In a special recess week edition of Politics at Sam and Anne, the pair look at who could replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.

Anne – who's in Munich – tells Sam how the Europeans view the Starmer government and if his vision of closer ties with Europe aligns with his EU counterparts.

Back home, is the Peter Mandelson affair ramping up with a possible police interview under caution within the next 14 days?

Plus, Nigel Farage will announce part of Reform UK’s shadow cabinet next week, but who will make the cut?

As the parliamentary recess approaches, questions are still being asked about the PM’s judgement – but will the break give him a chance for yet another reset?

After a further week of jeopardy for the Starmer premiership, Sam has the inside view from Downing Street following several senior departures from No10.

The pair also consider just how close the Prime Minister was to standing down – and what price might he have to pay for the support of cabinet colleagues as well as his former deputy, Angela Rayner.

Plus, a bombshell Sky News interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe - where he claimed Britain had been “colonised by immigrants” - has led to criticism and condemnation from across the political divide.

Like MPs, Sam and Anne are staggering through until recess. It’s only Wednesday but they have the latest on Labour psychodramas.

Today – who was it calling Anas Sarwar before his presser on Monday? The new suggestion is that it was Angela Rayner.

But lots of eyes are still on Wes Streeting, who continues to deny that he isn’t backing Keir Starmer.

Elsewhere, Labour suspend Keir Starmer’s former chief of communications – Matthew Doyle – over alleged links to a convicted sex offender.

Plus, is the civil service about to get its first female leader?

After a helter-skelter 24 hours - with calls for the PM to quit and another senior resignation from the heart of No10 – has Keir Starmer done enough to convince his party he is the man for the future, or has he simply just bought time?

Sam and Anne reflect on a tumultuous day in Westminster and look ahead to challenges facing the Prime Minister in the coming weeks and months.

Away from the psychodrama, the duo consider where this leaves Wes Streeting after he voluntarily shared his messages and WhatsApp’s with Peter Mandelson – it could lead to a spicy cabinet meeting.

Elsewhere, could Unite the Union disaffiliate themselves with the Labour party over concerns that they are not delivering for workers or industries?

Plus, Sam shines the light on the challenges around special educational needs provision.

The Prime Minister starts the week without his right-hand man – Morgan McSweeney – following his resignation over the appointment of Peter Mandelson but, has that secured Keir Starmer’s survival?

Sam and Anne mop up the reaction from Labour circles and break down a crucial 24 hours for the PM as he faces the markets.

Will his own MPs restore confidence in his premiership after he addresses the Parliamentary Labour party?

The duo also consider the psychodrama and positions of the Prime Minister’s potential challengers and whether any of them are in a more positive position as the new week starts.

As the political drama over Peter Mandelson spills into the Commons - with another climbdown and a damaging revelation – it raises the bigger question: How secure is the Keir Starmer premiership?

With some MPs calling for Starmer to go – along with his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney – pressure is mounting over the stark confession that the PM knew about Mandelson’s continuing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein before he was appointed the UK’s ambassador to the US.

Elsewhere, has Andy Burnham actually improved his leadership chances by being barred from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election?

Plus, Sam and Anne gauge the mood in the Labour party to figure out what happens next to Keir Starmer.

Another day and another podcast dominated by Peter Mandelson – but as the political pressure ramps up across parliament, how will No10 react and is the carnage over?

In a frantic 24 hours, Lord Mandelson gave up his peerage and is facing a criminal investigation over alleged leaking of sensitive material to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Facing a key Conservative vote in the commons later today can Keir Starmer bury his associations with Peter Mandelson and his decision to appoint him as the UK’s ambassador to the United States?

Plus, Sam explains the significance of the battle ahead in parliament between the Prime Minister, his own MPs and opposition parties on whether he will be forced to disclose sensitive information.

Peter Mandelson is still the main topic for discussion on the podcast again – as Anne reports back from an event with the US ambassador to London.

Sam and Anne both pick over Mandelson’s interview with the Times – where, beyond the photos at the Aga, he seems to hint that there’s still a way back to politics by saying “I want to be more of an outsider”.

At last night's event, Anne picks up on U.S. reaction to the Mandelson saga – but there is a stark warning for transatlantic business relations.

Plus, what does all this mean for the Prime Minister and his senior staff who appointed Mandelson to Ambassador?

As another large dossier of Epstein files comes into the public domain – Lord Peter Mandelson resigns his membership to the Labour party, claiming he “doesn’t want to cause further embarrassment” – but is that the end or only the beginning?

Sam and Anne assess the political ramifications for Mr Mandelson and whether his links to the convicted paedophile – Jeffrey Epstein - will force him to give up his peerage.

Elsewhere, the Prime Minister wades in on whether Andrew Mountbatten Windsor should testify in front of congress about his involvement with Epstein - how will that go down in the palace?

Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets China’s President Xi calling for a “more sophisticated relationship” - but can both nations achieve that amidst global uncertainty?

Sam and Anne dive into the details, looking at who is on the trip and reflect on the “twists and turns” of the relations between the two nations.

Back in London, is the assisted dying bill on its last legs with the clock ticking on the time to debate and scrutinise the legislation in the House of Lords.

Plus, have the welfare reforms – led by Pat McFadden – been shelved for the foreseeable future?

As Keir Starmer touches down in Beijing – does the UK face a choice between a “golden age” or an “ice age” with its relationship with China?

Sam and Anne assess:

1. Will the Prime Minister have to pick a side between President Xi or President Trump?
2. How will he present himself on the trip, pragmatist or optimist?
3. Will alleged spying and hacking by the Chinese make a difference?
4. Should Sir Keir be globetrotting whilst domestic issues pile up?

Back in blighty, Sam has been on the ground in Manchester gathering reaction to the upcoming by election in Gorton and Denton – as some of the campaigns got started