Will Andy Burnham call an early election?

Will Andy Burnham call an early election?

Author: The New Statesman August 20, 2026 Duration: 30:38

On the one hand, Burnham may never be as popular as he is now. On the other, the PM could lose an election if he calls it soon, bringing his long-held dream of being prime minister to a horribly premature end.


Anoosh Chakelian is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea.

LISTEN AD-FREE:

📱Download the New Statesman app


MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday


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


Each weekday, Daily Politics from the New Statesman cuts through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle to offer something more substantial. Hosted by Anoosh Chakelian and Oli Dugmore, along with the wider New Statesman team, this isn't just a recap of headlines. Instead, it provides sharp reporting and clear analysis from the heart of Westminster, paired with thoughtful conversations that look beyond the capital to the cultural and societal forces shaping the political landscape. You'll hear from the magazine's own journalists and a range of expert guests who help explain not just what is happening, but why it matters. The perspective is inherently progressive, rooted in the New Statesman's long tradition as a leading voice in British political commentary. Tuning into this podcast means getting a deeper, more considered understanding of the day's events, delivered with clarity and insight. It’s designed for anyone who feels that politics is too important to be left to soundbites, offering a reliable and engaging daily digest that makes complex issues accessible without oversimplifying them.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Politics Show
Podcast Episodes
Can the UK turn its life sciences strengths into global leadership? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:39
This New Statesman podcast episode has been fully funded by argenx and features an edited panel discussion recorded at the New Statesman’s Igniting Growth Conference.The UK has world-leading science, research and regulat…
Gary Lineker wants to pay more tax. What's stopping him? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:15
Anoosh and Will are back for their weekly politics round up, this week includes: the tired spectacle of a new prime minister, Wes Streeting's hot mic moment, Gary Lineker's plea for higher taxes, and the ongoing saga of…
Burnham's cabinet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:24
It’s day 4 of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s premiership.His cabinet is now appointed - With some notable appointments to the top jobs, plenty of reshuffling, and some loyal Starmer-ites out.The PM has also begun to annou…
Prime Minister Andy Burnham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:56
Today, Keir Starmer made his way from No 10 to Buckingham Palace to officially resign as Prime Minister.He was closely followed by his replacement, Andy Burnham, who is currently in his first few hours in the job.Anoosh…
Starmer bows out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:34
Keir Starmer has bowed out of his role as Prime Minister. At his final PMQs, an unusually convivial tone was struck.As Starmer's political career draws to a close, Will Dunn and Tom McTague discuss his tenure, his final…
The transition begins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:16
As Keir Starmer's premiership draws to a close, Andy Burnham is putting the finishing touches on his plan for power.Ailbhe Rea joins Tom McTague in the studio to discuss: Anne Widdecomb's role in British PoliticsKeir Sta…
Farage's Clacton distraction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:01
Nigel Farage, pollings' current front runner to win the next general election, has resigned as an MP.However, he plans to stand as a candidate in the by-election this move will trigger. Labour, the Lib Dems and the Torie…
Nigel Farage has lost his aura [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:13
Nigel Farage loses his cool as he’s grilled on his £5 million “gift”, the “anti-woke” Davos and the elephant seal that’s terrorising Tasmania. Will and Anoosh round up the stories of the week.READ: https://www.newstatesm…
"Startlingly transactional" – Burnham prepares for power [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:41
Andy Burnham is preparing for power – which means horsetrading, negotiations and planning.Ailbhe Rea has been speaking to MPs and advisors inside the Labour party to find out what's really happening in Team Burnham, who'…