The Downtown Den Politics Podcast

EP.134 | Iranian crisis and a Green victory

In the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast, Jim Hancock, Jo Phillips and Martin Liptrot discuss the latest Middle East crisis and the implications for Geo-Politics.
And closer to home they discuss the Green Party's vistory in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.

EP.133 | Starmer’s Survival

Keir Starmer survived what felt like a near-death experience for his premiership before hopping on a plane to Germany for the Munich Security Conference.
In this episode, we unpack how the Prime Minister navigated another turbulent week, what saved him politically, and what the fallout could mean in the weeks ahead.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.

EP.132 | Can Starmer Survive?

It has been a challenging week for Keir Starmer, with growing pressure surrounding his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson. Can his leadership endure?
Find out in the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.

EP.131 | By-elections, China Trade Missions and the Epstein Files

All the candidates have been selected for the Gorton and Denton by-election. In this episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast, Frank, Jim and Jo, preview what the final outcome of that particular contest may be.
They also be look at the fallout from The Epstein Files and Keir Starmer's trip to China, whilst telling you all about DIB's latest visit to Parliament and the Hospitality and Visitor Economy campaign.
This is the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.
To book your tickets for the Hosptality Conference visit: downtowninbusiness.com/ghac
To find out more about DIB's Visitor Economy Campaign CLICK HERE.

EP.130 | Does Starmer Fear a Burnham Challenge?

Plenty to has happened in the world of politics in the last seven days. And with too much to fit into one podcast, this week, Frank McKenna, Jim Hancock and Jo Phillips, focus on the BIG talking points from the past week.
Does Keir Starmer and the Labour Party fear Andy Burnham? Will there be a comeback for Andy Street? Should Andy Street and Ruth Davidson join the Liberal Democrats?
Plenty of theories and topics to discuss.
And they take a look at the continued chaos in America.
This is the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast.

EP.129 | Defections, Invasions, and a Very Blue Monday

With political defections and American invasions, there is not much to cheer you up on this bluest of Blue Mondays, but we will do our best…
Welcome to the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast
View Best for Britain's 'Reform UK Defection Tracker'
Read Jim's latest blog here.

EP.128 | Global Tensions Ignite the New Year

Happy belated New Year and welcome back to the Downtown Den Politics Podcast. We barely stepped away and the world went straight back to chaos with international tensions involving Iran Venezuela and Ukraine.
Closer to home we look at political U-turns including the government reversal on business rates for pubs. We also spotlight the Downtown in Business and Liverpool Business Improvement District campaign pushing for real support for the hospitality sector alongside a wider discussion on Grok AI and domestic political whiplash.

EP.127 | Listener Questions & 2026 Predictions

In this special episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast Frank, Jim and Jo, look back on some of the highlights from their involvement with politics throughout the years, answer listeners questions and put together their Fantasy Cabinets.
They look back at what they got right and wrong in their 2025 predictions, and share their predictions for 2026.
We hope you are all having a wonderful festive period and we will be back in 2026.
 
Listen to Frank's interview with Lord Michael Heseltine here.