Is Farage as formidable as he appears to be?

Is Farage as formidable as he appears to be?

Author: Steve Richards June 5, 2026 Duration: 42:31

This week Nigel Farage has chosen to fuel ‘hatred’ in relation to a horrific murder, seeking to politicise crudely and obviously. Has he been too crude and obvious? Is the fracturing on the right an opportunity for the government, or is it triggering a dangerous debate framed by the far right?


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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
Podcast Episodes
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Less than a week since Andy Burnham has become Prime Minister, the Greek chorus of commentators have warned that Britain is ‘going back to the 1970s’. But what do they mean, and does it make any sense?To join in the neve…
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Duration: 32:09
Louise Haigh is a key figure in Andy Burnham’s team and will be back in the cabinet next week when Burnham becomes Prime Minister - a remarkable comeback given she was sacked as Transport Secretary only months after taki…
Will a contest against Binface make Farage more prime-ministerial? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:02
Farage faces Count Binface in his latest campaign. As a potential prime minister, isn’t there a better use of his time? Plus, Bridget Phillipson on how education can be an instrument of freedom, and the challenges of dev…
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Duration: 35:38
The Reform leader is facing more allegations about donations made before he was an MP. Can he lead a ‘people’s revolt’ when stories erupt around him that suggest he is far removed from ‘the people’?To join in the never-e…
Eve of the Burnham era: Where does power really lie? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:24
There’s a strong focus on Andy Burnham’s plans for devolution but he has identified a bigger challenge in what he has called ‘the outsourced state’, where unelected agencies and companies run much of Britain. Plus, was B…
Will Andy Burnham’s big idea work? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:32
Andy Burnham has promised an historic transfer of power from the centre. Unlike some leaders who have made similar pledges he means it. But how will it work?To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics…
Who should be Andy Burnham’s Chancellor? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:58
The answer to this question is hugely significant. Look back and mid-term Prime Ministers fall out badly with their chosen Chancellor - too often Labour Prime Ministers seek to reassure the media and the markets with the…
What does Andy Burnham really think? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:59
I revisit an interview I did with Andy Burnham before the general election, when there was no leadership speculation as Keir Starmer was so obviously heading for victory. We explore where power lies, where power should l…