Politics At Sam and Anne's

Burnham in No10: The known unknowns 16.07.2026 19min

With just one day until Andy Burnham is crowned Labour leader, many are still scratching their heads – what will a Burnham government actually look like?The incoming PM says he’s in no rush and will take his time over cabinet appointments – having already signalled a budget is likely in October.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess who could land the biggest jobs – especially at the Treasury, where Shabana Mahmood is emerging as the favourite for No11.The duo also wonder if the announcement that British Steel is being renationalised will set Burnham up for a diplomatic row with the Chinese government early in his premiership.Plus, as Starmer clocks up the “Keir miles” one last time on a farewell trip to Kyiv, will his bond with Zelenskyy endure after he leaves office?

Is Ed Miliband still in the running for Chancellor? 15.07.2026 22min

It’s Keir Starmer’s final PMQs so Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy wonder if he’ll get a softer side of Kemi Badenoch in the chamber today.But, as Starmer picks up his engraved carriage clock gift from cabinet, there’s a shift in the chat about who Andy Burnham’s neighbour at number 11 might be.Have Team Burnham gone off the idea of Ed Miliband as Chancellor because of soft left optics? And who else is in the frame?

Blair tells Burnham: Don’t expect to be popular 14.07.2026 20min

Keir Starmer’s farewell tour is well underway – but is he destined to spend most of it out of the UK?With an extra day in Paris for the Bastille Day celebrations and a possible dash state side for the World Cup final, Starmer is ending his premiership on the world stage – arguably his happy place.Back in Westminster, Prime Minister in waiting – Andy Burnham – ramps up preparations for government, telling colleagues his cabinet will reflect a “broad church.” But with days to go, cabinet ministers still don’t know who will survive the reshuffle.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess the challenges awaiting the Burnham government and what his first appointments and decisions will say about the direction of travel.Elsewhere, Rachel Reeves delivers her final Mansion House speech as chancellor setting out the economic legacy she wants to leave behind.Plus, Anne catches up with Tony Blair. What advice does the former Labour leader have for Labour’s next Prime Minister?

What does Keir Starmer’s last week look like? 13.07.2026 21min

The political week starts with the shockwaves from the murder of Reform politician – Ann Widdecombe – which has put MPs security firmly back in the spotlight.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have the latest on the police investigation, Nigel Farage’s response and the wider political fallout. It comes as the row over political party donations intensifies, with Reform arguing that the current safeguards aren’t strong enough.Meanwhile, Keir Starmer enters his final week as Prime Minister, while his successor Andy Burnham faces another major test in front of the Parliamentary Labour Party.Plus, will the Home Secretary be forced to soften her immigration reforms as she attempts to change the law to deport a recently released ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang.

Burnham shows his hand: Should we believe it? 09.07.2026 20min

The Andy Burnham era of politics is fast approaching – and the prime minister-in-waiting has finally set out some of his priorities for government.As Labour leadership nominations open – with his last active challenger Al Carns officially stepping aside – Burnham’s path to power is now all but certain.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy dissect his blueprint for Number 10, with a specific look at:A foreign policy vision built around plans to “reindustrialise through defence”A rumoured UK tour of “overlooked communities”A promise to be more accessible and transform his relationship with Labour MPsPlus, as preparations for the Clacton by-election ramp up, Sam considers how Nigel Farage’s gamble could backfire and asks whether coverage restrictions will cause headaches for broadcasters.

A month in the spotlight? Nigel Farage’s Clacton gamble 08.07.2026 20min

Nigel Farage has triggered a political earthquake by quitting as an MP – but is he trying to get ahead of an inevitable scandal?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack why Farage has called a by-election in Clacton and why none of the major parties are standing against him – with some describing it as a “gimmick.”The duo also examine whether his plans will have any material impact on the Parliamentary Standards investigation into his links with Christopher Harbone and George Cottrell.And could this extraordinary political gamble end with a stranger twist of a second by-election just weeks later?Plus, what impact will Rupert Lowe’s Restore Party have on potential Reform supporters.

