Fellow ex-minister Edward Timpson sends in a question this week, asking Ed Balls and George Osborne how they stayed mentally and physically healthy during their time in government. The pair share their guide for what all ministers should do to remain fit in and out of office.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General for the British Chambers of Commerce, then asks how the ongoing issues with business rates are solved permanently. George explains why this tax is one that causes issues for every government, and the problems inherent to reforming it. 

A listener sends in a question from Tokyo, allowing Ed and George to delve into the decades-long standstill of the Japanese economy and the cult-like following new prime minister Sanae Takaichi has gained. 

Finally, George explains why it’s easier to make promises in opposition than stick to them in government, revisiting plans by the Tories to downsize government cars before the coalition, and why it didn’t work out that way.

We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.

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Credits:

Research: Sam Burton

Production: Caillin McDaid, Caitlin Hanrahan & Sam Psyk. 

Video Editor: Avi Asher

Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford

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