Dover in Kent has been the focus of politics this week. Tory MP Natalie Elphicke, who represents the area, crossed the floor and joined Labour. It was not without controversy. Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer then head eddown to the area to discuss his plans for tackling illegal migration. While that was happening, it was revealed that the UK is no longer in recession. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss it all.

Natalie Elphicke apologises for comments about ex-husband's victims – BBC News

UK no longer in recession, official figures show – Sky News

Keir Starmer unveils plan to use anti-terror powers to tackle small boats – BBC News

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Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack the latest set of local election results and the Blackpool South by-election.  That vote was a huge swing towards Labour and Sir Keir Starmer's party has done well up and down the country. Things are not looking pretty for the Conservatives as they lose hundreds of councillors. However, they managed to hold onto Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.

Local election results 2024 – BBC News

John Swinney set to become Scotland’s new First Minister in decisive comeback for former SNP leader – Independent

Someone (Charlotte) managed not to upload the entirety of this episode. Sorry! Here it is.

Co-hosts Emma Burnell and Charlotte Henry unpack the forthcoming local elections. Will the Tories really do as badly as we think? They also discuss a breaking controversy surrounding Sadiq Kahn. Before that, they unpack the chaos in Scotland as the governing coalition collapses and Labour's plan to renationalise the railways.

How a climate U-turn broke the Scottish government – Politico

Labour pledges to renationalise most rail services within five years – BBC News

Co-hosts Emma Burnell and Charlotte Henry unpack the forthcoming local elections. Will the Tories really do as badly as we think? They also discuss a breaking controversy surrounding Sadiq Kahn. Before that, they unpack the chaos in Scotland as the governing coalition collapses and Labour's plan to renationalise the railways.

How a climate U-turn broke the Scottish government – Politico

Labour pledges to renationalise most rail services within five years – BBC News

From Conservative scandals, arrests in Scotland, smoking bans and welfare speeches, it has been a packed week in politics. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell return after recess to discuss it all.

Peter Murrell charged with embezzlement following rearrest in Operation Branchform probe – Daily Record

Tory MP Mark Menzies suspended over alleged misuse of campaign funds – BBC News

William Wragg resigns Tory whip after divulging MPs’ phone numbers – The Guardian

Britain just agreed the world’s toughest smoking ban. Conservatives hate it. – Politico

Why do Lib Dems want to crack down on smoking but legalise cannabis? – Spectator

History was made this week as Vaughan Gething become first minister of Wales. In so doing, the Labour politician became the first Black leader of any European nation. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss the significance of this moment and how the leaders of the different parts of the UK will work together if/when Sir Keir Starmer becomes prime minister.

Elsewhere, they also discuss comments made by Mel Stride. The work and pensions secretary said that how we deal with mental health has "gone too far” in an interview. There is also the ongoing issue of Rwanda, which is going through the House of Lords.

Vaughan Gething confirmed as Wales' new first minister - BBC News

Mental health culture has gone too far, says Mel Stride - Telegraph

Rwanda bill likely to be stalled at least till April after seven defeats in the Lords - Guardian

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The Guardian revealed that Frank Hester, a major Conservative donor, has made racist, misogynistic and violent comments about Diane Abbott. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell look at how both the Tories and Labour have managed the incident. They also discuss MPs upcoming pay increase.

Biggest Tory donor said looking at Diane Abbott makes you ‘want to hate all black women’ - Guardian

Speaker fails to let Diane Abbott speak in PMQs debate on Tory donor’s remarks - Guardian

Angela Rayner says she wants to see Diane Abbott get Labour whip restored – UK politics live - Guardian

MPs awarded pay rise to £91,346 by independent body - Sky News

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Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell unpack Jeremy Hunt's seemingly very boring budget. Millenials may though be one group that noticeably benefited from it, instead of pensioners. And why didn't Jeremy Hunt get told off for all the leaks?

Before the Budget chat, they discuss two Conservative politicians who have had to make amends after making false allegations. Science secretary Michelle Donelan's department had to pay £15,000 after she accused an academic of being a member of Hamas. Baroness Jacqueline Foster had to apologise and pay damages and costs after accusing University Challenge contestant Melika Gorgianeh of being antisemitic.

Michelle Donelan's false Hamas claim about academic cost taxpayer £15,000 - BBC News

Why did the government have to settle the libel claim against Michelle Donelan? - Prospect

University Challenge student gets payout from Tory peer over antisemitism claim - BBC News

Budget summary: Key points from Jeremy Hunt's speech - BBC News

Why millennials won the Budget... - Off to Lunch

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He's back. George Galloway has stormed to victory in the Rochdale by-election. It will be the fourth constituency he has represented in the House of Commons. Meow. Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell discuss whether the by-election has wider implications. They also look at the ugly spectre of Islamophobia in the Conservative Party after comments from Lee Anderson. 

To finish, they delve into the 13 previously unreleased reports that the Home Office made public in a busy week. Given what is in them, it's no surprise they wanted them to get little attention. 

Rochdale by-election: Landslide win for George Galloway - BBC News

UK’s Tories tear themselves apart over Islamophobia - Politico

Tories demand Lee Anderson be given the whip back in Red Wall MP revolt - Express

Islamists are bullying Britain into submission - Suella Braverman, Telegraph

Child asylum seekers in UK made to play game about who gets foster care places - Guardian

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Co-hosts Charlotte Henry and Emma Burnell take to their mics early to discuss the chaos that erupted in the House of Commons during a debate about Gaza. Such debates may have little effect in the Middle East, but the incident will likely impact the future of Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. His job is on the line after the unedifying scenes. Elsewhere, the episode looks at Kemi Badenoch's row with the former Post Office chair she sacked and Lizz Truss's trip Stateside.

Politics latest: Motion of no confidence in Speaker after Gaza debate descends into chaos - Sky News

MPs demand evidence in Post Office row as Kemi Badenoch blasted for ‘deeply embarrassing’ spat - Independent

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