The most powerful woman in Britain

The most powerful woman in Britain

Author: The Spectator September 10, 2026 Duration: 12:13

After plans emerged for the Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, to consolidate power across the civil service this week, Oscar Edmondson is joined by James Heale and Tim Shipman, to discuss this week's political column, in which Tim unpacks the potentials motives behind the new alpha at the very top of Whitehall.


Produced by Henry Lloyd

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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: 50

Coffee House Shots
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 10:37
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Duration: 12:39
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Ed Davey talks popularity contests, and Bridget Phillipson defends the government ahead of Andy Burnham's first meeting with Donald Trump.Become a…
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Duration: 15:45
Military and intelligence chiefs across Europe are sounding increasingly stark warnings about the threat posed by Russia, from cyber attacks and sabotage to drones and hybrid warfare. But is Britain taking the danger ser…
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Duration: 22:49
In this episode, we return to a live Spectator event asking: have women ever had it so good?The Spectator’s commissioning editor Lara Brown is joined by Zoe Strimpel, author of Good Slut; Spiked columnist Ella Whelan; fe…