Political Fix

AI promises major opportunities, but also significant risks – for the economy, employment, security and perhaps even human civilisation. But in Westminster, AI is far from a priority. In addition, fears that the UK’s AI Security Institute could be cut out of testing future frontier models before their release is fuelling alarm in Whitehall. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s AI editor Madhumita Murgia to discuss how developments in Silicon Valley are affecting UK politics. Plus UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and deputy opinion editor Miranda Green join the pod to unpack foreign secretary Ed Miliband’s trade ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The panel also examine the new Met police investigation into Reform’s finances, and Burnham’s latest devolution plans for a tourist tax. Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher; Robert: @robertshrimsley , @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Miranda: @greenmiranda Want more? Anthropic withheld latest AI model from UK testing agency AI hasn’t gone rogue, it’s worse than that Growth in every postcode: good politics, dubious economics Israel’s hapless British defenders Israel retaliates after UK bans trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank UK set to announce trade ban on Israeli settlements in the West Bank The five financing scandals facing Reform Sign up here f or Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free. Our email address is political fix@ft.com Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Persis Love. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. Broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Richard Topping. The FT’s head of audio is Flo Phillips. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform’s conference in Birmingham was soured by a Channel 4 News broadcast showing the party's leader Nigel Farage and some of his closest allies in conversations with a man purporting to arrange illicit political donations. Farage says the party has ‘broken no law’ but Reform has launched its own investigation and two top advisors have stepped down. Host Lucy Fisher hears from the FT’s acting executive news editor David Sheppard, who was at the Reform conference. Plus, political editor George Parker and economics editor Sam Fleming talk to Lucy about their exclusive interview with John Healey – and what the new Labour chancellor has planned for the country. Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher ; George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Sam @Sam1Fleming ; David @OilSheppard Want more? John Healey puts Britain on notice for tough Budget in ‘more dangerous world’ What are the latest claims against Nigel Farage? Top Reform UK advisors to step down after donor sting Latest allegations make Reform look ridiculous Nigel Farage and Reform UK hit by illicit-funding sting The five financing scandals facing Reform James Orr and the gospel of the British right Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics’ for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s big "new term" energy this week in parliament with MPs returning from summer recess for Andy Burnham’s first Prime Minister's Questions. After Burnham answered a mega 125 questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch lambasted the prime minister for being a “people pleaser” and a “spendthrift”. What did Burnham’s first appearance in the Commons tell us about his leadership style? And can Badenoch’s shadow cabinet reshuffle help the Tory party win back popularity? Plus, why is Green Party leader Zack Polanski standing in Keir Starmer’s old seat? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and deputy political editor Jim Pickard. Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher ; Robert @robertshrimsley ; Jim @PickardJE Want more? Andy Burnham tries to calm bond markets as public spending fears mount Burnham seeks to protect UK farming and steel in EU reset talks Andy Burnham and Emmanuel Macron meet as Bayeux tapestry unveiled How UK-Israel relations reached their worst point in decades PMQs cannot change Andy Burnham’s political reality Andy Burnham’s summer of quietly backing away from radical pledges James Orr and the gospel of the new British right Greens leader Zach Polanski to stand in seat vacated by Keir Starmer Come and join the FT and Political Fix panelists at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. To save 10 per cent on tickets, visit ft.com/festival and use the discount code FTPODCAST. You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. Our broadcast engineers were Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his first interview with the FT since becoming prime minister, Andy Burnham tells political editor and host George Parker that he is pro-business and understands the pressures that business is under — but wants something in return from corporate Britain. Deputy political editor Jim Pickard and columnist Stephen Bush join George to unpack Burnham’s pitch on business and wealth creation, and what he had to say about tax, nationalisation and the EU. George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb ; and Jim @PickardJE Want more? Andy Burnham pledges to ‘take pressure off’ business ahead of October Budget Andy Burnham seeks to bridge gap with nervous business community Healey to shelve his own defence spending target of 3% of GDP by 2030 Andy Burnham set for first meeting with Trump in September Thames Water creditors and government in stand-off over future Thames Water saga undermines case for more market solutions How the Bayeux Tapestry became a tool of soft power Come and join the FT and Political Fix panelists at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. To save 10 per cent on tickets, visit ft.com/festival and use the discount code FTPODCAST. You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics’ for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by George Parker and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music by Breen Turner. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Our broadcast engineers were Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has been on a regional tour of the UK, delivering a steady stream of policies aimed at tackling social issues. But now comes the hard part: should he push ahead with new drilling in the North Sea? After a summer of drought and wildfires, can the prime minister make the case for more fossil fuel extraction? FT political editor George Parker stands in for Lucy Fisher as host, and is joined by Inside Politics columnist Stephen Bush, and deputy political editor Jim Pickard. Plus, after Sue Gray described working in Starmer’s government as ‘unbearable’, and a top UK civil servant was revealed to have received a £500,000 payout package, the panel reflects on what we have learned about Starmer’s premiership now that it’s over. George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb ; and Jim @PickardJE Want more? Burnham launches pandemic-style drive to cut rough sleeping Andy Burnham faces climate test over North Sea oil decision Are ‘dodgy’ vape shops choking Britain’s high streets? Working in Starmer’s Number 10 was ‘unbearable,’ says Sue Gray Jamie Dimon warns UK chancellor against higher bank taxes Top UK civil servant received record £500,000 payout after Starmer sacking Come and join the FT and Political Fix panelists at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. To save 10 per cent on tickets, visit ft.com/festival and use the discount code FTPODCAST. You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics’ for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by George Parker and produced by Persis Love. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. Our broadcast engineers were Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage has comfortably won back his Clacton seat but with the investigation into his finances now back on, what, if anything, has been gained by this by-election gamble? And with the Reform UK leader absenting himself from the count, and his ratings falling, we ask whether the party is losing momentum. Plus, just weeks into being prime minister, Andy Burnham is facing his first challenges. Can he keep on the front foot with his cost of living drive and tour of the nation? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT political editor George Parker and political correspondent Anna Gross. FOLLOW: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; Anna, @AnnaSophieGross and George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Want more? Investigation into Nigel Farage resumes after he wins Clacton by-election Farage won in Clacton. But there are bigger tests to come Why Andy Burnham could be tempted by an early election gamble Starmer allies warn John Healey against blowing ‘strong’ economic inheritance Burnham urges retailers to stop selling disposable barbecues amid wildfires You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics’ for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson and Persis Love. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political Fix hit the Essex seaside this week to hear directly from Clacton voters ahead of the by-election next Thursday, which Nigel Farage has triggered in the wake of scrutiny of his finances. He’s framing it as a “people versus the establishment” contest – but what do local residents think? Why, at a time when his national ratings have plunged, does the Reform leader’s popularity in Clacton appear undiminished? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross and UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley to discuss the contest and Reform’s broader fortunes. Plus, the trio examine Kemi Badenoch's judgement in supporting the council candidacy of a former neo-Nazi, as well as the Tories’ and Labour’s efforts to convince business of their respective growth credentials. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; Anna, @AnnaSophieGross and Robert: Want more? ‘I’ll support him all the way’: Clacton voters rally to Nigel Farage despite heightened scrutiny The good, the bad and the green of Badenoch Reform repaid Tice loan on same day £1mn donated by mother of Farage aide Cottrell Reform UK promises large-scale ‘military operation’ to block small boat crossings Kemi Badenoch ‘sad’ over former antisemite’s withdrawal as Tory council candidate Conservatives rebuild relations with UK business after rocky two years UK to strip back procurement rules to focus on job creation, says Louise Haigh You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Successive prime ministers have pledged to tackle some of the biggest crises affecting old and young: the UK’s lack of vocational training and the chaos of social care. Now it’s the turn of the latest PM Andy Burnham. In an impassioned speech he set out his ambition for a cross-party solution on social care but gave scant detail about how to fund it. Will this be the hill that Burnham dies on? Host Miranda Green is joined by deputy political editor Jim Pickard, north of England correspondent Jennifer Williams and the FT’s public policy editor Chris Smyth to discuss. Plus, another ambitious plan to overhaul education, the ‘Burnham bounce’, and what exactly is a PuFin? FOLLOW: Miranda: @greenmiranda & @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Chris: @Smyth_Chris; Jim: @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social and Jen: @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social Want more? Andy Burnham opens door to tax rises to pay for social care overhaul The Burnham bounce shouldn’t come as a surprise Andy Burnham to give English mayors share of income