What really worries Reform about Posh George? 07.07.2026 22min

After new claims about Nigel Farage’s funding arrangements, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss the bits of the new allegations which are worrying Reform.Plus, what will an Andy Burnham government actually be like?On the Treasury, the reports that he might try to split it in two seem have gone quiet but there seems to be an appetite to go early for this autumn’s budget.Anne has also been speaking to Burnham advisor, Jim O’Neill, about what the Burnham foreign policy vision might be.

Is Farage on the ropes? 06.07.2026 21min

Could Nigel Farage’s alleged financial relationship with a convicted fraudster come back to haunt him?The Reform leader is already under scrutiny over his £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harbone and these fresh allegations about his association with George Cottrell will intensify the pressure.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the political, legal and ethical questions at the heart of the claims and examine whether the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards could widen his investigation.Nigel Farage insists he "has done no wrongdoing, followed the rules" and says he is considering legal action.Elsewhere, with a fortnight until Andy Burnham enters No10, cabinet colleagues are continuing to jostle for their positions to keep their jobs.Plus, Sam has a potential conspiracy theory on who could end up as Andy Burnham’s chancellor.

What does Burnham mean for Kemi, Nigel, Ed and Zack? 02.07.2026 23min

Andy Burnham could be just days away from entering Downing Street – but who are the winners and losers from the arrival of a new Prime Minister?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine how Britain’s political landscape could be reshaped and what it means for the main opposition parties:Can Kemi Badenoch turn Labour’s transition into a Tory revival?Will Reform recover following a turbulent few weeks?What are the chances of the Liberal Democrats’ quiet planning making a difference at the next general election?Could a left-leaning PM squeeze the Greens’ vote?The duo break down the biggest opportunities, the major threats, and the new political battlegrounds as British politics enters a new era.The full list of candidates standing for the Manchester Mayoralty can be found here.

Why Team Burnham are already furious 01.07.2026 23min

Team Burnham have been properly triggered over the Defence Investment Plan now they’ve found out £4.7bn of it is still to be funded.For the first time in the transition, they’re feeling furious.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have news that the scale of the blackhole is even bigger than that.Also - is a former Conservative mayor in the running to chair Great British Railways?And can you have more Milibands than women in the great offices of state?

Unfriendly fire: Who buys the defence investment plan? 30.06.2026 22min

Will the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan be the Prime Minister’s final and most contentious act?Months of delays, a multi-billion-pound funding gap and the resignation of his Defence Secretary has Keir Starmer done enough to satisfy his military chiefs?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the political and strategic stakes and assess how NATO allies, not least Donald Trump, will make of the plans.Elsewhere, with the PM’s departure from No10 on the horizon, is Labour already seeing a polling bounce?And, after more than two years of disruption has Health Secretary – James Murray – finally succeeded where others have failed by bringing the resident doctors strike to an end?

Power shift: Will Burnham’s big plan work 29.06.2026 21min

Barring any last-minute surprises, Andy Burnham will become Prime Minister three weeks today. But what is his 10-year mission for the country and how will he achieve it?In his first major speech in Manchester, Burnham will set out his plans for the economy, welfare and devolution with a pledge to deliver “good growth in every postcode.”Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine whether his promise of the biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times amounts to a genuine political reset.Back in London, the battle for future cabinet jobs is already underway and Anne reveals why one senior role could have David Miliband’s name on it.Plus, with Keir Starmer’s authority in office draining can he get the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan through without any hiccups from his military chiefs?

The bloodless coup: How Burnham came out top 25.06.2026 22min

It could have been a messy transition, but the ease with which Andy Burnham has returned to Westminster appears to be the product of many months of careful planning.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy delve into the details of how Burnham’s expected coronation has been managed – and why Louise Haigh has emerged as a key architect behind the scenes.Meanwhile, as Donald Trump breaks his silence on Keir Starmer’s likely replacement, his verdict is rather blunt.The duo dissect the U.S. President’s first public comments on Burnham, who he labelled as ‘extremely liberal’. What does this mean for the relationship between Washington and London?Plus: Rachel Reeves falls in behind Burnham — but can she, and will she, survive as chancellor?

What does Burnham’s appointment of James Purnell mean? 24.06.2026 22min

Andy Burnham appears to have taken another major step towards power, bringing in a big name from the Blair era – James Purnell – as his chief of staff. What does it say about the Burnham operation and the government he is trying to build?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack a decades-long relationship, and discuss why it’s being welcomed by Labour MPs, business and the city.Plus, as Starmer ally Darren Jones rules himself out of a leadership challenge, is the path now clear for a Burnham coronation?And Anne has been speaking to Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick. How do they deal with a new Labour leader, and do they have a clear narrative on migration?

