What does Tony Blair mean by the ‘radical centre’?

What does Tony Blair mean by the ‘radical centre’?

Author: Steve Richards May 29, 2026 Duration: 46:23

In Tony Blair’s latest long essay he claims to be on the ‘radical centre’. In which case, why are his largely vague arguments welcomed most by those on the right? His elegant writing and capacity to frame big arguments convey a sense of clarity. Time to delve deep to see if he’s as clear as he appears to be.


• Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on the 13th of July to explore the seismic consequences of the Makerfield by-election, and what could happen next. Tickets are available on the Kings Place website here.

• Patreon subscribers can sign up for an exclusive live event on Monday 8th of June.

• Subscribe to Patreon here to get the main podcast a day early and ad free, plus bonus podcasts and exclusive live events.


Written and presented by Steve Richards.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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
What next for the BBC? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:24
The BBC has a new director general, but is he or his army of senior managers - conveniently detached from direct responsibility for the output - capable of answering a key question: What is the role of a publicly-funded…
Alan Johnson on Wilson, Blair and Starmer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:37
Recorded live at the York Literary Festival, host Steve Richards is joined by the former cabinet minister Alan Johnson to discuss three Labour Prime Ministers that have all won landslide election victories. But do they h…
The never-ending debate special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:37
The emails from the co-operative have been flying - so this podcast concentrates solely on the brilliant, illuminating never-ending debate. Today, a focus on the energy crisis, the media, Iran, and the continuing mysteri…
What is the ‘centre ground’? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:02
The Observer columnist Philip Collins argues that the future lies on the “centre ground” which he defines as spanning the Cameron government to Blairite Labour. But at a time when voters are impatient for sweeping change…
Why are the right obsessed with Ed Miliband? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:10
With the departure of Morgan McSweeney, the right in the media and well beyond detect that Ed Miliband has become the unofficial prime minister. The Spectator editor Michael Gove has written an article on this theme, and…
Why did Starmer ignore the evidence against Mandelson? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:55
The release of the Mandelson documents shows the degree to which his appointment was a huge risk. Why did the lawyerly, cautious Starmer overrule the warnings and press ahead despite all the consequences?• Please join th…
Is Britain trapped by the "special relationship"? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:40
Leaks from a national security council meeting suggest cabinet ministers challenged the assumption that Trump should have the automatic right to access British military bases. The grown up discussion was portrayed by som…
Why we should welcome Stamer’s caution on Iran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:56
Keir Starmer has dared to question the Trump/Netanyahu attack on Iran, implying it is unlawful and without clear objective. An elected UK prime minister has chosen to think for himself rather than follow the US subservie…