Does it matter any more if a by-election candidate is out of their depth?

Does it matter any more if a by-election candidate is out of their depth?

Author: Steve Richards June 9, 2026 Duration: 37:07

The Reform candidate in the historic Makerfield by- election has struggled to answer obvious questions about policy and his own social media comments. In today’s dangerous anti-politics mood could this be an advantage for him?


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Dates for the diary: Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Wednesday July 1st. Tickets on the Ropetackle website.

An extra Rock & Roll Politics Special is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th - added in light of dramas that will follow the Makerfield by- election. Get your tickets here.


Written and presented by Steve Richards.


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Each week, broadcaster and author Steve Richards draws from his acclaimed live performance to create Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards. This isn't a dry recitation of headlines, but a guided tour into the often-overlooked mechanics of British political life. Steve focuses on the interplay between power and perception, examining how the media narrative is constructed and how it, in turn, shapes our understanding of the unfolding drama at Westminster and beyond. The conversation in this podcast acknowledges a central paradox of our times: while historical events can seem deceptively simple in hindsight, the present moment feels wildly uncertain. Steve acts as a seasoned guide through that uncertainty, offering clarity without oversimplification. You'll hear analysis that connects cultural currents to political decisions, exploring the personalities, strategies, and occasional chaos that define the UK's political landscape. Tune in for a thoughtful, weekly perspective that makes sense of the seismic shifts in society and government, all delivered with the insight of someone who has spent a career observing the stage from both the wings and the front row.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards
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