The Politics Show

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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Keir Starmer’s never ending cycle of political chaos, Reform’s suspended local councillors and Anoosh’s heckle of Boris Johnson.

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

Read: https://www.newstatesman.com/comment/2026/05/will-progressives-ever-forgive-labour

https://www.newstatesman.com/business/economics/2026/05/the-bond-markets-will-not-save-keir-starmer

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Wes Streeting resigned as Health Secretary on Thursday morning, but Ailbhe Rea says Keir Starmer is determined to fight on.

After days of speculation – and a 16-minute meeting at Number 10 – Wes Streeting has finally resigned from cabinet.

On the same day, Angela Rayner has announced she has been "cleared" of wrongdoing related to unpaid property tax, which would leave her free to run in a leadership contest if one is triggered.

However, sources inside Number 10 have told Ailbhe Rea that Wes Streeting does not have the backing of enough MPs to trigger a leadership contest. So what is the former Health Secretary hoping to achieve?

And if a leadership contest were triggered, who else would be likely to run?

Ailbhe Rea and Anoosh Chakelian discuss the latest from Westminster in The Politics Show.

READ: Wes Streeting resigns with an excoriating letter to Starmer

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