Commons People

Odcinki

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  What Happens Behind Closed Doors: Interview With A Top Government Special Adviser 13.08.2026 26min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, Kevin sits down with Liz Bates, a former political journalist turned special adviser for Keir Starmer's Government. Liz lifts the lid on what a SPAD does, the "funereal" reality of Keir Starmer's resignation to those on the inside and the difference between reporting the news and influencing the story.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction.05:07 – What is a special adviser and what do they do?07:59 – What was it like working for Steve Reed, the former Housing Secretary and Environment Secretary?13:10 – Behind the scenes of Keir Starmer's resignation in July.18:30 – Why does a SPAD also lose their job when the minister they're serving does?20:32 – What's next for Liz and what does she think about the future of Andy Burnham's Government.23:35 – Bluffers Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Trump And Burnham: Budding Bromance Or Disaster Waiting To Happen? 06.08.2026 35min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's budding political relationship, and analyse whether it will last the length of both of their terms in office.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction.02:34 – What's happened between Andy Burnham and Donald Trump since he became Prime Minister?04:54 – What's Trump's record with British Prime Ministers in the past?15:10 – What is Burnham's history with Trump?17:44 – How will Ed Miliband fare 20:21 – Why is Trump so obsessed with North Sea drilling?22:25 – What's next for Burnham and Trump, and what could go wrong?34:03 – Bluffers Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Andy Burnham Promised Unity. He Delivered A Cabinet Massacre. 24.07.2026 50min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, Kevin and Kate take a look inside Andy Burnham’s day-one cabinet purge – who’s in, who’s out, why Wes Streeting is suddenly in charge of the army, what this all means for you and whether this new government is already heading for a smash-up.00:00 – Introduction01.48 – Andy Burnham's first days in office08.14 – Who's out?19.30 – Who's in?24.24 – Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband (and his previous Trump comments...)28.07 – Wes Streeting (and his lack of military experience)40.55 – What's the reaction to the reshuffle been like in the Labour party?48.24 – What's Farage had to say?49.40 – Bluffers Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Dayna McAlpine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Bye-Bye Keir Starmer. Here's What You'll Be Remembered For! 16.07.2026 42min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss Keir Starmer's time in office as Prime Minister, and what are the main things he'll be remembered for – good and bad.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction.07:00 – What did Keir Starmer do in office? – The good stuff13:46 – What did Keir Starmer do in office? – The bad stuff26:01 – What did Keir Starmer do in office? – The middle ground stuff32:39 – What's next for Keir Starmer?38:32 – Was he a good or bad Prime Minister?41:11 – Bluffers Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Andy Burnham The Labour Version Of Boris Johnson? 09.07.2026 37min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we're discussing the eerie similarities between incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. How much do they really have in common?You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Nigel Farage's Career Really "Dead In The Water"? 03.07.2026 32min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we're discussing whether a much-talked-about money scandal has landed Reform UK's leader and Clacton MP Nigel Farage in more trouble than he can come back from. Is his career really "dead in the water" as Piers Morgan said this week?Timecodes00:00 – Introduction.03:16 – How did the scandal begin?09:56 – Nigel Farage and his gold bullion side hustle.13:01 – Are the British public particularly sensitive to money scandals?13:59 – Reform's recent electoral disappointments.17:32 – What's happening inside the Reform UK party?23:35 – What's next for Reform UK?31:07 – Bluffers Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Did Brexit Put A On Curse On No.10? 25.06.2026 38min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss Brexit on its tenth anniversary, and talk over the idea that the Brexit referendum *cursed* British politics, given the churn of Prime Ministers we've had since then.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction.03:12 – Brexit defined in 20 seconds.03:43 – What does Brexit have to do with Keir Starmer resigning this week?11:10 – What did Rishi Sunak have to do with Brexit?12:11 – Liz Truss's impact on the economy.14:13 – How Boris Johnson "got Brexit done".17:38 – How Theresa May failed to get Brexit done.21:21 – David Cameron: the man who caused Brexit.27:10 – How is Brexit still impacting us today and what is the feelings of the general public?32:25 – Nigel Farage still wants a crack at Brexit.34:54 – Has Brexit been a curse on No.10?37:03 – Bluffers Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Andy Burnham Is Now An MP, But What Does This Mean For British Politics? 19.06.2026 28min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss the Makerfield by-election result, what's next for Andy Burnham MP and whether it's over for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and, indeed, the Reform Party.