Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

• Give or get 20% off a year’s Patreon support for the pod in our Black Friday sale.  What happens if thousands flee Syria? Where do they go? Can borders be ‘closed’ when asylum demands rise? The movement of people is the second crisis of the global economy after the financial crash, but there has been no global response.  Plus brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative and important assembly notices. 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

• Give or get 20% off a year’s Patreon support for the pod in our Black Friday sale.  Keir Starmer will make a big speech on Thursday that is being perceived as a ‘relaunch’, though Number 10 are keen to insist it is nothing of the sort. But is this a government with a clear sense of purpose? And if so, do voters know what that purpose is? Plus brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative and important assembly notices. 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

• Give or get 20% off a year’s Patreon support for the pod in our Black Friday sale.  The government is advertising for a senior civil servant to work on a detailed ‘reset’ of the UK’s relations with the EU. Can the changes be of any significance? Will Trump be a factor in limiting the government’s ambitions? And how far will the government dare to go? Plus brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative and important assembly notices. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place this Wednesday 27th of November for the last show of 2024. There’s only a handful of tickets left, get yours 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

• Give or get 20% off a year’s Patreon support for the pod in our Black Friday sale. Wes Streeting has enjoyed a high profile under Keir Starmer so far. Recently he made a significant intervention in the debate over assisted dying, while announcing the first Alan Milburn inspired NHS reforms. What will the consequences be? Plus brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative – and important assembly notices. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on November 27th for the last show of 2024, the year of Trump, Starmer and Badenoch. There’s a lot to make sense of.  Tickets here. • Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

• Give or get 20% off a year’s Patreon support for the pod in our Black Friday sale.. Increasing numbers of voters feel disconnected from what happens in Westminster, Washington D.C, and most places where democratic politics is played out, leaving space for populists to feed off the angry indifference. Can the likes of Keir Starmer address the ‘people’s revolt’? Plus brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative and important assembly notices. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on November 27th for the last show of 2024, the year of Trump, Starmer and Badenoch. So there’s a lot to make sense of.  Tickets here. • Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Conservatives have elected yet another leader in yet another challenging context. Does Kemi Badenoch have the epic qualities required to revive the party’s fortunes? Plus: the Budget, Harris v Trump, more brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, and important assembly notices. See Rock & Roll Politics live: • The Ropetackle in Shoreham on Weds 6 Nov. Tickets here. • Kings Place on Weds 27 Nov, the last show of the year. Tickets here. Back the podcast on Patreon here for bonus editions and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Rachel Reeves will deliver the most anticipated budget in modern times. Can she significantly change the UK’s economic prospects and the course of a wobbly government? Plus brilliant questions from the Rock& Roll Politics co-operative, and important assembly notices. Rock & Roll Politics Live: • The Ropetackle in Shoreham, Weds 6 Nov. Tickets here. • Kings Place London, Weds 27 November – the last show of the year. Tickets here. Support us on Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some chancellors determine the fate of their governments with their budget – and Rachel Reeves may do so on October 30th. But prime ministers have no equivalent levers. Does this make some chancellors more powerful than their prime ministers?  Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on November 27th. Come and join Steve for the final show of the year. Tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I am obsessed by the qualities required to be an effective leader, as members of the co-operative know. On reflecting on the death of Alex Salmond I discovered another underexplored quality in leadership – and I discuss the significance of Labour’s attempt to create an active state. Plus brilliant questions from the Rock n Roll Politics co-operative, and important assembly notices. Rock n Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle in Shoreham on November 6th. Tickets here. …and is live at Kings Place on November 27th.. the last show of the year. Tickets here. Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sue Gray has gone and Morgan Mcsweeney is in charge. Where does this leave Keir Starmer and his confused and confusing government? Plus brilliant questions from the Rock n Roll Politics co-operative, and important assembly notices. Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Conservatives were slaughtered at the latest election, and yet its leadership candidates are still singing the same old tune. Is the party weaker now than it was in 1997? Plus brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, and important assembly notices. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place next Monday. Tickets here:  https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-7-oct-in-hall/ Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first Labour conference after a landslide win should be celebratory, but in Liverpool the mood is uncertain. Can Keir Starmer give his government a clearer sense of purpose?   Rock n Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 7th. Tickets here! Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lib Dems won 72 seats at the election. While this is an epic achievement, it will have little influence over a government with a commanding majority. But is there one policy where they could play an historic role? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 7th. Tickets here. Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are refusing to budge over the winter fuel payment saga – and both argue they are willing to be unpopular if the decision is the 'right one'. But is this the smart strategic course? And is unpopularity an inevitable consequence of 'tough' leadership? Plus, answers to brilliant listener questions and some vital assembly notices... Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 7... a lot going on by then. Tickets here  Please subscribe to Patreon for ad free podcasts a day early and bonus podcasts every month. Subscribe here Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whoever wins the Tory leadership contest will face a titanic task. Are any of the six candidates up to it? And can Labour make the most of the political space while they decide?  Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon. Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 7th after the party conferences. Tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Keir Starmer’s first major speech as Prime Minister he argues things will get worse before they will get better… Is this the right message and approach? Why are incoming Labour governments so much more cautious than their Conservative equivalents?  Rock & Roll Politics is live at King’s Place London on Mon October 7. Tickets here Support the podcast on Patreon here for live events, bonus podcasts, the main podcast ad-free and a day early, and more… Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The macho briefings against Sue Gray have echoes with those against Marcia Williams in the Harold Wilson era, and could have disruptive consequences. Plus latest from the Edinburgh Festival. Rock & Roll Politics is at the Edinburgh Festival every day until August 24, with a different show every time for the whole festival. Tickets here Support the podcast on Patreon here for live events, bonus podcasts, the main podcast ad-free and a day early, and more… Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Reform breathing down their necks should the next Tory leader seek to work with Farage or try to destroy him? Either route is fraught with explosive problems… Rock & Roll Politics is at the Edinburgh Festival every day until August 24, with a different show every time for the whole festival. Tickets here Support the podcast on Patreon here for live events, bonus podcasts, the main podcast ad-free and a day early, and more… Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are attempts to elevate the activities of criminal thugs by suggesting that they are “on to something”. Are they? Plus brilliant questions on the riots, Rachel Reeves, and how to pronounce Kamala. Rock & Roll Politics is at the Edinburgh Festival from Sun Aug 11th and then every day, with a different show every time for the whole festival. Tickets here. Back the podcast on Patreon here for live events, bonus podcasts, the main podcast ad-free and a day early, and more… Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Labour was not candid about the state of public finances before the election. Can it be so now, without losing public trust?   Back us on Patreon to join the Post-Election Post-Mortem on ZOOM on Tue 30 July – plus you’ll get bonus podcasts, live events, exclusive merchandise and much more.   Rock & Roll Politics is at the Edinburgh Festival from Aug 11th and then every day, with a different show every time. Tickets here   Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden will not fight a second term… but it's taken him a long time to reach an obvious conclusion that was right in front of us. And he’s not alone. Most leaders do not dare to accept that it’s over when it is. Plus, more on Labour's foreign policy, your questions and much more. Back us on Patreon to join the Post-Election Post-Mortem on ZOOM on Tue 30 July: https://www.patreon.com/posts/join-steve-for-108244685 – plus you get bonus podcasts, live events, exclusive merchandise and much more. https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock & Roll Politics is at the Edinburgh Festival from Aug 11th and then every day, with a different show every time. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The attempted assassination of Donald Trump is a symbol of a disturbed democracy and will be another destabilising factor for the US. UK Prime Ministers choose to hug the US close, but how reliable an ally is the US for a British government seeking a more mature foreign policy after the reckless misrule of recent years? Plus: Why England losing is part of a reassuring pattern…your brilliant questions… and much more.   Rock & Roll Politics is at the Edinburgh Festival from Aug 11th and then every day… with a LOT to make sense of. Tickets here   Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts, live events, exclusive merchandise and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keir Starmer is only the third Labour leader to enter Number 10 having won a landslide. Only Attlee and Blair achieved similar results. Starmer has the bonus of facing a demoralised and divided Tory party. How will he make use of rare political space? Plus, as ever, your brilliant questions.  Rock & Roll Politics is live daily at the Edinburgh Festival with a brand new show every day from Aug 11th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts, live events, exclusive merchandise and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Labour's mammoth lead has been virtually unchanged from the start of the campaign six weeks ago. Despite this the election has been full of surprises and if we look closely enough there is much to discover from the oddest campaign in decades. Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon. Rock & Roll Politics – the post election special is live at Kings Place on July 10th. If the polls are right it will be the first live show at Kings Place under a Labour government:. Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A special bonus episode! We recorded the Rock & Roll Politics live show at Kings Place in London on the 24th of June for all to listen back to. It’s the only show of the election campaign, complete with unreliable predictions, reflections on all the main parties and audience questions. Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon. Rock & Roll Politics – the post election special is live at Kings Place on July 10th. If the polls are right it will be the first live show at Kings Place under a Labour government. Tickets here Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets here Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most Labour leaders have argued that economic growth is the key to improving public services but will the distinct policies of Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves deliver?  Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon. Rock n Roll Politics – the post election special is live at Kings Place on July 10th. If the polls are right it will be the first live show at Kings Place under a Labour government. Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets here Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tory papers and their online equivalents are used to setting the agenda, having played their part in successive election victories for the Conservatives. The BBC has tended to be heavily influenced by these newspapers. So how will they respond to a transformed political landscape and how should a Labour government deal with the media?  Plus brilliant questions on Farage, the implications of a big majority for Labour and much more. Rock & Roll Politics: The Bonus Election Special is live at Kings Place on June 24th - Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug11th. Tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Richards Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts on all the recent strange election campaigns and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Look at the government's own figures and it's obvious that taxes and borrowing will have to rise or else there will be further cuts to the UK's decaying public services. Why can't the parties be more honest? Has it always been like this in elections? What are the consequences?  Plus brilliant questions and a key notice for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative. Rock N Roll Politics – The Election Bonus is live at Kings Place on June 24th and there are only a few tickets left! Rock & Roll Politics: The Bonus Election Special is live at Kings Place on June 24th Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets here Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts on all the recent strange election campaigns and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Behind the surface frenzy of the Diane Abbott saga are two overlooked questions. Does a leader have a right to have a say who is selected as candidates? What is the role of an MP? The ambition of all candidates is to be an MP, but is there any clear sense of what's expected of an MP? In this case also there are questions about how Keir Starmer and his unelected allies manage or mismanage their party. Rock & Roll Politics: The Bonus Election Special is live at Kings Place on June 24th. Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets here. Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts on all the recent strange election campaigns and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So far the Conservative campaign makes Labour’s in 1983 and Theresa May’s in 2017 seem slick and confident. Why does it seem so indisciplined and ill thought-through? The answer lies in the mind of Rishi Sunak. Rock & Roll Politics: The Bonus Election Special is live at Kings Place, London on June 24th. Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets here. Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts on all the recent strange election campaigns and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak surprised most of us by calling an election for July 4th. Why has he done it when he's 20 points behind? What will happen in the campaign and how will the parties handle the new levels of intense scrutiny? It’s time for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative to gather more often than usual to make sense of the suddenly changed political context… The election is only six weeks away! Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on July 10th I'm also live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sun Aug 11th with a new show every day. Get tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A familiar pattern forms again: scandals, cover up, victims struggling to prove the truth and an inquiry that reveals a dysfunctional state. Where does power lie in the UK? And what happens next? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on July 10th I'm also live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sun Aug 11th with a new show every day. Get tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a silly question. We all know the answer to that one. And yet that was what was asked of Starmer at a point of unusual distinctiveness. He reiterated his unqualified opposition to the Rwanda populism, but did so at that moment of ambiguity. Plus, the defection of Natalie Elphicke: there are many lessons, not least for the media asking the silly question. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on July 10th. Tickets here. I’m live at the Edinburgh Festival with a different show each day. Tickets here. Back Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get early, ad-free episodes, live Zooms, merchandise and much more. Image: Keir Starmer takes a boat trip on the River Tees during a visit to PD Ports on April 18, 2024 in Teesside, England. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the elections, Sunak’s right wing dissenters called off their planned coup even though the results were disastrous for the Tories, while outlining their agenda for the future… which is similar to the one Sunak is pursuing. Do they know what they are doing? Plus, the dangers of Keir Starmer walking into traps in his attempt to avoid others, and brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics Co-operative.  Rock & Roll Politics – The Pre-Election Special is live at Kings Place on July 10th. Tickets here.  Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sat Aug 11th. A different show every day. Tickets here. Support the podcast on Patreon for early, ad-free episodes, merchandise, special events and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A First Minister and SNP leader falls after a short tenure. Like the Tory party’s problems in Westminster, does the SNP leadership crisis raise thorny questions well beyond the flaws of one leader? And with what implications? Rock & Roll Politics: The Pre-Election Special is live at Kings Place on July 10th. Tickets here Back Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon here to get exclusive live events, bonus podcasts, free entry to Steve’s local elections post-mortem, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nigel Lawson once noted that the party that wins the battle of ideas wins elections. He was right. Ideas matter and yet play little part in the contest between Sunak and Starmer. But the Right remain ideologically confident. Will a Labour government be able to counter the anti-state onslaught that is bound to happen? Plus exciting notices and brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative. Rock & Roll Politics is live at King’s Place, London, on Wed 10 July for a pre-election special. Get tickets here.  Back Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get FREE access to Steve’s 2024 Local Elections Post-Mortem live on Zoom, 5pm on Friday 3 May. Analysis, projections and your questions – all free to Patreon people.  Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his last term as Prime Minister, Harold Wilson was seen as old, paranoid and ineffective… yet now we discover he was lively enough to be having an affair. This suggests the caricature might be wrong. What if Wilson was livelier politically too? And what if we choose to see other leaders as stereotypes which do not present anything like the full picture?  Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon for early episodes, exclusive merchandise and more.  PLUS get free admission to Steve’s Local Elections 2024 Post-Mortem, live on Zoom at 5pm on Friday 3 May. https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics See Rock & Roll Politics live at King's Place on the 10th of July. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The journalist and author Will Hutton has written an important new book on the eve of what’s likely to be a Labour government. The title is stark: This Time No Mistakes. But what mistakes were made? What are the lessons of the past? What are his hopes and fears for a Keir Starmer government? This Time No Mistakes is published on April 11th. Buy it through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund Rock & Roll Politics by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon for early episodes, exclusive merchandise and free admission to Steve’s Local Elections 2024 Post-Mortem, live on Zoom at 5pm on Friday 3 May. https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A rare chance to hear a live show… this one recorded in the main concert hall at Kings Place, London. On the agenda: How do the dramas around the current government compare with other ‘fin de siecle’ administrations? How does Keir Starmer compare with Harold Wilson and Tony Blair when they were on the edge of power? Plus unreliable predictions… Question Time… and much more. Support the podcast Patreon for bonus editions, special merchandise and exclusive live events for subscribers. Our next one will be the day after the May local elections so sign up to find out first.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nigel Lawson once said a party that wins the battle of ideas wins the election... Rachel Reeves has started to engage in this battle of ideas during her Mais Lecture. Labour are way ahead in the polls, so is this a battle they can win? Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon for bonus podcasts, special events and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With polls suggesting a slaughter at the election will Tory MPs seek to replace Sunak … and should they? Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on  26th March 2024  Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers. Buy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are obsessed by the character of leaders, even if context, ideas and external circumstances can determine the fate of a government as much as character. Keir Starmer has been unusually hard to pin down, which is why I was keen to speak to Tom Baldwin. Although he has done many interviews to promote his new book on the Labour leader, I sensed there was more to explore – and we do. Plus, reflections on the challenge for Labour after the budget and major assembly notices for the co-operative. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Weds March 13. Steve is speaking at the York Literature Festival on Sat Mar 16. Tickets £10. Venue: Memorial Hall, St Peter's School, Clifton, York, YO30 6AB Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London on Tue March 26. Support the podcast on Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The nightmare in Gaza triggers chaos in the Commons, a victory for George Galloway and apocalyptic warnings from Rishi Sunak… and yet there’s broad agreement in the UK about the need for a ceasefire. Meanwhile on most domestic issues where there should be an intense political battle, there seems to be a passive consensus. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Weds March 13. Steve is speaking at the York Literature Festival on Sat Mar 16. Tickets £10. Venue: Memorial Hall, St Peter's School, Clifton, York, YO30 6AB Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London on Tue March 26. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amidst the delusional craziness of Liz Truss’s interventions, she raises one valid question: Does too much power lie in unelected institutions? Since 1979 a huge amount of power has been handed over by elected politicians, and only Truss explores the implications as she sees them. Time for the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative to step in and save an important question from the fleeting Prime Minister. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London on March 26. Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham on March 13th. Tickets here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Tom Baldwin's new biography of Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner describes the Labour leader as “the least political person I know in politics”. What does she mean? Is she right about Starmer? And what are the implications? Rock & Roll Politics is live in March: The Ropetackle, Shoreham, Wed Mar 13th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Kings Place, London, March 26th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-march-2024/  Support the podcast on Patreon for bonus editions, live events and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Buy Keir Starmer: The Biography by Tom Baldwin through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund Rock & Roll Politics by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Labour is way ahead in the polls and has dropped its most radical policy, the £28 billion green recovery plan. But in opposition, in the build up to the 1979 and 2010 elections, the Conservatives put forward radical right wing programmes – and won from opposition. They did not retreat. Why is Labour more cautious and less confident? Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on March 26th with a brand new show. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-march-2024/  Support the show on Patreon for bonus podcasts, live events and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Starmer and Reeves have got in a mess over their pledge to borrow £28 billion for a green recovery programme. The proposal has been marked by defensive ‘retreats’ when it would enable UK to compete with the US and EU and bring good news to every voter. Why has this happened, and what can be done about it? Plus, points from the Rock N Roll Co-operative on the return of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Lord Frosty Frost and more Back the podcast on Patreon for bonus editions and much more too. Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on March 26th with a brand new show. Get your tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-march-2024/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Attempted coups against PMs and leaders are becoming increasingly familiar. Will the current plot against Sunak succeed?  Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon to get bonus editions, merchandise and more.   