OppositionCast

The Labour Party Conference in Liverpool saw much speculation about a possible leadership challenge from Andy Burnham, whilst Keir Starmer - like Ed Davey last week - focused his attention on Nigel Farage and Reform.

Nigel and Sarah reflect on Burnham's prospects and discuss the party's attitude to dissent after a number of attendees found their credentials cancelled after posting critical comments. They also consider the issue of politicians' security, after Reform claim Farage's police protection has been reduced.

Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern

Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies

Theme Music by Tom Hector

We're off to the seaside in this episode, as Nigel joins the Lib Dems for their conference in sunny Bournemouth, where the party was talking ID cards, online safety and taking on Reform UK.

Featuring an exclusive interview with party leader Sir Ed Davey, taking a break from his itinerary of media stunts to discuss the challenges of opposition and his ambitions for the next election.

Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern

Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies

Theme Music by Tom Hector

In the latest of our UK conference season specials, we take a closer look at the Green Party of England and Wales, with former leader Natalie Bennett talking Trump, protests and how to "change everything". We also speak to Professor Tim Bale about Green party membership, discuss another Tory defection to Reform, and review Donald Trump's state visit. Plus a surprise appearance from Doctor Who!

Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies

Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern

Theme Music by Tom Hector

Nigel and Sarah begin our Party Conference season with a look at the Reform UK gathering in Birmingham, and discuss the fallout from the resignation of Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner. We also speak to Professor Tim Bale of Queen Mary University of London about who Reform's members are and what the party's prospects might be in the years ahead.

Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies

Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern

Theme Music by Tom Hector

In this special bonus episode, Dr Nigel Fletcher takes OppositionCast listeners to the first stop on his party conference tour, spending a day at the Reform UK conference in Birmingham. He speaks to Nigel Farage, interviews a recent defector from the Conservatives and watches as the leader's speech is interrupted by protesters.

Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies

Presented by Nigel Fletcher

Theme Music by Tom Hector

Nigel and Sarah begin our Party Conference season with a look at the Reform UK gathering in Birmingham, and discuss the fallout from the resignation of Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner. We also speak to Professor Tim Bale of Queen Mary University of London about who Reform's members are and what the party's prospects might be in the years ahead.

Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies

Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern

Theme Music by Tom Hector

With parliament back from the summer recess and the autumn party conference season about to begin, we limber up for our conference road trip by catching up with a busy week in UK opposition politics. There's a new leader of the Green Party and pressure on the government from opposition parties over the Deputy Prime Minister's tax affairs. We also hear from Jeremy Corbyn about his new party, Ed Davey of the Lib Dems on Gaza and the ECHR, and listen in on Nigel Farage appearance at a congressional hearing in the United States.

Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies

Presented by Nigel Fletcher

Theme Music by Tom Hector

As parliament breaks up for the summer recess, Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch has taken the opportunity to refresh her frontbench team, with a reshuffle that has seen the return of former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to the Shadow Cabinet.

Will the changes be enough to boost Conservative fortunes? Will anybody actually notice? And where are Nigel and Sarah going on the party conference roadtrip?

Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern

Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies

Theme Music by Tom Hector

As Labour marks a year in office, there aren't many birthday celebrations in a week that saw a damaging rebellion over welfare cuts and speculation about the future of the Chancellor.

Nigel and Sarah look back over the last year and consider the fragmented nature of opposition to the government. Plus we talk to the guru of parliamentary rebellions, Professor Philip Cowley of Queen Mary, University of London about the significance of this rebellion and what it means for the government.

Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern

Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies

Theme Music by Tom Hector

We're back! It's a new year (OK, it's five months into a new year), and Nigel and Sarah have a lot to discuss - from the Conservative Party in the UK slipping to 4th place in the polls to the surprise defeat of opposition parties in Australia and Canada.

What does the triumph of Reform UK in the English local elections mean for the Conservative and Labour Parties? What is the "Trump effect"? And will Nigel manage to wrap up the podcast on time without having to do endless retakes? Tune in and find out.

Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern

Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies

Theme Music by Tom Hector