We are obsessed by the character of leaders, even if context, ideas and external circumstances can determine the fate of a government as much as character. Keir Starmer has been unusually hard to pin down, which is why I was keen to speak to Tom Baldwin. Although he has done many interviews to promote his new book on the Labour leader, I sensed there was more to explore – and we do. Plus, reflections on the challenge for Labour after the budget and major assembly notices for the co-operative.

Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Weds March 13.

Steve is speaking at the York Literature Festival on Sat Mar 16. Tickets £10.

Venue: Memorial Hall, St Peter's School, Clifton, York, YO30 6AB

Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London on Tue March 26.

Support the podcast on Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices