Iran has a new Ayatollah, but is it simply a case of meet the new boss, same as the old boss? With Mojtaba Khamenei stepping into power, questions are growing about whether the US will step back from the conflict or escalate further.

As fuel prices rise and the economic impact of the war begins to bite, what does it mean for global stability and the UK’s political landscape? Jo Phillips, joins Jim Hancock to discuss the implications for Iran, the West and the future of the region.

In the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast, Jim Hancock, Jo Phillips and Martin Liptrot discuss the latest Middle East crisis and the implications for Geo-Politics.

And closer to home they discuss the Green Party's vistory in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.

Keir Starmer survived what felt like a near-death experience for his premiership before hopping on a plane to Germany for the Munich Security Conference.

In this episode, we unpack how the Prime Minister navigated another turbulent week, what saved him politically, and what the fallout could mean in the weeks ahead.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.

It has been a challenging week for Keir Starmer, with growing pressure surrounding his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson. Can his leadership endure?

Find out in the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.

All the candidates have been selected for the Gorton and Denton by-election. In this episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast, Frank, Jim and Jo, preview what the final outcome of that particular contest may be.

They also be look at the fallout from The Epstein Files and Keir Starmer's trip to China, whilst telling you all about DIB's latest visit to Parliament and the Hospitality and Visitor Economy campaign.

This is the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.

To book your tickets for the Hosptality Conference visit: downtowninbusiness.com/ghac

To find out more about DIB's Visitor Economy Campaign CLICK HERE.

Plenty to has happened in the world of politics in the last seven days. And with too much to fit into one podcast, this week, Frank McKenna, Jim Hancock and Jo Phillips, focus on the BIG talking points from the past week.

Does Keir Starmer and the Labour Party fear Andy Burnham? Will there be a comeback for Andy Street? Should Andy Street and Ruth Davidson join the Liberal Democrats?

Plenty of theories and topics to discuss.

And they take a look at the continued chaos in America.

This is the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.

With political defections and American invasions, there is not much to cheer you up on this bluest of Blue Mondays, but we will do our best…

Welcome to the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast

View Best for Britain's 'Reform UK Defection Tracker'

Read Jim's latest blog here.

Happy belated New Year and welcome back to the Downtown Den Politics Podcast. We barely stepped away and the world went straight back to chaos with international tensions involving Iran Venezuela and Ukraine.

Closer to home we look at political U-turns including the government reversal on business rates for pubs. We also spotlight the Downtown in Business and Liverpool Business Improvement District campaign pushing for real support for the hospitality sector alongside a wider discussion on Grok AI and domestic political whiplash.

In this special episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast Frank, Jim and Jo, look back on some of the highlights from their involvement with politics throughout the years, answer listeners questions and put together their Fantasy Cabinets.

They look back at what they got right and wrong in their 2025 predictions, and share their predictions for 2026.

We hope you are all having a wonderful festive period and we will be back in 2026.

Listen to Frank's interview with Lord Michael Heseltine here.

Rachel Reeves tears at PMQ's, the resignation of the deputy prime minister, the huge losses in the local elections and constant speculation about Keir Starmer's future as leader, 2025 has been an annus horribilis for the Labour Party.

On the up, has been Nigel Farage and Reform UK winning control of councils, parliamentary by-elections and attracting a slew of Tory defectors, the right wing populist party has maintained a healthy lead in the polls for the last 12 months.

Sixteen year olds have been given the right to vote and many of them will see the new Green Party Leader, Zack Polanski as their champion, whilst the Liberal Democrats and Ed Davey have continued to progress, winning more council seats this year than any other party.

Recent months have seen a more polished and professional Kemi Badenoch, give the official opposition a boost, however the Tories are still languishing in the polls and know there is a long way to go before they can claim to be a genuine alternative government.

On the international stage, Donald Trump began his second presidential term after a four year interlude, and it's been a wild ride that most anticipated. Tariffs, the Epstein files, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the election of the first Muslim governor in the US, the drive-by on Zelensky by JD Vance in the Oval Office and splits in the MAGA movement that have seen Trump fall out with Elon Musk and Marjorie Taylor Greene, are only the edited highlights and low lights from the orange ones first 12 months in office.

Elsewhere in geopolitics, the Middle East still simmers, the Ukraine war continues to rage and despite victories for progressives in Germany and Canada, the feeling remains that liberal democracy is in retreat as right wing populists continue to gain momentum.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast, that is going to try and makes sense of what has been a turbulent year in the world of politics.