tax from 2028 What are PuFins and how do Andy Burnham and John Healey plan to use them? Andy Burnham aims to cut welfare bill by getting young people into work You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics’ for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Miranda Green and produced by Clare Williamson and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Original music by Breen Turner with audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham’s new cabinet is in place and he’s dropped a raft of policy announcements on the cost of living this week, filling in some of the gaps about the kind of administration he will lead. On the show, host Lucy Fisher and her FT colleagues Anna Gross, Jim Pickard and Stephen Bush step back to examine Burnham’s broader economic vision, beyond bus fares, energy bills and business rates. Plus, the panel assesses ‘Brand Burnham’ and assess whether his unorthodox comms style and blokeish social media persona can survive his elevation to Number 10 – or a new, more serious tone will be required. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; Anna, @AnnaSophieGross and Jim: @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social Want more? Andy Burnham to cut business rates for pubs and clubs North Sea oil and gas industry looks for answers from new energy secretary Can ‘Brand Burnham’ survive the move to Number 10? Andy Burnham’s high-risk start may help him get ahead of political pain Thames Water lenders to offer ‘golden share’ to UK government Andy Burnham backs away from costly increase to income tax allowance Betting account in George Cottrell’s name received $9mn in crypto from unidentified sources You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Bianca Wakeman. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s all change at the top of Andy Burnham’s new Labour government and there have been some surprise appointments. The biggest of them was the elevation of the former defence minister John Healey to chancellor of the exchequer, but we also saw Ed Miliband given the foreign office brief and Wes Streeting move to defence. Meanwhile, many of Starmer’s former allies have been given the boot. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, the FT’s chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and north of England correspondent Jen Williams to discuss the new cabinet and dissect some of the policy moves announced so far, as well as those that are likely to come. Follow: Lucy: @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; Miranda: @greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Jen: @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social and Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social Want more? Andy Burnham latest: Move to remove VAT on electricity bills sparks funding row as Cabinet meets Andy Burnham becomes UK prime minister promising ‘unity and positivity’ Six things we learnt from Andy Burnham’s choices for his top team The five fiscal challenges facing John Healey Continuity and change in Andy Burnham’s new cabinet Burnham’s industrial revival will join up local needs and strengths Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has been crowned Labour leader and will become PM on Monday. His first speech to the party faithful on Friday offered new clues about his plans for government, as speculation reaches fever pitch over his cabinet picks amid the FT’s scoop that the current home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is set to become Britain’s next chancellor. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues George Parker and Jim Pickard to parse his words and look ahead to his first days in power. They also assess Sir Keir Starmer's final week, including his valedictory Prime Minister's Questions, where tributes flowed in from across the aisle. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; Want more? Jonathan Reynolds set to oversee beefed-up business department Andy Burnham wants Britain to build council houses. Is there a catch? The union power struggle that could reshape Labour’s future funding The former Britpop stalwart at the heart of Burnham’s machine Andy Burnham plans blitz of policy announcements on entering Number 10 Shabana Mahmood set to be named UK chancellor by Andy Burnham Inside the year-long plan to make Burnham Labour leader Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Nigel Farage regretting his move to trigger a by-election now that his main rival is the novelty candidate Count Binface? What do Reform’s supporters think, and has he blown his chances of broadening support for the party? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, columnist Stephen Bush and political reporter Rachel Rees to discuss the Reform leader’s gamble. Plus Andy Burnham wins overwhelming support to become the next Labour leader, while outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been talking up his legacy at the Nato summit in Turkey. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social, Rachel @rachel-rees.bsky.social and Anna, @AnnaSophieGross Want more? Labour MPs queue up to back Andy Burnham as next leader Labour MPs push for permanent ban on crypto political donations Police launch probe into donations to Robert Jenrick’s Tory leadership campaign ‘Nigel can fix it’ — what Clacton voters think of Farage’s gambit A timeline of Nigel Farage’s £5mn gift and his return to politics Nigel Farage ridiculed in parliament as ‘farce’ by-election gets go-ahead US carries out second day of strikes against Iran Britain’s power problem You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Flo Phillips is the FT head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has Nigel Farage played his trump card by announcing that he will resign as MP for Clacton and fight a by-election there, or will the move backfire? After mounting pressure