Coffee House Shots: Steve Baker on how to oust a Prime Minister

Coffee House Shots: Steve Baker on how to oust a Prime Minister

Author: The Spectator May 16, 2026 Duration: 12:49

On today’s Saturday shots, James Heale is joined by former Conservative MP Steve Baker to discuss the fallout from Wes Streeting’s resignation and the ‘orgy of chaos’ that has ensued.

Steve takes James inside the dark arts of a Westminster coup: why numbers matter, why you should pay attention to individual grievances, the importance of discipline – and why Labour’s rebels may already be getting it wrong. As Andy Burnham plots his return, do the people of Makerfield really want to be caught up in a by-election that will not be about local issues? And is Burnham as good as he thinks he is?

Produced by Oscar Edmondson.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each day, Best of the Spectator offers a curated selection from the wider world of Spectator audio, bringing sharp conversation and thoughtful analysis directly to your headphones. This isn't a single-topic show but a daily dispatch from the front lines of ideas, where politics, culture, and society intersect. You'll hear from the magazine's writers and a host of intriguing guests as they debate current affairs, delve into the nuances of religion, explore the latest in literature, and even share opinions on food and drink. The pace is brisk and the perspectives are unapologetically considered, providing a substantive alternative to the fleeting noise of the news cycle. By compiling the most engaging discussions from their stable of podcasts, The Spectator ensures there's always a fresh, worthwhile listen. Tune in for the kind of witty, informed, and often provocative commentary that has defined the magazine for generations. This podcast serves as your daily audio digest of everything worth talking about, delivered with intellectual vigor and a dash of British flair. It’s a consistent source for those who prefer their commentary to be both timely and timeless.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Best of the Spectator
Podcast Episodes
Coffee House Shots: how prepared is Britain for war? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:30
General Sir Nick Carter, former chief of the defence staff, joins Tim Shipman to discuss Britain's military preparedness – or rather, lack thereof. While a friendlier US presence at the Munich Security Conference may hav…
Quite right!: who replaces Nigel Farage? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:36
To hear this week's podcast in full, search 'Quite right!' wherever you are listening now. This week, Michael and Maddie consider Reform UK's succession plan. With Nigel Farage unveiling his new shadow cabinet, attention…
Holy Smoke: is there any truth in the Christian revival? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:13
There has been a lot of speculation about a 'quiet revival' of Christianity happening amongst the younger generations – including on this podcast. Much of this traces back to a survey conducted by the Bible Society last…
Americano: is Trump dismantling Venezuela's socialist state? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:21
Daniel Di Martino, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, joins Freddy Gray to discuss the ongoing situation in Venezuela. Over a month on from the 'bold and spectacular raid' and capture of Maduro, Daniel explains the rea…
Coffee House Shots: why Gordon Brown has never been so relevant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:33
James Macintyre joins James Heale to discuss his new biography of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown: Power With Purpose. While the book has been years in the making, little did James know that it would end up published…
Book Club: Fast Food Nation – revisited [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:33
In this week’s Book Club podcast Sam Leith's guest is Eric Schlosser, the investigative journalist whose Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal is being reissued as a Penguin Modern Classic 25 years aft…
Quite right!: 'Keir Starmer is the problem' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:27
To hear to this week's episode in full, search 'Quite right!' wherever you are listening now. This week: Michael and Maddie examine the crisis engulfing the Labour party and ask whether Keir Starmer is facing a Boris-sty…

«1...678910