Two Mates, No Mandates

Duncan Baker and Charlie Walden are back to break down the latest developments in British and American politics, following a major Budget and growing questions about the future direction of the Green Party.

The pair examine Chancellor John Healey's Budget, looking at what the announcements mean for households, workers, savers and businesses. From the £100 household energy payment and changes to energy bills to fuel duty, savings tax and the minimum wage, we pick through the headline measures and ask who really benefits.

Attention then turns to the Green Party, following growing internal tensions over its position on Zionism and the motion adopted by party members. Former co-leader Adrian Ramsay has warned the party is at a crossroads, but what does this mean for Zack Polanski's leadership and the Greens' political future?

Across the Atlantic, we look ahead to the US midterm elections and what the results could mean for Donald Trump. With his approval ratings under pressure and control of Congress at stake, can the Democrats take back the House and Senate? We explore the key battlegrounds, the issues shaping the campaign and what a Republican defeat could mean for the remainder of Trump's presidency.

From Westminster to Washington, it is another packed episode of Two Mates, No Mandates.

Former Conservative MP Duncan Baker heads to Conservative Party Conference for a special episode of Two Mates, No Mandates, featuring exclusive interviews with members of the Shadow Cabinet and influential figures from across the Conservative Party.

We speak to Jacob Rees-Mogg, Tom Tugendhat, Andrew Bowie, James Cartlidge, Alex Burghart, James Wild and Shadow Solicitor General Jerome Mayhew, as well as Robert Rams, former head of Kemi's office. From the party's future to its plans for government, we get their perspectives on the challenges facing the Conservatives and how they intend to respond.

We also break down Kemi Badenoch's headline policies, including the proposed £10 billion Britannia Shield defence system, plans to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030, inheritance tax cuts and changes to childcare support.

Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith's economic agenda is also under the spotlight. We explore his pledge to scrap at least one tax every Budget.

With the Conservatives setting out their vision on tax, defence, housing and regulation, we examine the key announcements, the political arguments behind them and how the party hopes to make its case to voters.

Join Charlie and Duncan for an inside look at Conservative Party Conference 2026, with exclusive interviews and analysis straight from Birmingham.

Two Mates, No Mandates returns for Episode 15 with Duncan Baker and Charlie Walden unpacking another busy week in British politics.

Reform UK has received a record £72 million in donations from two cryptocurrency billionaires. What does that kind of financial backing mean for Nigel Farage and Reform, and could it change the way the party prepares for the next general election?

We also look at the latest Conservative Shadow Cabinet reshuffle and what it tells us about Kemi Badenoch's plans for the party, as well as the future of the Liberal Democrats and the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election.

Andy's Burnham's plans for a National Care Service are also under the spotlight. The Prime Minister has brought forward Baroness Casey's work on social care and outlined plans for a more integrated system working alongside the NHS.

Plus, we ask the big question: could Britain be heading for an early general election? From Reform's huge war chest to Westminster's changing political landscape, Duncan and Charlie debate what could happen next.

Duncan Baker and Charlie Walden are back for Episode 14 of Two Mates, No Mandates, as Westminster heads into the summer recess.

Duncan looks back on his own summers as an MP, from constituency tours to what MPs actually get up to when Parliament disappears for the break.

The pair also look ahead to Andy Burnham's homecoming to Parliament, this time as Prime Minister. What can we expect when he returns to the Commons, and how will he adapt from Greater Manchester politics to the pressures of Westminster and Number 10?

Plus, Nigel Farage goes head-to-head with Count Binface, sparking questions about whether another by-election could be on the horizon following Farage's victory. Charlie and Duncan also debate whether Farage should reunite with Rupert Lowe, and whether Zia Yusuf is becoming an asset or a risk for Reform UK.

From summer recess stories to Burnham's arrival in Westminster and the latest drama surrounding Reform, it's another packed episode of Two Mates, No Mandates.

Former Conservative MP Anna Firth joins Duncan Baker and Charlie Walden for a fascinating discussion on the future of Britain's political landscape.

With Andy Burnham now in Downing Street, the conversation explores his plans to reshape the country through devolution, his proposal for a "Number 10 North", and whether power should finally be shifted away from Westminster. Does London hold too much influence, and could Burnham's vision fundamentally change how Britain is governed?

Anna also reflects on her own political career, life in Parliament and the realities of representing a constituency in Westminster, before giving her verdict on Burnham's newly announced Cabinet. Who are the standout appointments, where are the weaknesses, and what do the selections tell us about the direction of the new government?

