Politics Weekly
Political analysis from the Guardian and Observer's top journalists and commentators.
Can Andy Burnham’s ‘No 10 North’ change anything?
Andy Burnham, the prime minister-in-waiting, has made his first major speech since becoming the MP for Makerfield. Speaking in Manchester, he said the Westminster system was ‘broken’ and that a ‘more of the same’ attitude would not work. He promised a ‘No 10 North’ as part of his proposals for…
Brexit: An Oral History
This week marked 10 years since the UK chose to leave the EU. In a series of interviews with key players from both sides, Kiran Stacey looks back on the Brexit vote that changed the country forever. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Andy Burnham: who’s really got his ear?
As Andy Burnham looks set to go unchallenged in his leadership bid, Labour MPs are now jostling for a position in his cabinet. Who will have his ear, and what does that tell us about his leadership?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Keir Starmer resigns: what now?
An emotional Keir Starmer announced his resignation as prime minister and Labour leader on Monday morning, less than two years after he won a huge majority at the general election. The question now is who will replace him: will Andy Burnham sweep into No 10 uncontested? And can he make…
Andy Burnham: our next Prime Minister?
Andy Burnham will return to Westminster as an MP, and potential challenger to Keir Starmer, after decisively beating Reform UK to win the Makerfield byelection. Kiran Stacey and Jessica Elgot chat through what happens next. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
How will the under-16s social media ban work?
Keir Starmer has announced his social media ban for under-16s. The proposals are tougher than expected, and include a ban on major apps such as TikTok, Instagram, X, Snapchat, YouTube and Facebook. Plus, the Makerfield byelection is on Thursday. How will team Starmer be preparing for a potential Andy Burnham…
Can politicians bring calm to Belfast?
After nights of violence across Belfast this week, politicians continue to call for calm, but what else can be done to stop the violence spreading? Plus, Jessica Elgot has been to Makerfield and spoken to undecided voters on the doorstep. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
The defence secretary quits with ‘blistering’ criticism of Starmer
The defence secretary has resigned over the government’s military spending plans, in another major blow for Keir Starmer. In a scathing letter to the prime minister, John Healey said the long-awaited defence investment plan ‘falls well short of what is required for defence’ and that he would have to take…
Zelenskyy: Putin is ‘playing games’ with Trump
The Ukrainian president says Vladimir Putin’s days are numbered. As the Russian president’s influence wanes and his war machine crumbles, Volodymyr Zelenskyy says it is important for Europe and the world to stick together. Pippa Crerar and Luke Harding speak with Zelenskyy on his most recent visit to London. Help…
Is Keir Starmer in his ‘legacy’ era?
Keir Starmer says he will fight on as prime minister, but behind the scenes he is said to be thinking about his legacy. He’s talking this week about tech companies and the shape of a social media ban, but he is also focussed on resetting the UK’s relations with EU…
On the byelection campaign trail with Andy Burnham
With three weeks to go until the Makerfield byelection, where an Andy Burnham victory could change the direction of the Labour party, Pippa Crerar joins him on the campaign trail in Wigan and Leigh, speaking to voters on their doorsteps. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
New Mandelson files: how embarrassing are they?
More than 1,000 pages of emails and WhatsApp messages have been released relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s ambassador to the US. The documents show Mandelson’s criticism of Keir Starmer, and his desperation to become the Oxford University chancellor – but the controversial vetting file from when he…
Tony Blair and the battle for Labour’s soul
Peter Walker is joined by pollster Luke Tryl of More in Common to discuss Sir Tony Blair’s intervention in the Labour leadership saga and the party’s prospects in the Makerfield byelection Please send your questions and messages for Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism…
The byelection, Wes Streeting and Europe: your questions answered
Can Andy Burnham do a better job than Keir Starmer? Is Makerfield more important for Reform than Labour? Can the UK rejoin the EU? Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey answer your messages and emails. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
Stateside with Kai and Carter – Why the fight over abortion in US isn’t finished
The US supreme court has preserved nationwide access to mail-order abortion pills – for now. As Carter Sherman explains, the fight to protect this medication is far from over, as a nationwide, near-total abortion ban could be on the horizon. Carter speaks with Dr Angel Foster, co-founder of the Massachusetts…
Wes Streeting: ‘Andy Burnham doesn’t live rent free in my head’ – podcast
Pippa Crerar sits down with Wes Streeting a week after his resignation from Keir Starmer’s cabinet. We find out what the former health secretary really thinks about Andy Burnham, where Labour has got it wrong and his vision for the leadership. Watch the full episode in video on YouTube here…
Andy Burnham’s first election hurdle: Brexit
Andy Burnham may already be facing a tricky obstacle in his push to return to Westminster. Past comments about rejoining the EU have come back to haunt him, particularly given that the Makerfield constituency voted overwhelmingly to leave in the Brexit referendum. Plus, Wes Streeting has confirmed he will stand…
NEW: Stacey Abrams on why gutting of the US Voting Rights Act is ‘evil’ – Stateside with Kai and Carter
The US supreme court demolished the 1965 Voting Rights Act when they ruled in Louisiana v Callais in April that states can’t consider race in redistricting. Southern states from Tennessee to Alabama have rushed to erase majority Black districts, sparking chaos for the midterm elections. Kai Wright talks with Stacey…
Is Andy Burnham about to return to Westminster?
Andy Burnham has announced he will attempt to return to Westminster after the Labour MP Josh Simons said he will vacate his Makerfield seat in order for Burnham to run in a byelection. It follows a day of breaking news in which the health secretary, Wes Streeting, resigned, saying he…
Labour plotters v stubborn Starmer: will he resign? – Today in Focus: The Latest
Tensions are running high in Westminster as Keir Starmer has told his cabinet he’s not going anywhere. But with several ministers quitting the government, and more than 80 MPs calling for him to go, how much longer has he got? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar…