What is the ‘centre ground’?

What is the ‘centre ground’?

Author: Steve Richards March 24, 2026 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 But at a time when voters are impatient for sweeping change, is that outdated, misleading definition a guide for any party or leader/potential leader? And why does a more precise topical definition matter? Plus your thoughts on Michael Gove and Ed Milliband… and of course Iran.

To join the never ending debate in the RocknRoll Politics podcast email steveric14@icloud.com

Get tickets here for the York Book Festival with Steve Richards and Alan Johnson on Tuesday Mar 26th.

Rock & Roll Politics is at the Cambridge Literary Festival on Saturday April 25th.

And you can get your tickets for Rock & Roll Politics: The Election Special, at Kings Place on Monday May 11th here.

Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free. 

Written and presented by Steve Richards.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


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: 100

Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards
Podcast Episodes
Will Brexit Britain flourish in the New World Order? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:13
Is there a hint of British exceptionalism in the early days of the Trump-induced economic crisis? Apparently the UK got off lightly, while Keir Starmer can be a ‘bridgehead’ between Europe and the US. Let’s see… Rock & R…
How long will Trump’s ‘love’ of tariffs last? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:37
Trump has said ‘tariff’ is his favourite word, but will US consumers agree with him when prices rise? Plus - does the UK need a Department for Economic Growth?Subscribe to Patreon here to join Thursday’s live discussion…
Is Rachel Reeves trapped by her fiscal rules? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:09
This week Rachel Reeves announces more spending cuts in order to meet her fiscal rules, and the OBR’s verdict on her ‘fiscal headroom’. But what was the original purpose of ‘the fiscal rules’ and has Reeves learned the l…
Is Wes Streeting taking back control? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:54
The decision to scrap NHS England is a rare example of clear thinking in relation to delivery of public services. Can such clarity be applied more widely or will chaotic lines of management from the BBC to the railways c…
Can Rachel Reeves slash welfare spending? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:09
Rachel Reeves is looking to save billions from the welfare budget. What are the lessons from New Labour’s attempts to cut welfare and what is the purpose of the latest focus on benefits? Will the government succeed in it…
What will it mean to have ‘boots on the ground’? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:04
Keir Starmer is enjoying his best media coverage since the election – but the UK commentariat always hails the appearance of ‘strong leadership’ during the early phase of an international crisis. Tough choices can still…
Can Keir Starmer be the ‘bridge’ between Europe and Trump? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:07
The moving parts in the international crisis continue to move. Macron and Starmer in Washington, a new government to form in Germany and Trump never far away from a TV screen. But to what end are all the diverse parts mo…
Is Europe heading for war with Russia? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:33
Trump has instigated peace talks with Putin. The UK, France and Germany are alarmed, but what did they expect? And in their responses are they making a war with Russia more likely, and with what consequences? Plus more o…
Who are the ‘incumbent disrupters’ in Keir Starmer’s government? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:12
The new fashionable term in politics is ‘disrupter’ or ‘insurgent’. Morgan McSweeney briefs that the government must be insurgents, but does he mean it? The cautious Number 10 operation seems wary of genuine change makin…