Andy Burnham’s autumn of pain– podcast

Andy Burnham’s autumn of pain– podcast

Author: The Guardian August 27, 2026 Duration: 27:25
It’s been a month since Andy Burnham became prime minister. And while polls have shown a ‘Burnham bounce’, the coming months will force the new PM into making some tough – and potentially unpopular – decisions that will reveal how serious he is about delivering the changes he believes the country needs. Kiran Stacey and Peter Walker look at the choices facing Burnham. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politicspod">theguardian.com/politicspod</a>

Every seven days, the whirlwind of Westminster, Holyrood, and beyond offers more headlines than anyone can easily digest. That’s where Politics Weekly UK comes in, offering a necessary pause for reflection and analysis. Hosted by Guardian columnist John Harris, the conversation is joined by the paper’s political editor Pippa Crerar and policy editor Kiran Stacey. Together, they don’t just recount the events; they pull apart the parliamentary manoeuvres, scrutinise the policy announcements, and trace the human stories behind the soundbites. You’ll hear informed debate that cuts through the noise, drawing on the deep reporting resources and editorial insight that The Guardian is known for. This isn't about partisan point-scoring, but a clearer understanding of the forces shaping the country. Tuning into this podcast provides a coherent narrative through the complexity, making sense of what just happened and what might come next. It’s an essential companion for anyone trying to look beyond the day-to-day frenzy and grasp the deeper currents in British public life.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 50

Politics Weekly UK
Podcast Episodes
Reform UK row: who funds Farage? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:05
Nigel Farage claimed he was the victim of an ‘establishment hit job’ after it was revealed he accepted money from his friend, the convicted felon George Cottrell. The parliamentary standards commissioner is currently inv…
Is Starmer deliberately leaving a mess for Burnham? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:37
Keir Starmer has been accused of leaving Andy Burnham with a £4.7bn black hole in defence funding. The government announced on Tuesday the defence investment plan, complete with a £15bn boost – but nearly £5bn would have…
Can Andy Burnham’s ‘No 10 North’ change anything? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:21
Andy Burnham, the prime minister-in-waiting, has made his first major speech since becoming the MP for Makerfield. Speaking in Manchester, he said the Westminster system was ‘broken’ and that a ‘more of the same’ attitud…
Brexit: An Oral History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:39
This week marked 10 years since the UK chose to leave the EU. In a series of interviews with key players from both sides, Kiran Stacey looks back on the Brexit vote that changed the country forever. Help support our inde…
Andy Burnham: who’s really got his ear? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:23
As Andy Burnham looks set to go unchallenged in his leadership bid, Labour MPs are now jostling for a position in his cabinet. Who will have his ear, and what does that tell us about his leadership?. Help support our ind…
Keir Starmer resigns: what now? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:40
An emotional Keir Starmer announced his resignation as prime minister and Labour leader on Monday morning, less than two years after he won a huge majority at the general election. The question now is who will replace hi…
Andy Burnham: our next Prime Minister? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:43
Andy Burnham will return to Westminster as an MP, and potential challenger to Keir Starmer, after decisively beating Reform UK to win the Makerfield byelection. Kiran Stacey and Jessica Elgot chat through what happens ne…
How will the under-16s social media ban work? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:17
Keir Starmer has announced his social media ban for under-16s. The proposals are tougher than expected, and include a ban on major apps such as TikTok, Instagram, X, Snapchat, YouTube and Facebook. Plus, the Makerfield b…
Can politicians bring calm to Belfast? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:15
After nights of violence across Belfast this week, politicians continue to call for calm, but what else can be done to stop the violence spreading? Plus, Jessica Elgot has been to Makerfield and spoken to undecided voter…