In The Room

Why Andy Burnham might not be ready for No 10 23.06.2026 38min

Andy Burnham’s camp is caught between euphoria and fear. After his victory in the Makerfield by-election and Keir Starmer’s resignation, the path to No 10 appears to have opened up for the former Manchester mayor.On what would be his third attempt at the Labour leadership, Burnham could be prime minister by mid-July – and the UK’s seventh in ten years. But with the clock already ticking, is his team prepared for power?Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson assess the mood inside Burnham’s camp, the mistakes he must avoid repeating from the Starmer years, and why greater urgency and ruthlessness will be needed if he is to govern successfully.Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Makerfield by-election: Has Andy Burnham united the left? 19.06.2026 33min

It wasn’t so close after all. Andy Burnham achieved 9,241 votes more than the second place Reform candidate, Robert Kenyon. Even talk of Restore Britain stealing votes from Reform mattered little in the end. The reality of the Makerfield by-election is it’s a thumping win for Labour’s Andy Burnham, and a disappointing night for Nigel Farage, whose attempts to dial up division in recent weeks didn’t pay off.In this bonus episode we react to this week’s two Westminster by-elections where voters in Makerfield and Aberdeen South went to the polls. The latter is an interesting case study of single issue campaigning and a sign of a possible Tory revival in Scotland. We also reveal what our advice to Andy Burnham would be as efforts to oust Keir Starmer from No 10 heat up.Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starmer activates legacy mode while Farage activates Substack 16.06.2026 33min

This week, Keir Starmer announced a ban on social media for under-16s. It’s a punchy policy announcement. And it’s a clear sign that he has activated legacy mode. Today, we ask: what will his legacy really look like? And why are prime ministers obsessed about their legacy? On the week of the announcement, Nigel Farage has dialled up his divisive rhetoric with a brand new Substack page. His numbers on the platform are already towering over Starmer’s. We’ll discuss the prime minister's inability to engage in and win arguments with fringe political leaders, giving breathing room to extremist ideas in the UK - and ask: why the hell are politicians all on Substack anyway? Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside the by-election that could change UK politics 10.06.2026 40min

Next week will see one of the most consequential by-elections in UK political history. Journalists, pollsters and politicians are swamping the small market town near Wigan - where the voters of Makerfield could make Burnham king. At the time of recording, Labour are 10 points ahead of Reform in the polls. To close the gap, Reform must win a battle of ideas on the right, where Restore Britain are currently polling at 8%. In this episode, Helen and Cleo discuss what happens if Burnham actually wins - will he become prime minister any time soon? And is Keir Starmer really in ‘legacy mode’? Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mandelson files: 1,504 pointless pages? 02.06.2026 42min

After 83 days of waiting, the government has finally released the second tranche of files on the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador to Washington. The first tranche was already heavy on the filler, but the latest set of documents takes it to a whole new level. It features an incredible amount of seemingly pointless material: Mandelson’s resignation letter appears 8 times, there’s pages of printed versions of Microsoft Teams notifications and the full transcript of a President Trump interview with ABC News. Today, we dissect the files, picking out the parts that do really tell us a lot - in particular about how Peter Mandelson himself operated behind the scenes.Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ex-SNP chief’s embezzlement scandal and the shady role of money in politics 27.05.2026 38min

A Dyson floor lamp, a £4,000 fountain pen, boxsets of Scandi noir TV dramas. These are just a handful of the items that former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell purchased with the £400k he embezzled from the party over the course of a decade. The full list is even longer. Murrell has been remanded in custody and likely faces lengthy prison time. Ever since the eruption of the 2009 MPs’ expenses scandal, there’s been a dark cloud of mistrust over politicians. Yet some politicians still play fast and loose with public trust, morality and transparency. Today, we discuss the shady world of money in politics. We'll also debate whether MPs ought to have a pay rise - and you might be surprised about the outcome.Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burnham or Brexit 2.0: Inside the leadership contest latest 20.05.2026 40min

