Whitehall Sources

This week on the Whitehall Sources podcast, Joe Hawkins stands in for Calum Macdonald and is joined by James Nation and Jo Tanner for an assessment of what was in the Budget, what it taught us and what lies ahead for Andy Burnham.

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Whitehall Sources is a podcast which takes you behind the door of Number 10 Downing Street. Senior advisers to our most recent Prime Ministers share their experiences and analyse current events. Top advisers to our significant political leaders analyse the successes and failures of today's politics, sharing their experiences of working in Whitehall. Jo Tanner is a political adviser and strategist who's worked with politicians from all parties.James Nation OBE is the former Deputy Head of Policy Unit to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Journalist and broadcaster Calum Macdonald manages their in-tray of talking points, U-turns and crises. From parties in Westminster to the tactics of SpAds, this is your exclusive insight into how politics is done and how politicians work. We welcome insiders and analysts to join the conversation each week. Listen here: https://podfollow.com/1649210131 Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: search for Whitehall Sources

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, discusses the importance of supporting British industry, the role of oil and gas in the economy, and the need for a pragmatic energy policy that balances environmental concerns with economic growth.

He emphasizes the significance of industrial jobs, the challenges faced by traditional industries, and the potential of projects like Rosebank to benefit the UK.

Calum, Jo and James also assess the Jackdaw decision, and preview what'll be in next week's Budget...

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On this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, we explore the complex dynamics of international security, US-UK relations, and the future of military technology with expert Mike Martin, a Liberal Democrat MP and defence analyst. Plus, his inside story of what it was like to stand against Iain Dale in the last General Election...

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Whitehall Sources is a podcast which takes you behind the door of Number 10 Downing Street. Senior advisers to our most recent Prime Ministers share their experiences and analyse current events. Top advisers to our significant political leaders analyse the successes and failures of today's politics, sharing their experiences of working in Whitehall. Jo Tanner is a political adviser and strategist who's worked with politicians from all parties.James Nation OBE is the former Deputy Head of Policy Unit to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Journalist and broadcaster Calum Macdonald manages their in-tray of talking points, U-turns and crises. From parties in Westminster to the tactics of SpAds, this is your exclusive insight into how politics is done and how politicians work. We welcome insiders and analysts to join the conversation each week. Listen here: https://podfollow.com/1649210131 Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: search for Whitehall Sources

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, James Nation and Jo Tanner analyse the key outcomes of the recent Conservative Party Conference, focusing on Kemi Badenoch's speech, policy announcements, and the broader political landscape ahead of the next election.

Whitehall Sources is a podcast which takes you behind the door of Number 10 Downing Street. Senior advisers to our most recent Prime Ministers share their experiences and analyse current events. Top advisers to our significant political leaders analyse the successes and failures of today's politics, sharing their experiences of working in Whitehall.

Jo Tanner is a political adviser and strategist who's worked with politicians from all parties. James Nation OBE is the former Deputy Head of Policy Unit to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Journalist and broadcaster Calum Macdonald manages their in-tray of talking points, U-turns and crises.

From parties in Westminster to the tactics of SpAds, this is your exclusive insight into how politics is done and how politicians work. We welcome insiders and analysts to join the conversation each week.

Listen here: https://podfollow.com/1649210131 Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: search for Whitehall Sources

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special episode of the Sources Podcasts, we're taking you to Liverpool for 24 hours at Labour Party Conference 2026. Hear the secrets of Political Christmas with Politico's Megan McElroy, More In Common's Louis O'Geran, Labour MP Jonathan Hinder, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, former Andy Burnham advisor Kevin McKeever and more.

Presented by Joe Hawkins.

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Whitehall Sources is a podcast which takes you behind the door of Number 10 Downing Street. Senior advisers to our most recent Prime Ministers share their experiences and analyse current events. Top advisers to our significant political leaders analyse the successes and failures of today's politics, sharing their experiences of working in Whitehall.

Jo Tanner is a political adviser and strategist who's worked with politicians from all parties. James Nation OBE is the former Deputy Head of Policy Unit to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Journalist and broadcaster Calum Macdonald manages their in-tray of talking points, U-turns and crises.

