Mandelson, May Elections & Rosie Jones Mayhem

Mandelson, May Elections & Rosie Jones Mayhem

Author: Pod Save the UK April 23, 2026 Duration: 1:10:17

British politics was shaken to its core this week when we all realised that, maybe, Keir Starmer isn’t as quite across the detail as he tries to make out. He had to explain exactly what he did and didn’t know about the developed vetting carried out for Peter Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s Ambassador to the US.

Right on the heels of that, came Olly Robbins, who was sacked last week from his role as the chief official at the Foreign Office. In a very civil servant way, he revealed the internal pressures and machinations that were happening during the appointment process.

Both men had serious questions to answer about what they did but Coco and Nish are joined by political journalist Zoë Grünewald to ask why everyone is obsessing over the process while almost totally ignoring the larger, moral decision to make the appointment in the first place.

Plus the comedian Rosie Jones arrives to totally derail the whole podcast with a mix of funny jabs at Nish while still telling us about the work of her brilliant foundation which is celebrating its first birthday! 


Don’t forget to leave a review - it gives the show a boost and we love to see your comments.

**Warning: use of a racial slur during the Labour May election segment**

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GUESTS 

Zoë Grünewald - Journalist, broadcaster and political commentator

Rosie Jones - Comedian

USEFUL LINKS

The Rosie Jones Foundation: https://www.rosiejonesfoundation.com/

CREDITS

Sir Keir Starmer MP - Parliament TV

Emily Thornberry MP - The Mirror, YouTube 

Sir Oliver Robbins - Parliament TV 

David Miliband MP - Mornings with Ridge and Frost, Sky News 

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The political landscape in Britain is often dissected from within the Westminster bubble, but Pod Save the UK offers a different kind of conversation. This podcast cuts through the noise of the daily headlines with a blend of sharp analysis and relatable frustration, asking the bigger questions about power, policy, and what it all means for people across the country. The hosts, seasoned in activism and political commentary, break down the week’s events without relying on insider jargon or dry parliamentary procedure. You’ll hear discussions that connect government decisions to everyday life, exploring the real-world impact of legislation and the forces shaping national debates. It’s a space for understanding the mechanics of British politics while challenging the status quo, always with an eye on how to build a more equitable future. For anyone feeling adrift in the constant churn of news cycles, this series provides clarity and a sense of shared perspective, making complex issues accessible and engaging. Tune in for a candid, often witty, and consistently insightful take on the state of the nation, where the focus is on substance over spin and holding power to account.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Pod Save the UK
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