrant, Culture Editor, review Tammy Faye, the Almeida Theatre's new musical, and Marvellous at @SohoPlace.For all the latest news visit standard.co.uk/cultureYou can find us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast @esculture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taken from our How to be a CEO podcast.Lily’s Kitchen went from a small operation to feed just one dog, to a hugely successful enterprise, so popular it was bought by Nestle Purina.The company is run by CEO Nick Magalini who has over twenty years in the pet food industry.Nick tells us about how they maintain a 'cooked in the kitchen' small business culture, while growing into an international brand, and what it means to be the first UK pet food company with B Corp status.They have gone from strength to strength, most recently seeing sales in UK grocery growing by more than 27% during the pandemic pet-boom.Henrietta Morrison is the founder of Lily's, who started the business for her pet dog Lily. The idea was to produce food filled with honest, natural ingredients - unlike many products she found in the shops.You can listen to the full episode here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the heavens opened over London, there’s a financial storm brewing.The Bank of England has decreed the steepest interest rate hike since 1989, with a jump of 0.75 percentage points to three per cent, as it steps up the fight against soaring inflation. But what’s the impact going to be on London’s property market, for homeowners with mortgages and renters?It comes as estate agents Savills warns the capital’s homeowners that property prices in London are forecast to fall faster than anywhere else in the UK as biting mortgage interest rates hit house and flat values.To analyse Thursday’s unwelcome financial news, the Leader’s joined by Laurie Macfarlane, a fellow at UCL’s Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s only Rishi Sunak’s second week as Prime Minister and he’s not had the simplest of starts. He’s made a big U-turn and will now attend COP 27 in Egypt on Sunday, the migrant crisis and Suella Braverman continue to make headlines and a certain former Health Secretary is heading into the jungle. The Evening Standard’s Political Editor, Nicholas Cecil, explains about all of the latest drama happening in Westminster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we brace ourselves for the possibility of blackouts this winter, another energy company is making huge profits. This comes in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis and as we all await the ‘tough decisions’ the Prime Minister told us to prepare for ahead of the autumn statement. The Evening Standard’s Deputy Political Editor, David Bond, walks us through the big energy companies profiting, the reaction and what we might expect in the upcoming fiscal statement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A week after being re-appointed to the job she was forced to resign from less than a month ago, Suella Braverman is facing calls for her to quit all over again.There are still security concerns hanging over the Home Secretary, she’s also taking heat over the worsening of the migrant crisis… with opponents blaming her and questioning the handling of incidents under her remit.The Evening Standard’s Political Reporter, Rachael Burford, explains whether or not she thinks Braverman can survive second time around.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a bonus episode taken from our How to be a CEO podcast.Sam White is the founder and chair of Freedom Services Group, an insurance firm aiming to 'fundamentally change' the industry for the better. She's dealt with sexism and criticism on top of competition while navigating a hugely male-dominated industry.To listen to the full episode click here. In this episode:How Sam got started in business and why she was ‘a bit of a hustler’Why she fired herself and hired a psychologist as CEOSam's interest in psychologyHow the industry needs to changeDoes Sam White have the magic formula?For all the latest business news head to www.standard.co.uk/businessFollow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast #HowToBeACEO Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk announces ‘the bird is freed’ as he takes over Twitter. Three top execs reportedly fired. Could we see Twitter become the ‘X’ everything app? The Evening Standard’s Tech Reporter Simon Hunt discusses what Elon might do next with the app, and what he wants to see. Plus AI expert Dr Robert Elliot Smith explains why Elon has a big job on his hands to improve Twitter’s algorithm, make it more ethical and get rid of bots. In this episode:What is Elon planning for Twitter?How will he make it a place for ‘healthy debate’?The risk of banned users returning to the platformWill users be put off using Twitter?Why social media is ‘naturally polarising’Musk’s conflicting aimsWhy Twitter’s algorithms need to changeFollow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shell announces bumper Q3 earnings equivalent to £1,000 a second. Could Rishi Sunak extend the windfall tax on big energy firms? Will CEOs reluctantly accept tax rises? Our Business Editor Jonathan Prynn discusses Shell’s bumper profits and what could happen next. Plus Tessa Khan, Founder of Uplift UK, discusses how crucial a windfall tax extension could be. In this episode:Shell earnings “genuinely a vast amount of money”Will the government commit to extending the windfall tax?Could other industries be in line for extra taxes?How much is an extension to the windfall tax needed?Other European countries are charging higher tax ratesHow can we move away from fossil fuels?Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s first PMQs: Promise of “fair” and “compassionate” decisions, reappointment of Suella Braverman defended, fracking ban reinstated. So how well did he do? Our Political Editor Nicholas Cecil examines his performance and some of the policies and decisions already made by our new prime minister. In this episode:How did Rishi Sunak perform in his first PMQs?Are there any signs of an inquiry into Suella Braverman’s reappointment?Fracking ban, budget announcement delayed, and changes to overseas aidHow the markets reacted to PMQs“Feisty exchanges” expected in Sunak versus Starmer Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By just making it to office Rishi Sunak has already made history, he’s the first British-Asian PM, as well as the richest to have the position and the youngest in 200 years. But, can he handle the huge challenges that lie ahead? Katie Strick, commissioning editor and senior feature writer at the Evening Standard, gives an in-depth profile of the man behind the politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s official, Rishi Sunak will become our new Prime Minister, our third one in just seven weeks. The former chancellor has finally achieved his goal but now he has to prove himself, tackle the cost of living crisis and mend our weakened economy. Nicholas Cecil, the Evening Standard’s Political Editor, explains what we can expect from Rishi’s premiership and the challenges that he’ll face now he’s finally at number ten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Bryant has been CEO at Zoopla, the property portal, since 2018.In this episode: Why he thinks the UK's housing market's holding up in the cost of living crisisHow Zoopla is more than a "find" portal (although he quite likes a rummage around himself)How people's use of Zoopla changed over the pandemicThis is a cut-down version taken from our How to be a CEO podcast. To hear the full episode click here.Find us on Twitter at #TheLeaderPodcast and #HowToBeACEO Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who’s going to be crowned the UK’s 57th prime minister? House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt has been the first to declare, while former chancellor Rishi Sunak and the hugely divisive ex-PM Boris Johnson are also said to be in the running.At the same time, there’s upset that Liz Truss may be in line to receive a £115,000-a-year ex-prime minister’s payout for future public duties,To examine the days ahead, the chances of a general election and the damage done to Britain’s international reputation, the Leader’s joined by Evening Standard deputy political editor David Bond and Dr Parth Patel, senior research fellow at the Institute for Public Policy Research. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.