There's a by-election on the way, thanks to Keir Starmer's decision to stand down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski wants to stand - just how big a risk is he taking, and could he fall flat on his face? The team have been looking into the likely scenarios.

We also talk about Andy Burnham's ongoing efforts to do politics differently, and we try to give Reform advice on how to get back on track after a tricky summer. But does Nigel Farage really want to campaign all the way to the next election?

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Nigel Farage has seen off along list of novelty candidates to increase his majority in the Clacton by-election. The Reform UK leader says it's a resounding victory, but over whom? And if it was, why wasn't he been out trumpeting the result?

The political masterminds (well, most of them) return from their summer break to explain what the outcome means for the general election, and whether the 'Burnham Bounce' has actually been a bit flat.

Send your questions, comments and voicenotes to [email protected]. The podcast will be back on September 3.

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Andy Burnham’s first week in Downing Street has been full of promises - but can he keep everyone happy and still balance the books?

Hugo, Sally, Polly and Danny look at the prime minister’s first week in power, from his plans for public services and tax cuts, to the questions over how he will pay for them. 

They also discuss John Healey’s appointment as Chancellor, the fallout from the purge of Starmer allies, and whether Burnham’s approach risks trying to please everyone.

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Andy Burnham will soon be making his first speech from Downing Street as prime minister - how will he introduce himself to the nation?

The team discuss striking the right balance between optimism and acknowledging the scale of the challenge, and look back at their role in preparing speeches for Tony Blair, David Cameron and Nick Clegg. And, does the choice of lectern actually matter?

We also answer a question from a listener who asks whether Nigel Farage could lose the Clacton by-election.

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This week the political masterminds are answering more of your questions.

Does Andy Burnham risk becoming all things to all people, and will that inevitably result in disappointment? What jobs would Sally, Polly and Danny have in No 10 North?

Have former military figures seized the agenda over defence spending, and is Labour worrying enough about a possible Tory revival?

Send your voicenotes, questions and comments to [email protected]

And you can watch the podcast on YouTube here

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Nigel Farage has announced his resignation as an MP, saying he will fight a 'people versus the establishment' by-election in Clacton.

Is it a high risk stunt by the Reform UK leader? When have by-elections backfired in the past, and will it make questions about his finances, and his future, go away?

Hugo, Sally, Polly and Danny analyse Farage's gamble.

Send your questions, comments and voicenotes to [email protected]

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What have we learned so far about Andy Burnham's plan for government? Danny has been reading his book, Head North, and thinks he's proposing a clear left turn when it comes to the economy and public services.

Does Burnham's vision of a more devolved United Kingdom add up to an electoral strategy, or is that actually coming from Morgan McSweeney's playbook?

Plus: We're joined by comedian and host of the How To Win The World Cup podcast Matt Forde to discuss whether success on the football pitch can give a boost at the ballot box.

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The team bring their years of experience inside Downing Street to the question of how Andy Burnham will construct his cabinet, and who he could pick as chancellor.

After the return of James Purnell as chief of staff, is there a risk of having too many veterans of the Blair and Brown years back in power?

And - Polly sets out her vision for replacing Chequers with a Mar-a-Lago-style resort in Blackpool.

Send your questions, voicenotes and views on Polly's policy to [email protected]

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Sally and Danny join Hugo for this extra episode to examine the Keir Starmer legacy - if there is one - and ask whether Andy Burnham could be a more consequential leader than the consensus gives him credit for.

And, how will Reform UK attack Burnham - can they make the label 'Captain Flip-flop' stick?

Send your comments, questions and voicenotes to [email protected]

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Andy Burnham has won, and won big in the Makerfield by-election - what happens next in Downing Street and the Labour Party, and what does it all mean for the next general election?

Sally, Polly, Danny and Hugo discuss Keir Starmer's insistence he won't walk away from No 10, the reaction of the cabinet, who will get the top jobs in a Burnham government, and whether Reform UK will need to change strategy.

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