After the resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, Wes Streeting joins the Politics Show to reflect on why Keir Starmer is losing support from his loyal ministers.

Streeting resigned his own post as Health Secretary in May, and has said he would run in a future race to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister.

Also in this episode, Tom McTague and Ethan Croft discuss the resignations and what they mean – for the UK's ability to defend itself, and for the future of the government.

The interview excerpt featured here is taken from an hour-long conversation with Wes Streeting which will publish next week.

READ: John Healey's resignation heralds the end for Keir Starmer, by Andrew Marr

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From prisons to speed cameras and welfare to nuclear warning systems, the British government has outsourced a huge number of state operations to private companies – including the housing of asylum seekers.

This week, riots erupted on the streets of Belfast following the stabbing of Stephen Ogilvy. The suspect is an ex asylum seeker. It’s the third summer in a row that the asylum accommodation system has been the focus of violent protests.

Has Britain lost control?

READ: How Britain lost control

https://www.newstatesman.com/cover-story/2026/06/how-britain-lost-control

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Ahead of the by-election in Makerfield on June 18th, polling expert Scarlett Maguire spoke to voters in the constituency for the New Statesman. This episode is made up of clips from these Makerfield locals.

Scarlett spoke to two groups, some who said they would be voting Reform, some who said they would be voting Labour.

They shared their concerns about the current state of the UK and its politics, and their opinions on the two main parties and candidates battling it out in Makerfield.

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Andy Burnham’s tucked-in t-shirt, a bonkers “festival of AI optimism” and which MP would make the best James Bond.

Will Dunn is joined by editor Tom McTague to discuss the stories of the week.

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The spectre of the Makerfield by-election on June 18th is hanging over British politics.

If Andy Burnham wins, he’s in prime position to challenge Keir Starmer’s leadership. However, a Burnham victory in Makerfield is far from certain. Reform and their candidate Robert Kenyon are mounting a serious challenge.

Tom McTague is joined by polling expert Scarlett Maguire and our political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss.

READ

https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/in-makerfield-voters-on-both-sides-are-united-by-despair

https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/andy-burnhams-door-knock-to-downing-street

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While Westminster looks inward, the world is moving fast. Keir Starmer's government needs to focus on the urgent changes affecting all of our lives.

Tom McTague joins Anoosh Chakelian to discuss his latest essay for the New Statesman, and answer listeners questions.

This week, listeners ask: "Why have British politicians been so useless for the past 20 years?" and "is it finally time for voting reform?"

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This week there’s only one subject to discuss – and that’s Tony Blair – who has written a blistering 5,000 word essay criticising everyone from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham, Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting.

Tom McTague is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss this “right wing” intervention.

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Nigel Farage’s £5 million “reward” from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, the NHS “I feel lucky” syndrome and the Reform councillor who wants us to crack down on extra terrestrial activity. 

Will Dunn and Anoosh Chakelian round up the stories of the week.

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The spotlight of British politics is shining on Andy Burnham - and his “long coup” is underway.

Meanwhile, Keir Starmer himself has to find a way to resume some semblance of government as usual.

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Tom McTague to discuss.

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Andy Burnham is running in a by-election in Makerfield, which is likely to be held on 18 June, to return to Parliament as an MP. If he wins, he will be the frontrunner in a contest to replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.

Burnham’s personal brand of politics is often referred to as “Manchesterism”. So, what is it?

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by The New Statesman’s editor-in-chief Tom McTague, who profiled Andy Burnham back in September.

LISTEN: https://www.newstatesman.com/podcasts/politics-podcast/2025/09/andy-burnham-has-a-plan-for-britain-2

READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2025/09/exclusive-andy-burnhams-plan-for-britain

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