Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

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 steveric14@icloud.com• 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 steveric14@icloud.comSubscribe 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 steveric14@icloud.com• 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 steveric14@icloud.com• 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 steveric14@icloud.com• 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 steveric14@icloud.com• 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 steveric14@icloud.com• 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.

Andy Burnham wins - what follows? 19.06.2026 21min

Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election by a triumphant margin. What does that mean for the government, and for Reform?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.com• 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 if Keir Starmer is right on defence? 16.06.2026 43min

Keir Starmer navigated around a reluctant Treasury and dissenting minsters to find a further significant increase in defence spending. It was not enough for John Healey and the mighty defence establishment, but where precisely would they find even more money? And would it be spent well?Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on the 13th of July to make sense of the fallout arising from this week’s historic by-election. Tickets are available on the Kings Place website here.Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham on the 1st of July. Tickets are available here. Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus episodes, live events and 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 is the significance of John Healey’s resignation? 12.06.2026 48min

The instinctively loyal John Healey has resigned over the level of defence spending about to be announced - what will be the impact on Keir Starmer’s fragile leadership? And how will resources be found to pay for defence and other creaking public services?Plus, we are in an era of multi-party politics, and the new battles between parties are already having a big impact on elections and by-elections. But how big are the differences between the parties on the right,and indeed those on the left? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comSubscribe to Patreon here for bonus episodes, live events and the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on July 1st. Tickets on the Ropetackle website. And 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.

Does it matter any more if a by-election candidate is out of their depth? 09.06.2026 37min

The Reform candidate in the historic Makerfield by- election has struggled to answer obvious questions about policy and his own social media comments. In today’s dangerous anti-politics mood could this be an advantage for him?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comSubscribe 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 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 - added in light of dramas that will follow the Makerfield by- election. Get your tickets here.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Farage as formidable as he appears to be? 05.06.2026 42min

This week Nigel Farage has chosen to fuel ‘hatred’ in relation to a horrific murder, seeking to politicise crudely and obviously. Has he been too crude and obvious? Is the fracturing on the right an opportunity for the government, or is it triggering a dangerous debate framed by the far right?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comPatreon subscribers can join Steve for an exclusive live stream on Monday June 8th at 7pm. Book your spot here.You can subscribe to Patreon here for the June livestream and more, including bonus episodes and the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Another date for the diary - an extra Rock & Roll Politics Special is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th - added in light of dramas that will follow the Makerfield by- election. Get your tickets here.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour’s battle of ideas - much needed or dangerous? 02.06.2026 36min

Tony Blair’s essay has triggered detailed responses from Keir Starmer, potential successors and others within the government. Is this a healthy development for a party that seemed fearful of internal debate. or the start of a fatal divide?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comPatreon subscribers can join Steve for an exclusive live stream on Monday June 8th at 7pm. Book your spot here.You can subscribe to Patreon here for the June livestream and more, including bonus episodes and the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Another date for the diary - an extra Rock & Roll Politics Special is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th - added in light of dramas that will follow the Makerfield by- election. Get your tickets here.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does Tony Blair mean by the ‘radical centre’? 29.05.2026 46min

In Tony Blair’s latest long essay he claims to be on the ‘radical centre’. In which case, why are his largely vague arguments welcomed most by those on the right? His elegant writing and capacity to frame big arguments convey a sense of clarity. Time to delve deep to see if he’s as clear as he appears to be.• Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on the 13th of July to explore the seismic consequences of the Makerfield by-election, and what could happen next. Tickets are available on the Kings Place website here. • Patreon subscribers can sign up for an exclusive live event on Monday 8th of June. • Subscribe to Patreon here to get the main podcast a day early and ad free, plus bonus podcasts and exclusive live events. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do the fashionable assumptions about Andy Burnham make sense? 26.05.2026 38min

Leaders and potential leaders are often far more interesting than the stereotypes reported by political journalists. Is this the case with Andy Burnham?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comPatreon subscribers can join Steve for an exclusive live stream on Monday June 8th at 7pm. Book your spot here.You can subscribe to Patreon here for the June livestream and more, including bonus episodes and the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Another date for the diary: an extra Rock & Roll Politics Special is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th - added in light of dramas that will follow the Makerfield by- election. Get your tickets here.Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is this the strangest leadership crisis in modern times? 22.05.2026 30min

Keir Starmer continues as Prime Minister. Andy Burnham fights a by-election as a potential future Prime Minister. Is Burnham a by- election candidate and leadership candidate simultaneously? Or can he pull off being the by- election candidate first, before the scrutiny of a leadership challenge? Meanwhile Wes Streeting refers to a leadership contest - even though he is not yet a candidate. Time to delve deep…To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comSubscribe 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.

Why is the phrase ‘Brexit Wars’ dangerous for Britain? 19.05.2026 29min

Wes Streeting says he wants Britain to rejoin the EU at some point. Andy Burnham has noted often that Brexit has been a calamitous seismic shock, and the cabinet and most voters agree. Yet this is a return to the ‘Brexit Wars’ - and not only because of the Makerfield by-election. Can there ever be a grown up debate on Brexit?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comSubscribe 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.

Can Andy Burnham win the by-election? 15.05.2026 40min

After a week of high political drama, some raging questions are answered. Starmer wants to stay, Streeting has resigned, and Burnham has a route to the Commons. But now another question arises - can he win?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comSubscribe 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.

Who can lead the ‘people’s revolt’? 11.05.2026 19min

All leaders and potential leaders agree the urgent need to move on from what Keir Starmer calls vaguely ‘the status quo’. Nigel Farage claims to lead ‘the people’s revolt’ against the status quo. But why should he have the monopoly in leading the people when he was a key figure in creating the current ‘status quo’?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.comSubscribe 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.