Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

Epizódy

• 
  Should Reform be allowed to spend the crypto-billionaires’ money? 15.09.2026 44min

  Reform have received donations from crypto billionaires that amount to more than all the cash spent by the parties at the last election. Will it make a difference to the next election? Will it undermine Reform’s claim to lead ‘the people’s army’? Above all should the government stop it, even retrospectively? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wednesday September 30th - at the end of Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference as Prime Minister. Get your tickets here.• Find out if you’re owed on car finance at refundclub.co.uk/steve • Refund Club is a trading style of Sandsford Law Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA no. 8008114). Checking is free. A fee is payable only if your claim is successful. Eligibility: car finance taken out in the UK between 2007 and 2021. The average claim is around £829 per agreement; this is an average and not a guarantee of the amount you will receive. You can also claim yourself for free by contacting your lender or the Financial Ombudsman Service. refundclub.co.uk/steve Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Is Ed Miliband a rare example of a foreign secretary changing foreign policy? 11.09.2026 35min

  A cathartic moment: the British government announces sanctions against Nethanyahu’s government in Israel. Ed Miliband prepared the ground assiduously and acted. While most foreign secretaries are not significant change makers, Miliband can claim to be one already.Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wednesday September 30th - at the end of Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference as Prime Minister. Get your tickets here.Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  How bold will John Healey be? 08.09.2026 46min

  John Healey has made his first speech as chancellor, and therefore the biggest of his long career. Will he be part of the promised biggest change in forty years, or be closer to an echo of Rachel Reeves?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wednesday September 30th - at the end of Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference as Prime Minister. Get your tickets here.Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Will the media ever allow an honest ‘tax and spend’ debate? 04.09.2026 22min

  Westminster is staging another hysterical debate about tax and spend in which there is no coherence or honesty. They are all trying to woo the voters but it is the voters who lose out.RocknRoll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 30th. It's the first London show of the Burnham era and the end of Labour conference: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/book-tickets/53601/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Are there worrying signs in Burnham’s honeymoon? 01.09.2026 38min

  Andy Burnham has generated a sense of energy and purpose during the summer break - but is he in some key areas sowing the seeds of future trouble?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wednesday September 30th - at the end of Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference as Prime Minister. Get your tickets here.Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Can Burnham revive Labour in Scotland and Wales? 25.08.2026 31min

  The May elections triggered the ultimate drama – a change of prime minister. This meant reflections on the actual results were limited yet in Scotland and Wales they were of historic significance. The SNP rules again and now Plaid Cymru is in charge too. What does that mean for the Burnham ‘bounce’ and the impact of devolution on Labour?• Find out if you’re owed on car finance at refundclub.co.uk/steve• Refund Club is a trading style of Sandsford Law Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA no. 8008114). Checking is free. A fee is payable only if your claim is successful. Eligibility: car finance taken out in the UK between 2007 and 2021. The average claim is around £829 per agreement; this is an average and not a guarantee of the amount you will receive. You can also claim yourself for free by contacting your lender or the Financial Ombudsman Service. refundclub.co.uk/steve• RocknRoll Politics is live every day at the Edinburgh Festival until Saturday. Tickets here:https://www.thespaceuk.com/shows/2026/steve-richards-presents-rock-and-roll-politics• To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected]• Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Will Andy Burnham call an early election? 18.08.2026 32min

  It’s the question asked of all incoming mid term prime ministers - should they get their own mandate? Should they call an election during their early honeymoon? But the risks- always - are huge.To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Fringe right now - every day, including weekends - with a different show every day. Get your tickets here. • Find out if you’re owed on car finance at refundclub.co.uk/steve • Refund Club is a trading style of Sandsford Law Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA no. 8008114). Checking is free. A fee is payable only if your claim is successful. Eligibility: car finance taken out in the UK between 2007 and 2021. The average claim is around £829 per agreement; this is an average and not a guarantee of the amount you will receive. You can also claim yourself for free by contacting your lender or the Financial Ombudsman Service. refundclub.co.uk/steve Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  What to read on our summer holidays? 11.08.2026 35min

  At the height of summer here are some political book recommendations from the distant past. Plus: how to hold local councils and mayors to account, and can the co-operative sort out FIFA?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Fringe from this Sunday August 16th, with 14 shows, and a different show every day. Get your tickets here. Find out if you’re owed on car finance at refundclub.co.uk/steveRefund Club is a trading style of Sandsford Law Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA no. 8008114). Checking is free. A fee is payable only if your claim is successful. Eligibility: car finance taken out in the UK between 2007 and 2021. The average claim is around £829 per agreement; this is an average and not a guarantee of the amount you will receive. You can also claim yourself for free by contacting your lender or the Financial Ombudsman Service. refundclub.co.uk/steveSubscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  The right is split three ways. What are the consequences? 04.08.2026 39min