With the writing seemingly on the wall for Keir Starmer, two contenders have already thrown their names into the ring for his job. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched an appeal to heartland Labour voters, suggesting he might be vying to initiate a "Brexit 2.0." Meanwhile, Andy Burnham, the "King of the North," has made it clear that if he wins the Makerfield by-election, he wants in at No.10.But do either of them have what it takes? This week, Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson discuss the two frontrunners for Westminster’s most coveted job, how Wes might have messed up his chances already, and whether Burnham can bring some of his Manchester magic down south.Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus episode: Burnham's long path to power 15.05.2026 28min

It’s hotting up in the bid to become Labour leader. Angela Rayner’s tax affairs are cleared up, Wes Streeting has resigned as health secretary and Andy Burnham has found a route back to Westminster. But Keir Starmer is resolutely staying put – for now.Today, we analyse who really has the numbers, what the public thinks of all this and assess Andy Burnham’s chances of winning in Makerfield. Plus, Cleo gives her insider analysis on what it really takes to launch a leadership bid.Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Streeting, Burnham, Rayner: Coming for Starmer's job? 12.05.2026 42min

Keir Starmer is still clinging to power. But when this morning’s 9:30am cabinet meeting began, that outcome looked far from certain. More than 81 MPs have now called for him to step down - the number required to trigger a leadership contest - but only if they unite behind a single challenger. For now, they remain split. And, in characteristically procedural style, Starmer has managed to buy himself another day.Today, we analyse the political manoeuvring of a thrilling few days in Westminster and give our advice to the runners and riders lining up to replace the Labour leader.Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Local elections: Reform's big day out spells more trouble for Starmer 08.05.2026 28min

Labour is losing votes to the Greens and seats to Reform. Across England, Scotland and Wales, the electoral map is shifting in ways not seen for years. The foundations of the two-party system are looking more fragile than ever.In this bonus episode, we ask: are voters sending a message Westminster still isn’t hearing? What does history suggest about Starmer’s chances of staying in power? And what do Labour’s losses to both the Greens and Reform reveal about the future of British politics?Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Local elections: Green vs Reform heats up as Starmer comes out swinging 06.05.2026 35min

Local elections are often a stick used to beat the government with. That’s never been truer than in this Thursday’s contests. Across the country, voters are expected to desert Labour, exposing the real dividing lines in British politics that have been emerging since before the 2024 general election.In this week’s episode, we reveal whether Labour can survive a two-front battle against Reform and the Greens, what happens when unvetted fringe candidates win seats, and whether projected election disasters will ultimately topple Keir Starmer's leadership.Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer vs the world: How the PM made his job so much harder 29.04.2026 31min

His own MPs are turning on him, the civil service are raging at him and, at next week’s local elections, the public will likely express their unhappiness too. All of this has made Keir Starmer’s job a lot harder.Today, we analyse how Starmer’s handling of the Mandelson vetting scandal has significantly weakened relations with the civil service, why putting a three-line whip on his own MPs is always a revealing move and why picking a political strategy is imperative if he wants to maintain his hold on power. Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does Olly Robbins' testimony signal the end for Starmer? 21.04.2026 34min

Westminster watchers have had their popcorn out over the past 24 hours.On Monday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was grilled by MPs for two hours. A day later, Sir Olly Robbins, the sacked Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign Office, gave a meticulous account to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. The result: fresh doubts over Starmer’s handling of Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.This week on In The Room, former Deputy Cabinet Secretary Helen MacNamara and ex-No.10 special adviser Cleo Watson share their reaction. They discuss how Robbins landed a series of hammer blows on Starmer in his testimony - and why new questions over the appointment of Matthew Doyle could prove to be his undoing.Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus episode: Has Keir Starmer made a huge mistake sacking Olly Robbins over Mandelson vetting? 17.04.2026 29min

There’s a new development in the Mandelson-Epstein-Starmer scandal – and as usual, it raises more questions over No. 10’s dealings than it answers. In this emergency broadcast Helen and Cleo break down the newest revelations about Mandelson’s failed security vetting: Why did the Foreign Office overrule it? How do these processes actually work? And could sacking Olly Robbins shape up to be Starmer’s biggest mistake?Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Not ready for war’: Can Starmer protect the UK? 17.04.2026 40min

