Westminster Hour

Epizode

• Keir Starmer's last week in power 12.07.2026 49min

  Ben Wright is joined by Labour's Dame Sionbhain McDonagh; Conservative MP Sir Bernard Jenkin; Lib Dem Luke Taylor; and Gawain Towler - who sits on the board of Reform UK. The panel pay tribute to Ann Widdecombe and reflect on her career in politics and as a popular television personality. They also consider whether Nigel Farage's decision to call a by-election in Clacton could backfire. And they discuss the power of the Treasury and whether it should be broken up to create a department focused on economic growth. The programme includes an interview with Sir Howard Davies - former deputy governor of the Bank of England - about the concept of "Treasury orthodoxy". And Lizzy Buchan - political editor of the Mirror - brings additional expert insight and analysis.
• Challenges facing the new PM on defence, foreign affairs and social care 05.07.2026 48min

  Ben Wright is joined by Labour MP Anna Dixon, Conservative former minister Jesse Norman and commentator Miranda Green from the Financial Times. They discuss Keir Starmer's attempt to frame his legacy, and the domestic and international challenges facing the new Prime Minister. James Heale - deputy political editor of The Spectator - brings additional insight and analysis. Ben also interviews Layla Moran - Lib Dem chair of the Health and Social Care Committee - about the prospects for reforming adult social care, if Andy Burnham enters Downing St.
• Andy Burnham's economic policies 28.06.2026 48min

  Ben Wright is joined by Labour backbencher Gordon McKee; Conservative former Cabinet minister, Sir Andrew Mitchell; and Theo Bertram - an adviser to the Blair and Brown governments, now Director of the Social Market Foundation. They discuss Andy Burnham's approach to the economy and plans for further devolution. They also consider the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan. Geraldine Scott - assistant political editor of The Times - brings additional insight and analysis. .
• Sir Keir Starmer considers his future 21.06.2026 48min

  Ben Wright's guests are the Labour MP and Chair of the Education Select Committee, Helen Hayes; Shadow Scotland Secretary, Andrew Bowie; and Professor of Politics, Philip Cowley. They discuss the anticipated resignation of Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister - and what a government led by Andy Burnham might mean for the country. Ben interviews the former Labour leader, Lord Kinnock; economist Professor Michael Jacobs; and political historian Sir Anthony Seldon. Lara Spirit - deputy political editor of the Sunday Times - brings additional insight and analysis.