over donations from wealthy backers, he insisted he has “done nothing wrong” and that he would fight “the establishment” to retake the seat for Reform UK. But it might not be the contest he anticipated. In this breaking news episode, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green is joined by chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and UK political editor George Parker to examine what the move means for Reform, the scrutiny of Farage’s finances and the future of his political career. Want more? As it happened: Nigel Farage quits as MP to force Clacton by-election Parliamentary watchdog urged to investigate Nigel Farage over benefits from fraudster Nigel Farage to make statement on his ‘future in public life’ Farage struggles to be ringmaster of his own circus Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Presented by Miranda Green. Produced by Persis Love. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s global head of audio is Flo Phillips. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.com Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham’s big idea for government is to shift power out of Westminster. In his first major speech setting out his plans for government, he outlined his vision this week for a No 10 North and to devolve a range of powers to mayors and councils. But how would his blueprint for devolution work – and is it actually popular with voters? Burnham believes it would answer the public’s call for greater control of public services, but sceptics worry about inefficiency, accountability and scrutiny. The likely incoming prime minister must also grapple with tough spending decisions, after Sir Keir Starmer finally set out his defence investment plan, leaving a £5bn black hole for Burnham to fill. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage has been noticeably quieter than usual. Is this a deliberate strategic pause as he works out a shift in political priorities, or simply the calm before another high-profile campaign? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, deputy political editor Jim Pickard and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; Robert @robertshrimsley and Anna, @AnnaSophieGross Want more? Five things we learnt from Andy Burnham’s speech Burnham’s Middle England challenge on devolution Britain’s case for meaningful devolution is overwhelming Britain’s defence investment predicament The strategic dilemmas behind Britain’s defence spending mess Nigel Farage’s pay from gold dealer doubles to £22,500 an hour Farage attempts to justify large donation from Christopher Harborne Andy Burnham and the politics of nostalgia Morgan McSweeney: ‘I felt guilty about what I’d done to Keir’ You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten years ago, the UK voted in a referendum to leave the EU. Since that Brexit vote, the country has been through six prime ministers, the political landscape has splintered, relations with the EU have cooled, and the economy has spluttered. A decade on, host Lucy Fisher and panellists political editor George Parker, markets columnist Katie Martin, political columnist Stephen Bush and economics correspondent Delphine Strauss consider the impact of Brexit and whether a major shift in the UK’s relationship with the bloc is on the horizon. This is a recording of an FT Live subscribers’ webinar, recorded on Thursday June 25 Want more? Lessons from Brexit for the world economy Rejoining EU is ‘mirage’ but UK must get closer to bloc, says minister In charts: How Brexit still divides British voters Britain’s hunt for a post-Brexit economic model Andy Burnham plans devolution blitz ahead of key City of London speech ‘Big spending vibes, small spending commitments’: Andy Burnham’s tricky fiscal dance How Brexit ghosts will stop the UK from quickly rejoining the EU Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; @georgewparker.bsky.social , @GeorgeWParker ; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social Katie Martin and Delphine Strauss You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The global head of audio is Flo Phillips. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can any other Labour MP amass sufficient support to challenge Andy Burnham for the top job, or is his ascent to No 10 now all but assured? Just 24 hours after Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as prime minister, host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Miranda Green, Robert Shrimsley and Chris Smyth to discuss the merits of a leadership contest over a coronation, who will win big roles in a Burnham cabinet and his early policy priorities. Plus the group considers the political ripples that a Burnham government will have on the other parties. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; Chris: @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.social; Miranda: @greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social and Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social Want more? Labour MPs consider backing challenger to Andy Burnham Waiting for Andy: what will a Burnham premiership mean? The 10 headaches Starmer is handing to Burnham The revolving door of Downing Street Why does Britain keep changing prime ministers? Labour’s Burnham sceptics don’t have the numbers to stop him Join the Political Fix panel on Thursday June 25 for an FT Live event, ‘Ten years after Brexit: Can the UK deliver change?’ Register to take part at ft.com/anniversary and send us your questions. You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The global head of audio is Flo Phillips. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Andy Burnham sworn in as an MP and on track to become the UK’s seventh prime minister in 10 years after Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation today, host Lucy Fisher is joined by political editor George Parker and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to assess Starmer’s time in office and discuss how Burnham will have to hit the ground running to avoid the fate of his predecessors. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; Jim @PickardJE or jim.pickard@ft.com ; and George @GeorgeWParker or george.parker@ft.com Want more? How Keir Starmer was undone by caution and no clear plan Keir Starmer’s premiership in charts Keir Starmer steps down as UK prime minister Waiting for Andy: what will a Burnham premiership mean? Why does Britain keep changing prime ministers? What Andy Burnham’s Westminster past reveals about him Join the Political Fix panel on Thursday June 25 for an FT Live event, ‘Ten years after Brexit: Can the UK deliver change?’ Register to take part at ft.com/anniversary and send us your questions. Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The global head of audio is Flo Phillips. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has stormed the Makerfield by-election, clearing the pathway for him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the top job in Downing Street. Starmer has vowed to defend his position, but will Burnham’s team be able to cajole him into resignation? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by Financial Times commentators, Inside Politics columnist Stephen Bush, political editor George Parker and Northern England correspondent Jennifer Williams to discuss what could play out in Westminster over the coming weeks, who a Burnham premiership would have as chancellor, and what Reform’s defeat in Makerfield means for Farage. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; Jen @JenWilliams_FT or @jenwilliamsft.bskyb.social; Stephen @stephenkb & @stephenkb.bsky.social and George @GeorgeWParker & @georgewparker.bsky.social Want more? Andy Burnham storms to by-election victory in challenge to Keir Starmer What Andy Burnham now needs to do to become prime minister Andy Burnham’s landslide win should worry Nigel Farage ‘Abysmal’: Nigel Farage’s Reform UK suffers another by-election blow Who is Andy Burnham, Labour’s charismatic chameleon? Can anyone stop Andy Burnham from becoming Labour leader? Join the Political Fix panel on Thursday June 25 for an FT Live event, ‘Ten years after Brexit: Can the UK deliver change?’ Register to take part at ft.com/anniversary and send us your questions. Sign up here to Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter, Inside Politics, for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The FT’s global head of audio is Flo Phillips. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a week to go until Makerfield heads to the polls in what may turn out to be the most consequential by-election in British history, host Lucy Fisher, northern England correspondent Jen Williams and deputy political editor Jim Pickard are on the ground hearing from voters in the seat. Polls and bookmakers confidently predict an Andy Burnham victory but they discuss whether that narrative is too neat and what issues are really shaping voters’ choices. The result could determine not just who represents Makerfield, but also the future of the country if Burnham wins and successfully challenges Sir Keir Starmer for the premiership. Plus, they weigh up the shock resignation of defence secretary John Healey who has blasted Starmer’s government for being “unwilling” to commit sufficient resources to protecting the country. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; Jen @JenWilliams_FT or @jenwilliamsft.bskyb.social; Jim on @PickardJE or @pickardje.bskyb.social Want more? John Healey: the ex-trade unionist who privately battled the Treasury Andy Burnham rules out cash for Waspi women after Labour backlash ‘Pure racism’: East Belfast reels from riots led by masked young men Keir Starmer weakened by John Healey’s scathing resignation The joke that deepened Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham’s toxic rift Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The FT’s global head of audio is Flo Phillips. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What began as a local tragedy in Southampton has quickly become a national flashpoint. Questions about policing and trust in UK institutions are dominating the debate, as party leaders compete to shape the public response, but are politicians missing the point that this is about police treatment of suspects? With the Makerfield by-election looming, the case risks sharpening divides. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Stephen Bush, Miranda Green and Chris Smyth to discuss the political fallout, plus the latest in Andy Burnham’s campaign. The panel also consider what Sir Keir Starmer is looking to cross off his bucket list as his allies suggest it increasingly appears a fait accompli that he will be forced out of Downing Street. Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @ lucyfisher.ft.com ; Stephen @stephenkb & @stephenkb.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmiranda & @greenmirandahere.bsky.social and Chris @Smyth_Chris Join us on Thursday the 25th of June for a special video episode of the Political Fix podcast on Ten Years after Brexit: can the UK deliver change? Register at ft.com/anniversary and send us your questions Want more? What if Andy Burnham loses? What Henry Nowak’s murder does — and does not — tell us about policing Policing minister says ‘wrong calls’ made amid anger over Henry Nowak murder Starmer pushes ‘bucket list’ policies as fatalistic mood descends on Number 10 Disparities between ethnic groups are not always cause for alarm Nigel Farage gambles on playing to the far right Electoral reform in the UK? Don’t bet on it You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free. Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Nisha Patel. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.