In the midst of the US-Iran war, Lord Robertson, former Labour defence secretary and NATO chief, didn’t hold back this week. With local elections looming, the Labour grandee stepped into the defence debate, warning the UK is “not safe” and “underprepared” for war.But how much of that falls on Starmer’s government - and how much is the result of years of neglect of Britain’s core military strength: ships, drones, and troops?Since the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the UK has stopped 39 late-stage terror plots. So why does our security look strong, while our defence appears exposed? And what, exactly, is the difference?Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ceasefire: What’s next for the UK? 10.04.2026 32min

What happens inside government when the US President Donald Trump threatens to “destroy a whole civilisation”?As tensions spike following extraordinary comments from Donald Trump, former Deputy Cabinet Secretary Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson, ex-advisor to Theresa May and Boris Johnson, take you inside the rooms where officials scramble to respond to the unpredictable. From emergency calls with ambassadors to the quiet panic of Whitehall planning for an oil shock, they reveal how the UK system struggles when the rulebook no longer applies.They also ask: how should Keir Starmer handle a leader who changes course by the hour? What would actually be happening behind the scenes during the two-week ceasefire? And as fuel costs rise and global norms wobble, are we watching a temporary crisis - or the start of a completely new world order?Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Silent discos and kickabouts: Can MPs catch a break? 03.04.2026 33min

Whilst much of the country is enjoying a long Easter weekend, it’s far harder for MPs to switch off. And when they do, they might just end up getting lampooned for it. This week Keir Starmer was ridiculed for his 5-a-side prowess, while Labour MP for Walthamstow Stella Creasy faced criticism for posting a clip of herself dancing at a silent disco. In the midst of the US Iran war and a deepening cost of living crisis, Helen and Cleo discuss why it’s so hard for MPs to catch a break and why it’s always a good idea to think before you post on social media.Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stockpiling fuel, panic buying loo roll - are we prepped for war? 27.03.2026 34min

This week, as Blackrock big boss Larry Fink warned we could be heading for a global recession if the US Iran war continues, we discuss whether people should be prepping for what’s to come. From whether you should have a jerry can of fuel in your garage, to why you should be jotting down your favourite radio stations. Helen and Cleo look back at Covid times, when loo roll was in short supply and panic was rising. They discuss how the government can effectively support citizens, land the right messaging at a time of crisis, and whether having micro-influencers do the work for them is a good strategy. Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Energy crisis: Is Farage really going to pay your bills? 20.03.2026 38min

This week, as the war in the Middle East escalated, energy prices were soaring while the government scrambled to provide emergency support. Some £53million was announced by Ed Milliband, but is it really enough to help families who are struggling with the cost of living?In this episode we pull apart the UK’s cost of living malaise: Nigel Farage’s headline‑grabbing pledge to pay the energy bills of an entire street, how serious the threat of new Trump tariffs really is, and reveal why Britain is so exposed to geopolitical shocks.Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Definitive guide to Mandelson files: All filler, no killer? 13.03.2026 51min

Last month, Parliament demanded the government release the Mandelson files. What followed was five long weeks of waiting.This week, the Prime Minister’s Chief Secretary, Darren Jones, finally stepped up to announce their release. So, what’s inside? A total of 147 pages: 10 pages of contents and introduction, 28 entirely blank pages, 30 pages of standard HR guidance. All filler, no killer?In this episode, we explain the release of the Mandelson files: who decides what gets buried or revealed in a document dump like this, why Peter Mandelson thought he deserved a £500,000 payout, and whether the most explosive revelations are still to come?Timecodes00:00 Introduction01:20 Mandelson scandal: Timeline of key events03:45 What are the Jeffrey Epstein files?05:11 How are the Mandelson files different? 05:46 The role of the Metropolitan Police07:03 Parliament’s role in Mandelson file release07:40 Government’s decision to release the files10:02 How did these files get put together? 11:05 What’s in the 147 pages?13:38 Why are there no WhatsApp messages in the files?16:30 What advice did Starmer receive on Mandelson appointment?20:35 The due diligence report explained21:50 “Procuring a young girl”: Inaccurate language in the files 26:30 The government’s ‘fact finding’ mission29:01 Why this should not be a political decision35:15 Why did Mandelson demand a payout?36:30 Mandelson: a cat with nine lives?39:11 Kemi Badenoch’s reaction41:45 Why this leaves Starmer so exposedFind the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter StudiosExecutive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie RoseProducer: Sam Durham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.