Reform’s conference in Birmingham was soured by a Channel 4 News broadcast showing the party's leader Nigel Farage and some of his closest allies in conversations with a man purporting to arrange illicit political donations. Farage says the party has ‘broken no law’ but Reform has launched its own investigation and two top advisors have stepped down. Host Lucy Fisher hears from the FT’s acting executive news editor David Sheppard, who was at the Reform conference. Plus, political editor George Parker and economics editor Sam Fleming talk to Lucy about their exclusive interview with John Healey – and what the new Labour chancellor has planned for the country.

Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher; George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Sam @Sam1Fleming; David @OilSheppard

Want more?

John Healey puts Britain on notice for tough Budget in ‘more dangerous world’

What are the latest claims against Nigel Farage?

Top Reform UK advisors to step down after donor sting

Latest allegations make Reform look ridiculous

Nigel Farage and Reform UK hit by illicit-funding sting

The five financing scandals facing Reform

James Orr and the gospel of the British right

Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics’ for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.

Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

There’s big "new term" energy this week in parliament with MPs returning from summer recess for Andy Burnham’s first Prime Minister's Questions. After Burnham answered a mega 125 questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch lambasted the prime minister for being a “people pleaser” and a “spendthrift”. What did Burnham’s first appearance in the Commons tell us about his leadership style? And can Badenoch’s shadow cabinet reshuffle help the Tory party win back popularity? Plus, why is Green Party leader Zack Polanski standing in Keir Starmer’s old seat? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and deputy political editor Jim Pickard. 

Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher ; Robert @robertshrimsley; Jim @PickardJE

Want more?

Andy Burnham tries to calm bond markets as public spending fears mount

Burnham seeks to protect UK farming and steel in EU reset talks

Andy Burnham and Emmanuel Macron meet as Bayeux tapestry unveiled

How UK-Israel relations reached their worst point in decades

PMQs cannot change Andy Burnham’s political reality

Andy Burnham’s summer of quietly backing away from radical pledges

James Orr and the gospel of the new British right

Greens leader Zach Polanski to stand in seat vacated by Keir Starmer

Come and join the FT and Political Fix panelists at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. To save 10 per cent on tickets, visit ft.com/festival and use the discount code FTPODCAST.

You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.

Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. Our broadcast engineers were Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

In his first interview with the FT since becoming prime minister, Andy Burnham tells political editor and host George Parker that he is pro-business and understands the pressures that business is under — but wants something in return from corporate Britain. Deputy political editor Jim Pickard and columnist Stephen Bush join George to unpack Burnham’s pitch on business and wealth creation, and what he had to say about tax, nationalisation and the EU.

George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb; and Jim @PickardJE

Want more?

Andy Burnham pledges to ‘take pressure off’ business ahead of October Budget

Andy Burnham seeks to bridge gap with nervous business community

Healey to shelve his own defence spending target of 3% of GDP by 2030

Andy Burnham set for first meeting with Trump in September

Thames Water creditors and government in stand-off over future 

Thames Water saga undermines case for more market solutions

How the Bayeux Tapestry became a tool of soft power

Come and join the FT and Political Fix panelists at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. To save 10 per cent on tickets, visit ft.com/festival and use the discount code FTPODCAST.

You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics’ for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.

Political Fix was presented by George Parker and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music by Breen Turner. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Our broadcast engineers were Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Andy Burnham has been on a regional tour of the UK, delivering a steady stream of policies aimed at tackling social issues. But now comes the hard part: should he push ahead with new drilling in the North Sea? After a summer of drought and wildfires, can the prime minister make the case for more fossil fuel extraction? FT political editor George Parker stands in for Lucy Fisher as host, and is joined by Inside Politics columnist Stephen Bush, and deputy political editor Jim Pickard. Plus, after Sue Gray described working in Starmer’s government as ‘unbearable’, and a top UK civil servant was revealed to have received a £500,000 payout package, the panel reflects on what we have learned about Starmer’s premiership now that it’s over. 

George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb; and Jim @PickardJE

Want more?

Burnham launches pandemic-style drive to cut rough sleeping

Andy Burnham faces climate test over North Sea oil decision

Are ‘dodgy’ vape shops choking Britain’s high streets?

Working in Starmer’s Number 10 was ‘unbearable,’ says Sue Gray

Jamie Dimon warns UK chancellor against higher bank taxes

Top UK civil servant received record £500,000 payout after Starmer sacking

Come and join the FT and Political Fix panelists at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. To save 10 per cent on tickets, visit ft.com/festival and use the discount code FTPODCAST.

You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics’ for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.

Political Fix was presented by George Parker and produced by Persis Love. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. Our broadcast engineers were Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Nigel Farage has comfortably won back his Clacton seat but with the investigation into his finances now back on, what, if anything, has been gained by this by-election gamble? And with the Reform UK leader absenting himself from the count, and his ratings falling, we ask whether the party is losing momentum. Plus, just weeks into being prime minister, Andy Burnham is facing his first challenges. Can he keep on the front foot with his cost of living drive and tour of the nation? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT political editor George Parker and political correspondent Anna Gross.

FOLLOW:

Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Anna, @AnnaSophieGross and George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social;

Want more?  

Investigation into Nigel Farage resumes after he wins Clacton by-election

Farage won in Clacton. But there are bigger tests to come

Why Andy Burnham could be tempted by an early election gamble

Starmer allies warn John Healey against blowing ‘strong’ economic inheritance 

Burnham urges retailers to stop selling disposable barbecues amid wildfires

You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics’ for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.

Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson and Persis Love. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Political Fix hit the Essex seaside this week to hear directly from Clacton voters ahead of the by-election next Thursday, which Nigel Farage has triggered in the wake of scrutiny of his finances. He’s framing it as a “people versus the establishment” contest – but what do local residents think? Why, at a time when his national ratings have plunged, does the Reform leader’s popularity in Clacton appear undiminished? 

Host Lucy Fisher is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross and UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley to discuss the contest and Reform’s broader fortunes. Plus, the trio examine Kemi Badenoch's judgement in supporting the council candidacy of a former neo-Nazi, as well as the Tories’ and Labour’s efforts to convince business of their respective growth credentials. 

Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Anna, @AnnaSophieGross and Robert: 

Want more?  

‘I’ll support him all the way’: Clacton voters rally to Nigel Farage despite heightened scrutiny

The good, the bad and the green of Badenoch

Reform repaid Tice loan on same day £1mn donated by mother of Farage aide Cottrell

Reform UK promises large-scale ‘military operation’ to block small boat crossings

Kemi Badenoch ‘sad’ over former antisemite’s withdrawal as Tory council candidate 

Conservatives rebuild relations with UK business after rocky two years

UK to strip back procurement rules to focus on job creation, says Louise Haigh

You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.

Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Successive prime ministers have pledged to tackle some of the biggest crises affecting old and young: the UK’s lack of vocational training and the chaos of social care. Now it’s the turn of the latest PM Andy Burnham. In an impassioned speech he set out his ambition for a cross-party solution on social care but gave scant detail about how to fund it. Will this be the hill that Burnham dies on? Host Miranda Green is joined by deputy political editor Jim Pickard, north of England correspondent Jennifer Williams and the FT’s public policy editor Chris Smyth to discuss. Plus, another ambitious plan to overhaul education, the ‘Burnham bounce’, and what exactly is a PuFin?

FOLLOW:

Miranda: @greenmiranda & @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Chris: @Smyth_Chris; Jim: @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social and Jen: @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social

Want more?  

Andy Burnham opens door to tax rises to pay for social care overhaul 

The Burnham bounce shouldn’t come as a surprise

Andy Burnham to give English mayors share of income tax from 2028

What are PuFins and how do Andy Burnham and John Healey plan to use them?

Andy Burnham aims to cut welfare bill by getting young people into work

You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter ‘Inside Politics’ for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.

Political Fix was presented by Miranda Green and produced by Clare Williamson and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Original music by Breen Turner with audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Andy Burnham’s new cabinet is in place and he’s dropped a raft of policy announcements on the cost of living this week, filling in some of the gaps about the kind of administration he will lead. On the show, host Lucy Fisher and her FT colleagues Anna Gross, Jim Pickard and Stephen Bush step back to examine Burnham’s broader economic vision, beyond bus fares, energy bills and business rates. Plus, the panel assesses ‘Brand Burnham’ and assess whether his unorthodox comms style and blokeish social media persona can survive his elevation to Number 10 – or a new, more serious tone will be required.

Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; Anna, @AnnaSophieGross and Jim: @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social

Want more?  

Andy Burnham to cut business rates for pubs and clubs

North Sea oil and gas industry looks for answers from new energy secretary

Can ‘Brand Burnham’ survive the move to Number 10?

Andy Burnham’s high-risk start may help him get ahead of political pain

Thames Water lenders to offer ‘golden share’ to UK government 

Andy Burnham backs away from costly increase to income tax allowance

Betting account in George Cottrell’s name received $9mn in crypto from unidentified sources

You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.

Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Bianca Wakeman. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

It’s all change at the top of Andy Burnham’s new Labour government and there have been some surprise appointments. The biggest of them was the elevation of the former defence minister John Healey to chancellor of the exchequer, but we also saw Ed Miliband given the foreign office brief and Wes Streeting move to defence. Meanwhile, many of Starmer’s former allies have been given the boot. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, the FT’s chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley and north of England correspondent Jen Williams to discuss the new cabinet and dissect some of the policy moves announced so far, as well as those that are likely to come.

Follow: Lucy: @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Miranda:@greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Jen: @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social and Robert: @robertshrimsley and @robertshrimsley.bsky.social

Want more?  

Andy Burnham latest: Move to remove VAT on electricity bills sparks funding row as Cabinet meets

Andy Burnham becomes UK prime minister promising ‘unity and positivity’

Six things we learnt from Andy Burnham’s choices for his top team

The five fiscal challenges facing John Healey

Continuity and change in Andy Burnham’s new cabinet

Burnham’s industrial revival will join up local needs and strengths

Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.

Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT head of audio.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Andy Burnham has been crowned Labour leader and will become PM on Monday. His first speech to the party faithful on Friday offered new clues about his plans for government, as speculation reaches fever pitch over his cabinet picks amid the FT’s scoop that the current home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is set to become Britain’s next chancellor. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues George Parker and Jim Pickard to parse his words and look ahead to his first days in power. They also assess Sir Keir Starmer's final week, including his valedictory Prime Minister's Questions, where tributes flowed in from across the aisle.

Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; 

Want more?  

Jonathan Reynolds set to oversee beefed-up business department

Andy Burnham wants Britain to build council houses. Is there a catch?

The union power struggle that could reshape Labour’s future funding

The former Britpop stalwart at the heart of Burnham’s machine

Andy Burnham plans blitz of policy announcements on entering Number 10

Shabana Mahmood set to be named UK chancellor by Andy Burnham

Inside the year-long plan to make Burnham Labour leader

Sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.

Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT head of audio.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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

Is Nigel Farage regretting his move to trigger a by-election now that his main rival is the novelty candidate Count Binface? What do Reform’s supporters think, and has he blown his chances of broadening support for the party? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, columnist Stephen Bush and political reporter Rachel Rees to discuss the Reform leader’s gamble. Plus Andy Burnham wins overwhelming support to become the next Labour leader, while outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been talking up his legacy at the Nato summit in Turkey.

Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social, Rachel @rachel-rees.bsky.social and Anna, @AnnaSophieGross

Want more?  

Labour MPs queue up to back Andy Burnham as next leader

Labour MPs push for permanent ban on crypto political donations

Police launch probe into donations to Robert Jenrick’s Tory leadership campaign

‘Nigel can fix it’ — what Clacton voters think of Farage’s gambit

A timeline of Nigel Farage’s £5mn gift and his return to politics

Nigel Farage ridiculed in parliament as ‘farce’ by-election gets go-ahead

US carries out second day of strikes against Iran

Britain’s power problem

You can also sign up here for Stephen Bush’s morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.

Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. Flo Phillips is the FT head of audio.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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