Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 17/05/2026

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 17/05/2026

Author: The Spectator May 17, 2026 Duration: 13:53

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.


Lisa Nandy backs Keir Starmer, as ministers resign and potential leadership challengers circle.

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For a clear-eyed take on the day’s political developments, Coffee House Shots delivers concise, sharp discussion straight from the heart of Westminster. This daily podcast from The Spectator gathers the magazine’s most astute political observers-voices like Michael Gove, Tim Shipman, Isabel Hardman, and James Heale-around a virtual table for the kind of frank, insider conversation that happens away from the cameras. Each episode cuts through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle to examine the real forces shaping policy, elections, and power struggles. Listeners get more than just a recap of headlines; they’re offered analysis of the strategic calculations, the personal rivalries, and the underlying trends that the major bulletins often miss. The tone is informed and direct, reflecting the depth of experience within The Spectator’s team. It’s designed for anyone who wants to understand not just what is happening in British politics, but why it matters and what might happen next. Tune in for a regular dose of perspective that feels less like a formal briefing and more like overhearing a crucial chat in the corridors of influence. This podcast provides that essential context, making sense of the rapid flow of daily news with authority and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Coffee House Shots
Podcast Episodes
Will the bond markets undo Burnham? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:18
Andy Burnham’s campaign for Makerfield is already gathering pace, complete with Oasis soundtrack to a new campaign video. But as Labour’s would-be challenger tries to pitch himself as the man to replace Keir Starmer, que…
Burnham vs Reform: why Makerfield matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:23
The by-election in Makerfield is shaping up to be one of the most consequential contests in recent political history. On paper, the seat should be fertile ground for Reform: heavily Leave-voting, older than average and e…
'It's an orgy of chaos': Steve Baker on how to oust a Prime Minister [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 art…
Wesignation: does Streeting have a plan? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:11
After days of deliberation, Wes Streeting has finally quit Keir Starmer’s government. At the stroke of 1 p.m., the Ilford MP resigned as Health Secretary in a two-page letter that laid out his differences with the Prime…
All eyes on Wes: inside Labour's leadership crisis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:46
Wes Streeting is/was expected to make his move today for the Labour leadership – but does he have the numbers? There was some frantic briefing last night, with competing claims about who has the required number of MPs an…
If it’s not Keir, it’s Carns | Mike Tapp MP [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:54
In this special edition of Coffee House Shorts, Noa Hoffman is joined by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Home Office minister Mike Tapp. On a day of high drama in Westminster, with Wes Streeting widely expe…
Starmer says put up or shut up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:29
The Prime Minister is digging his heels in. Keir Starmer has told his cabinet that he is not going anywhere, despite a growing list of MPs calling for him to go.At 9.30 a.m., Starmer was greeted by his senior ministers,…
Keir Starmer’s big pitch is ... more of the same [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:54
Keir Starmer has given what was billed as a make-or-break having spent the weekend under fire from his own party. He tried to strike a more urgent tone, promising bigger arguments, closer ties with Europe (which is basic…
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 10/05/2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:51
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.The results are in, and it's not looking good for Labour.How long will Keir Starmer last?Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast…