The Downtown Den Politics Podcast

EP. 149 | Another Prime Minister Bites the Dust

This week’s Downtown Den Politics podcast is somewhat of an unusual one because, as we sat down to record, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation. We reflect on that breaking news and what it means for the future of British politics.
We also look back on the phenomenal win for Andy Burnham in Makerfield, as well as the Conservatives’ first by-election victory in 50 years. 

EP. 148 | Makerfield Goes To The Polls

In this week's Downtown Den Politics Podcast, Jim Hancock is joined by Martin Liptrot and Jo Phillips to discuss the key political stories of the week.
With voters heading to the polls in the Makerfield by-election, the panel considers what the result could mean for the government and opposition parties alike. They also reflect on the resignation of Defence Minister John Healey and debate the government's decision to ban social media for under-16s.

EP.147 | The Politics of Tragedy

In this week’s Downtown Den Politics Podcast, Frank, Jim and Jo discuss the political implications of the tragic murder of Henry Nowak and what it could mean for the wider political landscape.
They also preview the upcoming Makerfield by-election, examining the key issues, candidates and potential impact of the result, as well as discussing the special election edition of Question Time.

EP. 146 | The Blair Intervention

Tony Blair has waded into the political debate, claiming the Government lacks vision, leadership and a clear plan. Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting were quick to push back, but did their responses actually prove Blair's point?
We also take a look at the latest from the crucial Makerfield by election and discuss Compass's proposal for a coalition of progressive parties. Is it a serious route to power or simply wishful thinking?
Read Frank McKenna's The Politics of Fairy Dairy Land HERE
Listen to Carl Cashman on The Downtown Den HERE
Listen to the latest Northern Spin podcast HERE

EP 145 | Corruption or Mishap?

From the latest corruption controversy in Scotland to the growing influence of Reform UK, this week Frank Mckenna is joined by Jim Hancock and Jo Phillips to discuss the biggest political stories of the week and ask whether Andy Burnham or Keir Starmer is best placed to lead Labour’s future.
 
Register for our Parliamentary Reception HERE
 
 

EP. 144 | Starmer, Streeting or Burnham?

In this weeks episode, Jo and Jim look back on the last week in politics and discuss the possibilities of a potential Labour leadership change.

EP. 143 | Has Labour Forgotten How to Do Politics?

Less than two years after its landslide victory, Labour appears hesitant and politically outmanoeuvred by Reform UK.
As Reform dominates the media narrative and Labour struggles to fight back, questions are growing over whether Keir Starmer has the political instincts needed to regain control of the national conversation.

EP.142 | Ballot Box Test

We turn now to the biggest test of public opinion between general elections, with full elections taking place in Scotland and Wales, as well as across all London boroughs, Birmingham and many other places across the country. It’s a big test for the Prime Minister, and for Reform UK, raising the question of whether Reform has peaked, while other parties and voters across the political spectrum also make their voices heard. 
We also look at the rise in antisemitism and its wider implications, alongside the success of King Charles III in the USA.