Whitehall Sources

By Shortbread MediaNews Politics

Whitehall Sources episodes

February 08, 2024Rishi Sunak, Piers Morgan, Wes Streeting, Liz Truss
In this episode, Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss various political topics, including Rishi Sunak's interview with Piers Morgan, his admission of the government's failure on NHS waiting lists, Wes Streeting's vision for NHS reform, and Liz Truss's PopCon event. They also explore the potential for a split in the Conservative Party and the rise of populist conservatives.

Rishi Sunak's interview with Piers Morgan sparked controversy and raised questions about his decision to make a bet on the fate of refugees.
Wes Streeting's vision for NHS reform emphasises the importance of both spending money and implementing necessary reforms.
Liz Truss's PopCon event showcased the rise of populist conservatives and their focus on issues such as immigration and left-wing extremism.
There is a potential for a split within the Conservative Party, with some members aligning with populist conservatives and others advocating for a more moderate approach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
48 min
January 24, 2024 Anatomy of a U-Turn
Divisions within the Conservative Party and the shifting position of the Labour Party on green investment. The conversation highlights the importance of party unity and the impact of party divisions on electoral success.

We also analyze Donald Trump's victory in the New Hampshire primary and his attack on Nikki Haley. The conversation explores the appeal of populist leaders and the reasons behind their support. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying issues and failures of the political class. The need for a bold and rational vision to address the challenges faced by the country is highlighted. The discussion also delves into the power of connecting with people and promising to deliver their needs. Finally, it touches on the role of hope in times of crisis and how it can influence people's choices.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
50 min
January 18, 2024 Whipping Votes... with Anne Milton
Kirsty and Calum speak to Anne Milton who was a Conservative MP - and a former whip and Minister of State for Skills and Apprenticeships… she left parliament as an independent MP in 2019 having lost the Conservative whip. The episode focuses on Rishi Sunak's week and the challenges faced by the Conservative Party. The lack of party discipline and the existential crisis within the party are discussed. Anne Milton provides insight into the party's internal dynamics. The YouGov poll showing a decline in support for the Conservatives is highlighted. Rishi Sunak's warning to the House of Lords regarding the Rwanda bill is examined.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43 min
January 10, 2024 The Post Office Scandal...with Kevan Jones MP
Hundreds wrongly convicted in the Post Office scandal could have their names cleared this year, as emergency laws were announced to "swiftly exonerate and compensate victims". Postal affairs minister Kevin Hollinrake said that hundreds fell victim to a "brutal and arbitrary exercise of power". Kirsty and Calum are joined by Kevan Jones MP (Lab) who has been campaigning for justice for the victims for years.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42 min
January 03, 2024 Humza Yousaf in conversation
A chance to hear an extended, audience-led conversation with Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf first recorded and published in August 2023 on the Holyrood Sources podcast.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 36 min
December 20, 2023 The Security Election...and other 2023 bits
The conversation covers various topics, including the timing of the general election, negative campaigning, struggles to unite the Conservative Party, standout moments for Keir Starmer, and Rishi Sunak's challenges. Calum and Kirsty express their gratitude to the listeners and discuss the importance of policy discussions and focusing on security in the upcoming general election.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
46 min
December 14, 2023 Baubles of Policy... Rwanda and Cop28
Kirsty Buchanan and Calum Macdonald discuss Rishi Sunak's difficult week and the challenges he faces as Prime Minister. They explore the lack of vision and direction in the Conservative Party and the jockeying for position within the party. They also discuss the missed opportunities and the need for bold actions. Additionally, they touch on COP 28 and the climate deal, highlighting the compromises and lack of progress.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38 min
December 07, 2023 Boris at The Covid Inquiry; Rishi's Rwanda deal
The conversation discusses Boris Johnson's emotional response during the COVID inquiry and the context in which it was given. It highlights the lack of empathy for bereaved relatives and the lack of self-doubt and introspection from Johnson and other key players. The conversation also explores Rishi Sunak's troubles and the Tory rebellions, as well as the culture war and divisions within the Conservative Party. It concludes with the uncertainty and chaos surrounding the party's future.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42 min
November 30, 2023 Alistair Darling... and Matt Hancock
Calum and Kirsty discuss Alistair Darling. Both have personal memories of him and stories about him. And Calum was reporting from the Covid Inquiry today as Matt Hancock gave evidence. So we discuss him too.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37 min
November 23, 2023 Autumn Statement and Migration
Former Treasury adviser Ian Mulheirn joins to discuss the autumn statement. Plus, the latest migration figures and trouble coming for Rishi Sunak at the Covid Inquiry.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
59 min

About Whitehall Sources

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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…