From parties in Westminster to the tactics of SpAds, this is your exclusive insight into how politics is done and how politicians work. We welcome insiders and analysts to join the conversation each week.

Listen here: https://podfollow.com/1649210131 Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: search for Whitehall Sources

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalists and Labour Party members return from Liverpool buoyed by Andy Burnham's speech at Party Conference, but has he answered the questions that lie immediately ahead, or even created new ones?

Whitehall Sources is a podcast which takes you behind the door of Number 10 Downing Street. Senior advisers to our most recent Prime Ministers share their experiences and analyse current events. Top advisers to our significant political leaders analyse the successes and failures of today's politics, sharing their experiences of working in Whitehall.

Jo Tanner is a political adviser and strategist who's worked with politicians from all parties. James Nation OBE is the former Deputy Head of Policy Unit to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Journalist and broadcaster Calum Macdonald manages their in-tray of talking points, U-turns and crises.

From parties in Westminster to the tactics of SpAds, this is your exclusive insight into how politics is done and how politicians work. We welcome insiders and analysts to join the conversation each week.

Listen here: https://podfollow.com/1649210131 Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: search for Whitehall Sources

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, we explore the upcoming Labour Party conference, the impact of recent polling data, and the strategic considerations for political parties in the UK.

The House Magazine's Sienna Rodgers and James Nation, share insights on party dynamics, electoral strategies, and the current political landscape.--

Whitehall Sources is a podcast which takes you behind the door of Number 10 Downing Street. Senior advisers to our most recent Prime Ministers share their experiences and analyse current events. Top advisers to our significant political leaders analyse the successes and failures of today's politics, sharing their experiences of working in Whitehall.

Jo Tanner is a political adviser and strategist who's worked with politicians from all parties. James Nation OBE is the former Deputy Head of Policy Unit to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Journalist and broadcaster Calum Macdonald manages their in-tray of talking points, U-turns and crises.

From parties in Westminster to the tactics of SpAds, this is your exclusive insight into how politics is done and how politicians work. We welcome insiders and analysts to join the conversation each week.

Listen here: https://podfollow.com/1649210131 Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: search for Whitehall Sources

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner and James Nation break down a turbulent week in Westminster.

The team dives deep into the escalating economic pressures facing the UK government ahead of the upcoming Budget—from Middle East supply chain disruptions driving up energy bills to the Bank of England holding interest rates steady. Plus, they examine the growing global debate around AI safety, tech regulation, and whether the UK's influence in artificial intelligence security is waning.

💬 What do you think? Will Andy Burnham be forced to make tough spending choices at the upcoming Budget, or can he manage the economic strain driven by international conflict? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

📧 Have a question for the panel? Email us at [email protected]

🔔 Don't forget to Like & Subscribe for weekly inside access to Westminster politics!

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Reform UK is facing growing pressure after a Channel 4 investigation into allegations surrounding foreign donations, while Nigel Farage and the party attempt to deal with the fallout.

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation discuss the latest developments in Westminster politics.

The team examines whether Reform UK is losing momentum, what the controversy means for Nigel Farage and the party’s leadership, and whether a split on the political right could ultimately benefit Labour.

Plus, the team break down Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s recent PMQs blunders on defense spending vs. welfare, the controversial UK "tourist tax" on overnight stays, and what to expect as PM Burnham meets with devolved nationalist leaders in Cardiff.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

📱 WhatsApp us your thoughts & questions: 0333 404 6507

✉️ Email the team: [email protected]

🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on NOTIFICATIONS for weekly inside analysis on UK politics!

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As Parliament reconvenes, Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares for his high-stakes House of Commons debut. From facing PMQs for the first time as PM to managing backbench tensions, energy policy shifts, and the upcoming budget, the honeymoon period is facing its biggest test yet. 

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation break down what to expect from Westminster this term:

- Andy Burnham’s transition from the high street to the dispatch box.

- The political tightrope of North Sea energy decisions and UK-France relations ahead of President Macron's visit.

- Key updates on welfare reforms, youth unemployment, and immigration metrics.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

📱 WhatsApp us your thoughts & questions: 0333 404 6507

✉️ Email the team: [email protected]

🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on NOTIFICATIONS for weekly inside analysis on UK politics!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.