Inside the battle for No11 23.06.2026 23min

In less than a month, Britain is set to get its seventh Prime Minister in under a decade.And barring a political earthquake, it's all but certain to be Andy Burnham.But several questions remain about what the King of the North really stands for – he now has just over three weeks to turn by-election victory into a policy platform to govern the country.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look at the fading prospect of challengers and likely coronation. Can he really steady the ship ten years on from the Brexit referendum?Also, with the battle for No11 well underway, the duo also look at the economic agenda and what characters could form a Burnham government as the party begins to shape ideas for the next phase.

Keir Starmer’s final hours 22.06.2026 19min

Keir Starmer is on the brink of resigning – the only question left is when does the drama end.After a tense weekend, the Prime Minister remains under intense pressure from his cabinet to quit, with Downing Street braced for the end of another short-lived premiership.Meanwhile, fresh from his Makerfield by-election victory, Andy Burnham returns to Westminster. But can the King of the North pull off a smooth succession to No10?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have inside information from both the Starmer and Burnham camps on whether Labour can manage a seamless transition or whether a brutal leadership battle lies ahead.Plus, if there is to be a handover of power in the coming weeks, what are the pro and cons?

Burnham wins: So how do they oust Starmer? 19.06.2026 22min

Andy Burnham has secured a thumping victory in the Makerfield by-election – but is it game over for Keir Starmer?With a critical few days ahead, attention now turns to Labour’s cabinet ministers, MPs and party members. Who could make the first move to oust the Prime Minister?Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have inside information from team Burnham and assess whether a ‘bloodless coup’ is really possible or whether rivals like Wes Streeting could disrupt the plan?Is this really Labour’s last chance to reconnect with voters and could Andy Burnham reset the party’s fortunes?Plus: are the Conservatives showing signs of a comeback after their surprise win in Aberdeen South?Is the SNP continuing to pay the political price for the fallout from the Peter Murrell saga?

By-election eve: Cabinet on the brink 17.06.2026 17min

With just 24 hours until polling day, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy preview three pivotal by-elections that could reshape British politics.The duo assess the contests in Makerfield, Aberdeen South and Arbroath & Broughty Ferry, exploring:Why Makerfield has become one of the most closely watched by-elections in recent political historyHow the Conservatives hope to capitalise on support for the oil and gas industry in Aberdeen SouthWhy Arbroath & Broughty Ferry is a crucial test of the SNP’s ability to fend off Labour's challengeAway from the campaign trail, Anne brings the latest intelligence from the UK-EU summit as political tensions continue to build in Westminster.Plus, is the cabinet starting to forge a path for the future without Keir Starmer?Sam and Anne will return on Friday morning for a special de-brief episode to discuss the impact of the by-election results on British politics.The candidates standing in Makerfield by-election can be found here.The candidates standing in Aberdeen South by-election can be found here.The candidates standing in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election can be found here.

Russia’s Starmer plot - the fallout 16.06.2026 15min

As world leaders gather at the G7 summit – what's Keir Starmer’s top priority? With tensions in the Middle East, a trade dispute with China, a continuing war in Ukraine and Russia’s apparent involvement in arson attacks on homes and a car linked to Keir Starmer, the PM has his hands full.Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess whether Starmer can turn high-level diplomacy into meaningful progress.The duo also examine the latest polling data, which suggests Andy Burnham remains the only Labour figure the public sees as a potentially stronger Prime Minister than Starmer. Plus, does Wes Streeting have the support to mount a leadership challenge if Labour's succession debate begins?

What’s Starmer’s plan for Friday morning? 15.06.2026 22min

How is Keir Starmer planning to play this week?The week which could end with Andy Burnham back in parliament.We know the prime minister’s got a social media ban for under-16s to announce today and a G7 summit to attend.But Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss what else is on his mind, particularly after the resignation of John Healey as defence secretary – and whether a stubborn attitude is the right way to be.They also have word on who’s back advising Keir Starmer.The full list of candidates standing in the Makerfield by-election can be found here.