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction05:46 – Why is Andy Burnham so popular?09:19 – Why are so many Labour MPs behind Andy Burnham?11:27 – What's going to happen next to the Labour Party and to the Prime Minister?15:11 – Will Wes Streeting (or any other candidates) step into a leadership contest?18:30 – What does this all mean for Reform and Nigel Farage?27:15 – Bluffers Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Andy Burnham Now On The Verge Of Becoming PM? 11.06.2026 21min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss the all-important Makerfield by-election, and whether Andy Burnham is likely to succeed and consequently pose a threat to Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction01:58 – Can Keir Starmer survive in number 10?08:55 – The latest on Andy Burnham's Makerfield campaign 14:26 –  What's next for the Labour party?16:29 – Interview with Louise Haigh MP and Anneliese Midgley MP19:54 – Bluffers Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Reform Are Riding High In The Polls, So Why Are They Having A Meltdown? 04.06.2026 44min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss what’s going on with right-wing political party Reform UK, and whether their ongoing meltdown could see them lose in the all-important Makerfield by-election in Greater Manchester.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction04:29 – Where is Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage?07:44 – Farage's comments on the murder of Henry Nowak12:02 – The Makerfield by-election/Robert Kenyon18:15 – The origin of Restore Britain25:07 – Robert Jenrick humiliated by fellow Reform leader Zia Yusuf32:21 – What's next for Reform UK?39:02 – Reform's misrepresenting Kemi Badenoch's "white lives" comment42:42 – Bluffers Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Heat Waves Are Glorious, But Are Politicians Taking The Climate Crisis Seriously Enough? 28.05.2026 48min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss the climate crisis on our doorstep and whether politicians are doing enough to acknowledge it AND combat it.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why The Makerfield By-Election Could Turn The Government Upside Down 21.05.2026 33min

  Keir Starmer is on the ropes, Wes Streeting has walked out, and Andy Burnham is making his play for the crown. This week on HuffPost UK's Commons People, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson break down the massive stakes of the Makerfield by-election. With Reform UK surging and Labour HQ described as "a morgue on a spaceship hurtling towards destruction," can the King of the North secure his ticket back to Westminster, or is the party heading for a total smash-up?Timecodes00:00 – Introduction. 00:35 – Westminster recap: how did we get here and why does the by-election matter?01:30 – Why did Wes Streeting resign as Health Secretary (and what's his next move)? 03:40 – When will the Makerfield by-election take place? 04:00 – Who is Andy Burnham and what is his political background? 07:46 – How is Reform UK threatening Labour in the local wards? 08:40 – Why has the Brexit debate returned to haunt Andy Burnham? 09:21 – What do the campaign videos reveal about Andy Burnham and Robert Kenyon? 12:40 – Why did Andy Burnham fail in his previous leadership bids? 15:50 – Who is Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon? 16:40 – What did Robert Kenyon's deleted social media history reveal? 19:40 – How did Hannah Spencer influence the focus on trade candidates? 21:44 – What will happen if Andy Burnham wins the by-election? 24:17 – Who are the other potential contenders to replace Keir Starmer? 26:32 – What is the nightmare scenario for Labour if Andy Burnham loses? 27:55 – How is Labour feeling while we wait for the by-election?32:26 – Bluffer's Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds and Paula Barker clip sourced from BBC via @treesey/X. Producer: Dayna McAlpine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Keir Starmer's Government About To Collapse? 14.05.2026 46min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we analyse what's really going on in Downing Street this week as Keir Starmer's Government – and the Labour party at large – deal with the fallout of last week's elections.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction.01:40 – What happened to Labour at the 2026 Local Elections?05:16 – Who wants Starmer to go and how does Labour get rid of its leaders?13:51 – What's the difference between the Cabinet and other Members of Parliament?14:20 – Catherine West's “stalking horse” campaign and Keir Starmer's make-or-break speech.20:50 – Why isn't Starmer going?23:48 – Wes Streeting's next move.29:05 – What are Andy Burnham's chances?33:46 – Will Ed Miliband throw his hat into the ring?38:12 – A practical explanation of the Labour party spectrum of ideology.39:40 – What will happen next?45:13 – Bluffers Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds and Paula Barker clip sourced from BBC via @treesey/X. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Will The Local Elections Spell The End For Starmer? 07.05.2026 45min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss the probable outcome of the 7 May Local Elections, and whether the predicted devastation for Labour across the country will spell the end of Keir Starmer's leadership.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction and the downfall of Labour under Keir Starmer's rule.08:20 – How would Keir Starmer be gotten rid off, and who would be replace him?12:54 – Would Ed Miliband step up again?15:08 – Is Shabana Mahmood up for being Labour Leader?15:37 – How about Yvette Cooper or John Healey?17:57 – Will anybody stand by Starmer?21:40 – Wes Streeting, Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner are the frontrunners to replace Starmer.30:32 – What will happen after the Local Elections results come in?44:04 – Bluffers Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is the UK's "special relationship" with the US officially over? 30.04.2026 40min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss the origin of the "special relationship" between the United Kingdom and the United States and whether Donald Trump has essentially killed it off.