The Downtown Den Politics Podcast
The Downtown Den politics podcast is a weekly commentary on all the latest news from the world of politics. Hosted by Downtown in Business CEO and Group Chairman, Frank McKenna and Downtown’s Political Editor Jim Hancock with regular guests from across the political spectrum.
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Episodes
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
In the aftermath of a truly shocking, violent, horrendous attack on a Southport kiddies summer school, folks, hooligans, racists, and thick as mince sheep have used the tragedy to take to the streets to riot. What should the government do to tackle this wave of extreme right wing inspired disruption?
Welcome to the latest Downtown Den Politics podcast.
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
The end of July used to be known as the silly season in politics, as everyone would head off on their holidays, but unlike Frank McKenna who continues to be away in Greece, Jim Hancock and Jo Phillips have a packed agenda to discuss.
This week they look at the state of the British economy in the light of the statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The American political scene where the temporary truce after the assassination attempt on former President Trump has certainly gone with what many regard as a tasteless attack on the fact that Kamala Harris does not have children.
They are also looking at the Conservative leadership race and they also discuss the ever-troubling situation in the Middle East.
Welcome to the Downtown Den politics podcast.
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Jim Hancock and Jo Phillips discuss the latest dramatic developments in the race for the White House, the first row of the new Labour government over the 2 child benefit limit, the weighty King's speech in general and will the Tories go long or short in the search for a new leader?
Welcome to the Downtown Den politics podcast.
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Monday Jul 15, 2024
The new Labour government has hit the ground running. The Tories continue to fight like rats in a sack. And there's been an assassination attempt on Donald Trump making what was already a very interesting time in American politics even more volatile.
Welcome to the Downtown Den politics podcast.
To view the Tony Blair Institute For Global Change Future of Britain Conference 2024 visit: https://www.institute.global/future-of-britain-conference-2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Today we unpack the general election results from Thursday evening. Friday morning, focusing on the smaller parties.
That's the Reform party, the Greens, the Independents and the Liberal Democrats will also be reflecting on the first 72 hours of the Labour government.
And we will be taking a look at what's been happening across the channel with the French elections.
Welcome to the Downtown Den politics podcast.
Saturday Jul 06, 2024
Saturday Jul 06, 2024
A Labour landslide, a Conservative meltdown, a Liberal Democrat revival.
Frank McKenna, Jim Hancock, Jo Phillips and Kevin Johnson discuss a historic result in the 2024 General Election.
Welcome to the Downtown Den politics podcast.
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Monday Jul 01, 2024
It's the final countdown. We are just three days away (at time of recording) from polling day, finding out who has won the general election of 2024. But have Nigel Farage, Suella Braverman and TV debates been the big losers of the seven week 'yawn fest' of a campaign?
We'll also be checking out what's happening in France and talking of television debates, reflecting on that disastrous performance from Joe Biden in his head to head with Donald Trump last week.
Welcome to the Downtown Den politics podcast.
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Ten days left in this General Election campaign and we are beside ourselves with excitement, as change seems inevitable and we prepare to welcome a Labour government. Well, hardly. Keir Starmer may be on course to win a healthy majority on 4th July, but expectations of what he and his colleagues will deliver is not particularly high. Will Labour deliver more than people are expecting?
For Rishi Sunak, surely polling day can’t come quickly enough. From his rain drenched launch, his D-day disaster, and his Sky TV faux pas - he is now having to deal with a gambling scandal within his unmanageable party. Has there ever been a worse election campaign?
And, over the weekend, we sadly learned of the passing of a Manchester legend. A few words from me about the great Sir Howard Bernstein.
Welcome to the Downtown Den politics podcast.
Listen to Frank McKenna in Conversation with Sir Howard Bernstein HERE.
Read Frank's LinkedIn post about Sir Howard Bernstein HERE.