Northern Spin

Andy Burnham has completed his first month as Prime Minister – but how has he performed, and what are his biggest challenges? In the latest episode of Northern Spin , co-hosts Chris Maguire and Frank McKenna assess Burnham’s first month in No 10, his communication style and what lies ahead. In this episode, Maguire and McKenna also discuss: The pros and cons of Burnham’s social media strategy – and whether there’s a danger of style over substance What’s gone wrong for Reform – and what it means for the North Why things are going badly in Newcastle – on and off the pitch The tragedy involving Professor Jason Arday – and the motives of Julia Hartley-Brewer and Isabel Oakeshott Northern Spin is a joint production from BusinessCloud and Downtown in Business. The podcast is produced by Dan Brown of Renowned and sponsored by Sancus Lending UK.

Andy Burnham has promised a new style of politics after becoming Britain’s seventh Prime Minister – but can he deliver? In this special episode of Northern Spin, co-hosts Chris Maguire and Frank McKenna discuss: Burnham’s five priorities How does Burnham win over a doubtful media? What should Burnham do this summer? Burnham’s message for business As well as all things Burnham, Maguire and McKenna will also discuss: Greater Manchester’s mayoral by-election Judgement day for Lancashire Chaos in Oldham Northern Spin is a joint production from BusinessCloud and Downtown in Business. The podcast is produced by Dan Brown of Renowned and sponsored by Sancus Lending UK.

Keir Starmer’s resignation has cleared the way for Andy Burnham to become Britain’s seventh Prime Minister in just 10 years. In this special episode of Northern Spin, co-hosts Chris Maguire and Frank McKenna discuss: Is Andy Burnham ready for the top job? What could a Burnham Cabinet look like? Who makes Burnham’s A-team? What next for Nigel Farage and Reform UK? How did Burnham secure a landslide victory in Makerfield? How will history judge Starmer’s time in Downing Street? Who will be the next Mayor of Greater Manchester? Northern Spin is a joint production from BusinessCloud and Downtown in Business. The podcast is produced by Dan Brown of Renowned.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has staked his political future on winning the Makerfield by-election - and, potentially, a tilt at becoming Prime Minister. But who is Burnham, and how did he get here? In this special episode of Northern Spin, co-hosts Chris Maguire and Frank McKenna profile the man dubbed the King of the North. They discuss: • How Boys from the Blackstuff changed the direction of his life • His lifelong love affair with music, Everton FC and politics • Why Hillsborough became a personal crusade • Walking away from Westminster after losing two Labour leadership contests • Becoming Greater Manchester Mayor and building the King of the North brand • Standing up to Boris Johnson’s government during Covid • His successes and failures as Mayor • Why it’s sh*t or bust for Burnham and Labour in Makerfield Northern Spin is a joint production from BusinessCloud and Downtown in Business. It is produced by Dan Brown of Renowned. Chapters: 00:55 – The Man Behind the Mayor: Who Is Andy Burnham? 02:42 – How He Became a Great Communicator (He Wasn't Always) 04:23 – Born in Liverpool: Burnham's Origin Story 06:07 – The Hillsborough Moment 07:42 – Why Liverpool Was So Angry - and What Burnham Did About It 10:37 – Turning His Back on Westminster: Why He Chose Manchester 12:20 – First Day as Mayor 12:47 – Giving Away 15% of His Salary 14:56 – Winning Over a Room of Skeptical Business Leaders 18:11 – Stuck on the M6 but Still Shows Up 21:33 – Great Communicator or Instinctive Politician? The Key Difference 25:47 – Getting it right 28:19 – Soft Power & What It Means on a National Stage 31:10 – Andy's character 32:57 – Why He Hates the Word "Celebrity" 33:30 – The Quote on His Office Wall That Explains Everything He Does 34:31 – Why He's Going Back to Westminster - and Why Now

All eyes are on the North as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham fights to win the Makerfield by-election and keep alive his path to No.10. But any ambitions Burnham has of becoming Prime Minister depend on stopping Reform in the most important by-election in a generation. In this episode, co-hosts Chris Maguire and Frank McKenna tackle the big questions: Can Brand Burnham win over Makerfield, Labour and the country? Is it Burnham or bust for Labour? Will Carol Vorderman finish off Reform candidate Rob Kenyon after the sexism row? Would victory in Makerfield make Burnham Labour’s next leader in waiting? And why does Burnham need to ditch the King of the North label? Northern Spin is a joint production from BusinessCloud and Downtown in Business. The producer is Dan Brown of Renowned.