  In the recent Greater Manchester mayoral contest the Conservatives finished behind Reform UK and Restore Britain. The right are split three ways for the first time in British political history, where usually the left vote fractures fatally. What are the implications as Andy Burnham makes his early moves?Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday 16th of August with a different show each day.Tickets are available here. • Find out if you’re owed on car finance at refundclub.co.uk/steve • Refund Club is a trading style of Sandsford Law Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA no. 8008114). Checking is free. A fee is payable only if your claim is successful. Eligibility: car finance taken out in the UK between 2007 and 2021. The average claim is around £829 per agreement; this is an average and not a guarantee of the amount you will receive. You can also claim yourself for free by contacting your lender or the Financial Ombudsman Service. refundclub.co.uk/steve  Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Can Andy Burnham deliver a National Care Service? 28.07.2026 40min

  A whole series of prime ministers have promised a National Care service, but none have delivered. Can Andy Burnham? Plus brilliant questions in our never-ending debate on the opening of the Burnham era and the political drama in France.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday 16th of August with a different show each day.Tickets are available here.Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Are we going back to the 1970s? 24.07.2026 33min

  Less than a week since Andy Burnham has become Prime Minister, the Greek chorus of commentators have warned that Britain is ‘going back to the 1970s’. But what do they mean, and does it make any sense?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Fringe from Sunday August 16th, with a different show every day. Get your tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Will Andy Burnham’s new cabinet deliver the biggest change in 40 years? 21.07.2026 23min

  Andy Burnham has promised the biggest change in 40 years. Is his new cabinet ready to deliver - and does he know how to bring about the change he seeks?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 16th. Get your tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Was Keir Starmer more of a change-maker than he seemed? 17.07.2026 34min

  Keir Starmer takes a bow amidst much talk that he lacked a mission and sense of governing purpose… but what happens if we follow the policy trail rather than all the noise around his leadership? In some respects he was more boldly radical than Tony Blair in his first two years as prime minister.To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected]• Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  What are the lessons in the fall and rise of Louise Haigh? 14.07.2026 32min

  Louise Haigh is a key figure in Andy Burnham’s team and will be back in the cabinet next week when Burnham becomes Prime Minister - a remarkable comeback given she was sacked as Transport Secretary only months after taking up the post. Haigh was widely admired during her brief period in the job but was targeted by Number 10. Now those who targeted her are gone, and she is at the centre of the new regime. There are big lessons about leadership and conviction in her oscillating career.To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Will a contest against Binface make Farage more prime-ministerial? 10.07.2026 33min

  Farage faces Count Binface in his latest campaign. As a potential prime minister, isn’t there a better use of his time? Plus, Bridget Phillipson on how education can be an instrument of freedom, and the challenges of devolution.Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th, days before Burnham becomes Prime Minister - get your tickets here.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  How much trouble is Nigel Farage in? 07.07.2026 35min

  The Reform leader is facing more allegations about donations made before he was an MP. Can he lead a ‘people’s revolt’ when stories erupt around him that suggest he is far removed from ‘the people’?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected]• Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Rock & Roll Politics Special is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th, days before Burnham becomes Prime Minister - get your tickets here.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Eve of the Burnham era: Where does power really lie? 03.07.2026 32min

  There’s a strong focus on Andy Burnham’s plans for devolution but he has identified a bigger challenge in what he has called ‘the outsourced state’, where unelected agencies and companies run much of Britain. Plus, was Burnham right not to take questions from political editors at the end of his speech earlier this week?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected]• Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Rock & Roll Politics Special is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th, days before Burnham becomes Prime Minister - get your tickets here.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Will Andy Burnham’s big idea work? 30.06.2026 33min

  Andy Burnham has promised an historic transfer of power from the centre. Unlike some leaders who have made similar pledges he means it. But how will it work?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected]• Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Dates for the diary: Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham this Wednesday July 1st. Tickets on the Ropetackle website.An extra Rock & Roll Politics Special is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th - get your tickets here.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Who should be Andy Burnham’s Chancellor? 26.06.2026 39min

  The answer to this question is hugely significant. Look back and mid-term Prime Ministers fall out badly with their chosen Chancellor - too often Labour Prime Ministers seek to reassure the media and the markets with their choice, only for both to turn on the Chancellor that is supposed to bring ‘stability’.To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected]• Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Dates for the diary: Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on July 1st. Tickets on the Ropetackle website.An extra Rock & Roll Politics Special is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th - get your tickets here.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  What does Andy Burnham really think? 22.06.2026 42min

  I revisit an interview I did with Andy Burnham before the general election, when there was no leadership speculation as Keir Starmer was so obviously heading for victory. We explore where power lies, where power should lie, where he feels he has always stood on the political spectrum, why this is a different landscape to 1997 and much more. It gives a sense of what his priorities are likely to be as he heads towards Number 10.To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected]• Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Dates for the diary: Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on July 1st. Tickets on the Ropetackle website.An extra Rock & Roll Politics Special is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th - get your tickets here.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.