Commons People

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's podcast, we discuss how Reform's party conference went from bad to worse, and analyse whether they're capable of bouncing back from all this scandal. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss how President Trump has been "moving mad" this week, from posting to his social media 100 times a day to trying rename Lake Ontario "Lake America". You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we're asking whether UK-Russia relations have slipped into a new, more dangerous phase due – in part – to Andy Burnham's visit to Ukraine this week. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal and Dan Faber. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss the current state of the Green Party – once riding high in the polls – with former party leader and current peer, Natalie Bennett. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, Kevin sits down with Liz Bates, a former political journalist turned special adviser for Keir Starmer's Government. Liz lifts the lid on what a SPAD does, the "funereal" reality of Keir Starmer's resignation to those on the inside and the difference between reporting the news and influencing the story. Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction. 05:07 – What is a special adviser and what do they do? 07:59 – What was it like working for Steve Reed, the former Housing Secretary and Environment Secretary? 13:10 – Behind the scenes of Keir Starmer's resignation in July. 18:30 – Why does a SPAD also lose their job when the minister they're serving does? 20:32 – What's next for Liz and what does she think about the future of Andy Burnham's Government. 23:35 – Bluffers Guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's budding political relationship, and analyse whether it will last the length of both of their terms in office. Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction. 02:34 – What's happened between Andy Burnham and Donald Trump since he became Prime Minister? 04:54 – What's Trump's record with British Prime Ministers in the past? 15:10 – What is Burnham's history with Trump? 17:44 – How will Ed Miliband fare 20:21 – Why is Trump so obsessed with North Sea drilling? 22:25 – What's next for Burnham and Trump, and what could go wrong? 34:03 – Bluffers Guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, Kevin and Kate take a look inside Andy Burnham’s day-one cabinet purge – who’s in, who’s out, why Wes Streeting is suddenly in charge of the army, what this all means for you and whether this new government is already heading for a smash-up. 00:00 – Introduction 01.48 – Andy Burnham's first days in office 08.14 – Who's out? 19.30 – Who's in? 24.24 – Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband (and his previous Trump comments...) 28.07 – Wes Streeting (and his lack of military experience) 40.55 – What's the reaction to the reshuffle been like in the Labour party? 48.24 – What's Farage had to say? 49.40 – Bluffers Guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Dayna McAlpine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss Keir Starmer's time in office as Prime Minister, and what are the main things he'll be remembered for – good and bad. Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction. 07:00 – What did Keir Starmer do in office? – The good stuff 13:46 – What did Keir Starmer do in office? – The bad stuff 26:01 – What did Keir Starmer do in office? – The middle ground stuff 32:39 – What's next for Keir Starmer? 38:32 – Was he a good or bad Prime Minister? 41:11 – Bluffers Guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we're discussing the eerie similarities between incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. How much do they really have in common? You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we're discussing whether a much-talked-about money scandal has landed Reform UK's leader and Clacton MP Nigel Farage in more trouble than he can come back from. Is his career really "dead in the water" as Piers Morgan said this week? Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction. 03:16 – How did the scandal begin? 09:56 – Nigel Farage and his gold bullion side hustle. 13:01 – Are the British public particularly sensitive to money scandals? 13:59 – Reform's recent electoral disappointments. 17:32 – What's happening inside the Reform UK party? 23:35 – What's next for Reform UK? 31:07 – Bluffers Guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss Brexit on its tenth anniversary, and talk over the idea that the Brexit referendum *cursed* British politics, given the churn of Prime Ministers we've had since then. Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction. 03:12 – Brexit defined in 20 seconds. 03:43 – What does Brexit have to do with Keir Starmer resigning this week? 11:10 – What did Rishi Sunak have to do with Brexit? 12:11 – Liz Truss's impact on the economy. 14:13 – How Boris Johnson "got Brexit done". 17:38 – How Theresa May failed to get Brexit done. 21:21 – David Cameron: the man who caused Brexit. 27:10 – How is Brexit still impacting us today and what is the feelings of the general public? 32:25 – Nigel Farage still wants a crack at Brexit. 34:54 – Has Brexit been a curse on No.10? 37:03 – Bluffers Guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss the Makerfield by-election result, what's next for Andy Burnham MP and whether it's over for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and, indeed, the Reform Party. Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction 05:46 – Why is Andy Burnham so popular? 09:19 – Why are so many Labour MPs behind Andy Burnham? 11:27 – What's going to happen next to the Labour Party and to the Prime Minister? 15:11 – Will Wes Streeting (or any other candidates) step into a leadership contest? 18:30 – What does this all mean for Reform and Nigel Farage? 27:15 – Bluffers Guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss the all-important Makerfield by-election, and whether Andy Burnham is likely to succeed and consequently pose a threat to Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction 01:58 – Can Keir Starmer survive in number 10? 08:55 – The latest on Andy Burnham's Makerfield campaign 14:26 – What's next for the Labour party? 16:29 – Interview with Louise Haigh MP and Anneliese Midgley MP 19:54 – Bluffers Guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss what’s going on with right-wing political party Reform UK, and whether their ongoing meltdown could see them lose in the all-important Makerfield by-election in Greater Manchester. Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction 04:29 – Where is Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage? 07:44 – Farage's comments on the murder of Henry Nowak 12:02 – The Makerfield by-election/Robert Kenyon 18:15 – The origin of Restore Britain 25:07 – Robert Jenrick humiliated by fellow Reform leader Zia Yusuf 32:21 – What's next for Reform UK? 39:02 – Reform's misrepresenting Kemi Badenoch's "white lives" comment 42:42 – Bluffers Guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss the climate crisis on our doorstep and whether politicians are doing enough to acknowledge it AND combat it. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is on the ropes, Wes Streeting has walked out, and Andy Burnham is making his play for the crown. This week on HuffPost UK's Commons People, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson break down the massive stakes of the Makerfield by-election. With Reform UK surging and Labour HQ described as "a morgue on a spaceship hurtling towards destruction," can the King of the North secure his ticket back to Westminster, or is the party heading for a total smash-up? Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction. 00:35 – Westminster recap: how did we get here and why does the by-election matter? 01:30 – Why did Wes Streeting resign as Health Secretary (and what's his next move)? 03:40 – When will the Makerfield by-election take place? 04:00 – Who is Andy Burnham and what is his political background? 07:46 – How is Reform UK threatening Labour in the local wards? 08:40 – Why has the Brexit debate returned to haunt Andy Burnham? 09:21 – What do the campaign videos reveal about Andy Burnham and Robert Kenyon? 12:40 – Why did Andy Burnham fail in his previous leadership bids? 15:50 – Who is Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon? 16:40 – What did Robert Kenyon's deleted social media history reveal? 19:40 – How did Hannah Spencer influence the focus on trade candidates? 21:44 – What will happen if Andy Burnham wins the by-election? 24:17 – Who are the other potential contenders to replace Keir Starmer? 26:32 – What is the nightmare scenario for Labour if Andy Burnham loses? 27:55 – How is Labour feeling while we wait for the by-election? 32:26 – Bluffer's Guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds and Paula Barker clip sourced from BBC via @treesey/X. Producer: Dayna McAlpine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we analyse what's really going on in Downing Street this week as Keir Starmer's Government – and the Labour party at large – deal with the fallout of last week's elections. Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction. 01:40 – What happened to Labour at the 2026 Local Elections? 05:16 – Who wants Starmer to go and how does Labour get rid of its leaders? 13:51 – What's the difference between the Cabinet and other Members of Parliament? 14:20 – Catherine West's “stalking horse” campaign and Keir Starmer's make-or-break speech. 20:50 – Why isn't Starmer going? 23:48 – Wes Streeting's next move. 29:05 – What are Andy Burnham's chances? 33:46 – Will Ed Miliband throw his hat into the ring? 38:12 – A practical explanation of the Labour party spectrum of ideology. 39:40 – What will happen next? 45:13 – Bluffers Guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds and Paula Barker clip sourced from BBC via @treesey/X. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss the probable outcome of the 7 May Local Elections, and whether the predicted devastation for Labour across the country will spell the end of Keir Starmer's leadership. Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction and the downfall of Labour under Keir Starmer's rule. 08:20 – How would Keir Starmer be gotten rid off, and who would be replace him? 12:54 – Would Ed Miliband step up again? 15:08 – Is Shabana Mahmood up for being Labour Leader? 15:37 – How about Yvette Cooper or John Healey? 17:57 – Will anybody stand by Starmer? 21:40 – Wes Streeting, Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner are the frontrunners to replace Starmer. 30:32 – What will happen after the Local Elections results come in? 44:04 – Bluffers Guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss the origin of the "special relationship" between the United Kingdom and the United States and whether Donald Trump has essentially killed it off. Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction. 01:29 – Where does the term "special relationship" come from? 03:40 – How have Keir Starmer and Trump contributed to changing the special relationship? 11:50 – King Charles state visit latest. 18:32 – Selections from King Charles's Congress speech. 20:28 – How did Trump break royal protocol? 23:42 – UK-US ambassador's comments on America's "special relationship" with Israel. 26:42 – Peter Mandelson scandal latest. 31:14 – What will happen after King Charles state is done? 39:21 – Bluffers guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds and King Charles clips were sourced from Associated Press via YouTube. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. In this week's episode, we discuss the latest developments in the headline-making Peter Mandelson scandal, and whether Keir Starmer's recent conduct towards the civil service – and his past mistakes – are enough to see his premiership crumble. Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction. 01:17 – Who is Peter Mandelson and what's his connection with Jeffrey Epstein? 08:24 – Why did Mandelson get a job if he had failed security vetting? 13:08 – How did Keir Starmer respond? 16:27 – How did senior civil servant Olly Robbins answer to being blamed for getting Mandelson in post? 19:40 – Does former ambassador Karen Pierce not continuing in her role suggest Starmer is running a boys' club? 21:45 – How the Mandelson saga has undermined Keir Starmer's rule-abiding reputation. 23:12 – Why did Starmer take such a gamble on appointing Mandelson? 26:20 – What's next for Keir Starmer as Prime Minister and who would replace him? 36:35 – Morgan McSweeney to give testimony to the Foreign Affairs Committee. 39:00 – Taxpayers will probably fund a large payout for Olly Robbins. 40:00 – How will the Government and the civil service continue working together? 41:30 – Bluffer's Guide and end. You can follow us at @commons.people on Instagram and TikTok. This is a HuffPost UK podcast. Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Producer: Sam Cleal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.