From devolution and regional power to leadership and the future of Britain, this is another candid conversation from Two Mates, No Mandates.

Former Conservative MP Duncan Baker and journalist Charlie Walden are joined by former Government Whip and North Cornwall MP Scott Mann for a fascinating look inside Westminster and the future of British politics.

Scott reflects on his journey into Parliament, his time serving as a Government Whip, and what life is really like behind the scenes in Westminster. From managing party discipline to the biggest misconceptions about the Whips' Office, he shares an insight into one of the least understood jobs in British politics.

The lads also discussed the incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and some of his policy proposals.

From leadership, loyalty and life inside government to the future direction of British politics, this is another candid conversation from Two Mates, No Mandates.

Former Science Minister and current Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman joins Duncan Baker and Charlie Walden for a wide-ranging discussion on one of the most dramatic weeks in British politics.

George reflects on his time in government, serving as both Science Minister and Transport Minister, and shares the biggest lessons he learned from life on the frontbench.

The conversation then turns to the result of the Makerfield by-election, where Andy Burnham secured a commanding victory, prompting fresh speculation about Labour's future leadership. Is Burnham now the obvious successor to Keir Starmer, and should Labour hold a full leadership contest if the Prime Minister steps aside?

The team also discuss growing speculation that Keir Starmer's premiership could soon be coming to an end, the strength of Burnham's appeal across traditional political divides, and whether Labour's dominance under him would pose a serious threat to the Conservatives.

Attention also turns to the Conservative Party following its victory in Aberdeen South. Has Kemi Badenoch finally found a route back into contention, or does the party still face a long road back after losing ground to Reform UK?

From science and innovation to leadership battles, polling and the future of Britain's major parties, this is a candid look at the forces shaping British politics today.

Former Conservative MP Duncan Baker and journalist Charlie Walden are joined by political strategist and public affairs expert Fiona Cuthbertson for a fascinating look at how power really works in Westminster.

With more than 30 years of experience in politics, lobbying and public policy, Fiona explains how legislation is shaped behind the scenes, the realities of lobbying, and how campaigners, businesses and interest groups can influence government decisions. She also reflects on some of the major policy changes she has helped deliver, from protections for shopworkers to improving autism awareness in schools.

The conversation then turns to the biggest political stories of the week, including Tony Blair's latest intervention, Andy Burnham's move to Makerfield and growing speculation about Labour's future leadership. Could Burnham be positioning himself for a return to Westminster and, ultimately, a shot at Number 10?

From the hidden influences shaping policy to the personalities shaping Britain's future, this is a candid and insightful look at politics from both inside and outside the system.

Guest Details

Fiona Cuthbertson
Managing Director, Keystone Consulting

🌐 www.keystone-consulting.co.uk

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Former Conservative MP Duncan Baker joins journalist Charlie Walden to break down one of the most dramatic weeks yet for Keir Starmer’s government.

Facing nearly 100 MPs calling for his resignation and mounting unrest inside Labour, Starmer is under more pressure than ever before. This episode dives into the political chaos surrounding the Prime Minister, Wes Streeting’s resignation as Health Secretary and his call for Starmer to step aside, and the growing debate over whether Brexit itself is once again becoming a defining issue in British politics.

The pair also discuss Andy Burnham’s dramatic return to Westminster politics after Josh Simons stood aside for him in Makerfield. Is Burnham now positioning himself for the Labour leadership and could he one day become Prime Minister?

From leadership plots and Labour infighting to Brexit, polling, and the future of British politics, Charlie and Duncan debate it all in another candid episode of Two Mates, No Mandates.

Former Conservative MP Duncan Baker joins journalist Charlie Walden to break down one of the most dramatic weeks yet in British politics.

With Labour suffering catastrophic local election losses and Reform surging across the country, the pressure is mounting on Keir Starmer. Rumours of leadership plots are growing, over 40 MPs are reportedly turning on the Prime Minister, and questions are now being asked about who could eventually replace him.

This episode dives into Catherine West’s emerging challenge, the return of Gordon Brown to the Labour fold, Nigel Farage’s controversial £5m donation, and the wider crisis facing both major parties. Duncan and Charlie also assess the state of the Conservatives, Reform’s momentum, and whether British politics is entering a new anti-establishment era.

Plus: Rayner vs Streeting, the possibility of an Andy Burnham comeback, and what the latest polling really tells us about the direction of the country.