What are the lessons in the fall and rise of Louise Haigh?

What are the lessons in the fall and rise of Louise Haigh?

Author: Steve Richards July 14, 2026 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 taking up the post. Haigh was widely admired during her brief period in the job but was targeted by Number 10. Now those who targeted her are gone, and she is at the centre of the new regime. There are big lessons about leadership and conviction in her oscillating career.

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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

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