Northern Spin this week has added insight from special guest Lou Cordwell, who as chair of the Greater Manchester Business Board has been in the room when big decisions have been made, as well as friendly discussions with government.. So much to get through, Goodbye Cruella and welcome back "Lord" Cameron. PLUS: Is Manchester in danger of becoming the London of the North?

This week's Northern Spin is a deep dive into why politicians are making such a play for business, and what the private sector might want in return. We discuss the horrors emerging from the Covid Enquiry, the political tightrope Keir Starmer is walking over the Middle East crisis and explain why Suella Braverman is saying such dreadful things about homeless people. PLUS: In the culture bit, positive reviews of the Manchester United tour, the Pendle Witch experience and Killers of the Flower Moon.

A deep dive into the national broadcaster. Is it covering “both sides” fairly in the Gaza war?Plus: Rachel Reeves feels the pressure over plagiarism row, and a heartfelt plea to check your alcohol use following Matthew Perry’s tragic death.

After crushing by-election defeats in Tamworth and Mid Beds Chris crunches the numbers and works out what it means for the Conservatives in the Red Wall north and the leafy northern shires. Plus, insight from would be MPs on seats where Labour dares to dream, the dangers facing Keir Starmer as his support for Israel prompts the resignation of a Manchester councillor, why it's York Library Service 1, Banking Bureaucracy 0, and our tributes and memories of Sir Bobby Charlton.

Reeves and Rayner get rave reviews, Burnham on best behaviour. PLUS: The remarkable work of the Mines Advisory Group, and how northern politicians have balanced their messaging around the unfolding horrors in Israel and Gaza.

As Labour woos businesses and unions in Liverpool, the Tories reflect on a disastrous conference in Manchester. Plus: Michael reports on his recent trip to Israel.

Cancelling Net Zero measures, considering tax cuts for the wealthiest 4% and casting doubt over HS2, is Rishi Sunak being true to himself or just badly advised?PLUS: the Liberal Democrats on manoeuvres, the conspiracy mob at work again and the strange tale of the University of Bolton maybe changing its name.

Another packed podcast with reports from the Preston front on why it’s not a radical city. Chris is impressed by smooth talking Tories, while Michael revisits Alderley Edge, home of Boris Johnson’s newest peer. Plus: the voice Craig Fairbrass, Gary Neville on manoeuvres, and the brass neck of Liz Truss.

In defence of Dan Hewitt, why Tony Blair is the most powerful man in the Labour Party, why the Labour reshuffle is all about the North and some rare praise for a Tory from Michael Taylor. PLUS: the local government funding crisis and a refresh on which snowflakes we're blocked by.

With special guest Joshi Herrmann from the Manchester Mill the talk turns to a crisis in local journalism, the Labour reshuffle and a disastrous summer for the Tories. Plus: why the next six months is all about delivery for Andy Burnham.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham speaks to Northern Spin. In one of the most far-reaching interviews he’s ever done he talks: Is he on manoeuvres? Devolution; Keir Starmer; ambitions; Gary Neville; universities, cricket; Mary Earps; his faith and much, much more.

In another shocking week for the Conservatives, we take a look at why Gillian Keegan picked a fight with Andy Burnham, some insights into the strange behaviour of water company United Utilities and what led to another Labour dissenter getting the rough treatment from Sir Keir Starmer's bully boys.PLUS: Strong views on Lord Zac Goldsmith, Thick Right stalwart Lee Anderson and Kim McGuiness in the North East.DOUBLE PLUS: The travails of cricket.AND LAST BUT BY NO MEANS LEAST: A fulsome tribute to Bob Kerslake.

Seven years since the political earthquake of the vote to Leave the EU, so much division still exists. These two Remain voters suggest a path to reconciliation and a sensible future with European neighbours. PLUS: More Tyson Fury, local MP in Twitter block scandal, the university sector's financial time bomb, why the submariners seem to matter more than drowning refugees and witness account of a fight in Marple.

Rishi Sunak’s problems are far from over, rising mortgage rates are hitting home owners and soaring anger over parties and sleaze aren’t helping. Plus: a visit to Tyson Fury’s favourite seaside burger joint, some anger about vaping, big food companies and the antics of the Daily Mail.

Boris ‘Pinnochio’ Johnson has debased public life, but is there still life in the Tories who were elected on his watch? Plus: reports from summer festivals, including close encounters with Michael Gove, Rachel Reeves, Sir John Major, Alastair Campbell and Susanna Hoffs.