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction.01:29 – Where does the term "special relationship" come from?03:40 – How have Keir Starmer and Trump contributed to changing the special relationship?11:50 – King Charles state visit latest.18:32 – Selections from King Charles's Congress speech.20:28 – How did Trump break royal protocol?23:42 – UK-US ambassador's comments on America's "special relationship" with Israel.26:42 – Peter Mandelson scandal latest.31:14 – What will happen after King Charles state is done?39:21 – Bluffers guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds and King Charles clips were sourced from Associated Press via YouTube. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why Is Starmer So Vulnerable After The Mandelson Scandal? 23.04.2026 42min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss the latest developments in the headline-making Peter Mandelson scandal, and whether Keir Starmer's recent conduct towards the civil service – and his past mistakes – are enough to see his premiership crumble.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction.01:17 – Who is Peter Mandelson and what's his connection with Jeffrey Epstein?08:24 – Why did Mandelson get a job if he had failed security vetting?13:08 – How did Keir Starmer respond?16:27 – How did senior civil servant Olly Robbins answer to being blamed for getting Mandelson in post?19:40 – Does former ambassador Karen Pierce not continuing in her role suggest Starmer is running a boys' club?21:45 – How the Mandelson saga has undermined Keir Starmer's rule-abiding reputation.23:12 – Why did Starmer take such a gamble on appointing Mandelson?26:20 – What's next for Keir Starmer as Prime Minister and who would replace him?36:35 – Morgan McSweeney to give testimony to the Foreign Affairs Committee.39:00 – Taxpayers will probably fund a large payout for Olly Robbins.40:00 – How will the Government and the civil service continue working together?41:30 – Bluffer's Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why Has The Brexit Debate Returned (Again)? 16.04.2026 29min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. This week, Kevin and Kate discuss why Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are keen to develop closer ties with the EU, and what that means in the context of Brexit.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction02:29 – Brexit explained (for those who have forgotten!)04:43 – the King's speech, Trump and why Starmer would want to align more closely with the EU.09:20 – how do British people feel about the EU?13:50 – what are the main political parties thinking?17:14 – British holidaymakers stranded at passport control.18:17 – MPs are angry at not getting a vote.21:19 – Steve Reed (Community Secretary) on an EU re-alignment.23:27 – What will happen next?28:16 – Bluffer's Guide and end.You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Will The Two-Week Ceasefire Between Iran and The US Work? 09.04.2026 39min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. This week, Kevin and Kate are back together to ask whether Donald Trump’s war in Iran is really over after a two-week ceasefire was agreed to on Tuesday.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction04:44 – Did Trump meet any of his military objectives?08:14 – The significance of the Strait of Hormuz12:52 – Iran's 10-point proposal18:02 – Trump's strained international relations (including with NATO)21:56 – Keir Starmer and King Charles's relationship with Trump and Trump's comments on UK armed forces25:13 – Can Iran build a nuclear bomb?29:05 – Keir Starmer's visit to the Middle East32:53 – The economic consequences of the war37:33 – Bluffer's guide and endYou can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Are Politicians Taking Misogyny Seriously Enough? 02.04.2026 39min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, Kate is joined by special guest Millie Cooke – political correspondent for The Independent – to discuss whether Parliament is doing enough to tackle misogyny and the rise of the manosphere.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction05:00 – Sarah Everard and the impact of her death on society06:54 – Is there a pattern of sexist briefings against female cabinet ministers going on?09:42 – Is Keir Starmer's Government a "boy's club"?14:37 – What is it like being a female journalist in politics today.19:40 – What do "Adolescence" and "Inside The Manosphere" have to do with things?23:05 – Reform's Matt Goodwin and Danny Kruger's anti-women policies25:47 – What does the future hold – a female first secretary of state28:26 – What does the future hold – the male MP response30:25 – How do we make sure women are heard more?33:04 – Are female political correspondents outliers in Westminster?35:06 – Should there be a Minister for Men?36:59 – Bluffer's Guide and endYou can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Who's Up And Who’s Down Ahead Of May Elections? 26.03.2026 28min

  Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we're discussing the May local elections and weighing up the chances of all the main parties including Labour, Green, Conservative, Reform and the Lib Dems, as well as the SNP and Plaid Cymru in Scotland and Wales, respectively.Timecodes00:00 – Introduction01:01 – When are the local elections and why are they important?03:31 – What are Labour's chances in the local elections?04:48 – How will the Tories fare?06:09 – Will Reform’s success at the polls be reflected in the elections?09:17 – Will the Greens continue with their success?11:22 – How will the Lib Dems affect things?13:44 – Will wins for the SNP and Plaid Cymru signify the end of United Kingdom?16:43 – Are we looking at the end of the two-party system in the UK?19:28 – Will there be a Labour leadership contest after 7 May?25:33 – What does all the mean for the cost of living crisis?26:37 – Bluffer’s guideYou can watch full episodes on YouTube @HuffPost-UK and follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.