Rock N Roll Politics is live with a brand new show at Kings Place on March 26th. Get in-person or streaming tickets here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s become a cliché that Keir Starmer's pitch lacks the clarity and sense of purpose that marked New Labour's victory in 1997. But Blair’s over-mythologised win was a lot lighter on specifics than we tend to remember, says Steve Richards. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Buy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on  26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last week Steve Richards asked what the deeper lessons were from the Post Office scandal. The responses from the Rock N Roll Politics Co-operative suggests it merely reflects a much wider problem. How do we even begin to fix Britain? Or to be more precise; how does a future Labour government fix it?  Plus important notices on exclusive new content for Patreons, live events and brilliant questions. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including a bonus series on Labour in 1997, exclusive merchandise and live events only available to subscribers:  https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Buy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Tickets for live event including a Q+A to celebrate 'Turning Points': Hornsey Library on January 28th Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on  26th March 2024  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The indifference of ministers in the coalition government to the Post Office scandal is becoming a big story. But the indifference was not accidental, it was a deliberate act and part of a wider culture that is still pervasive: The state should step back and give 'operational independence' to non-elected figures. Steve Richards assesses how when things go wrong, as they often do in this culture, ministers become responsible, and whether these vague lines of accountability are part of the reason why nothing works in the UK. Plus we hear brilliant questions on Labour's election slogan and much more. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Buy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on  26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A bonus New Year episode for all in the Rock N Roll Politics Co-operative: With Keir Starmer following a Blairite pre-election strategy, Steve Richards thinks Rishi Sunak has only one route to reduce Labour's lead. But will he fail to take it?  Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Buy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on  26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a packed house at Kings Place this December for a live Rock N Roll Politics: The Festive Special. As a special Christmas gift from Steve Richards we have the live recording for those in the Rock N Roll Politics Co-operative who couldn't be there, and for those who could. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Buy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Tickets for the next Rock n Roll Politics Live: Kings Place on 26th March 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A small but emblematic announcement highlights why public services are so poor in the UK; the government has scrapped plans for an app to make booking train tickets easier.  Steve Richards explores why public services are not structured for the benefit of the public. All this plus brilliant listener questions and notices for the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative and a Happy Christmas to you all!  Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Buy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NHS waiting lists spiralling out of control. A crisis in social care. Station boards full of cancelled trains. Creaking schools. But somehow, Rishi Sunak's future depends on flying a single plane full of migrants to Rwanda. How do we get a more grown-up politics in the UK? Plus your brilliant questions, notices from the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, and much more. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Kings Place London on Dec 18th. Buy Steve’s book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the resignation of Robert Jenrick, plus Suella Braverman's opposition to his new Rwanda legislation, can Rishi Sunak govern any more? If not, will he call an early election next year? Steve Richards assesses another Westminster drama with a special bonus podcast. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Kings Place London on Dec 18th. Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a new week and Boris Johnson will finally be held to account for his leadership during the pandemic at the Covid-19 Inquiry this week. Steve Richards imagines how different and more effective the response would have been if Gordon Brown and Alastair Darling were in charge. Would they have handled it as well as they did the financial crash? All this plus reflections on Glenys Kinnock, Keir Starmer and Margaret Thatcher, the demise of Newsnight and the BBC and brilliant questions from the Rock & Roll co-operative. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Kings Place London on Dec 18th. Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now even Holland is under the rule of a right wing populist, it might be time to admit that they are winning again. Argentina has elected another. Trump might win next year. And Farage is in the jungle watched by millions. Steve Richards asks what's happening and why? Plus Steve answers brilliant listener questions and important notices for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and exclusive merchandise only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Kings Place London on Dec 18th. Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UK government is presiding over a crumbling, broken country and investment is required urgently. Steve Richards asks why are Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt focussing instead on tax cuts? Plus Steve answers brilliant listener questions and important notices for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and an exclusive Live Zoom Q+A only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Kings Place London on Dec 18th. Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak's desperate attempt to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda will be the dominant political theme for months, sucking up all energy as Brexit did. Steve Richards considers how this is political madness at the best of times, but what is prompting this lunacy now when so much in the UK doesn't work? Plus Steve answers brilliant listener questions and important notices for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and an exclusive live Zoom Q+A only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Nov 20th. Kings Place London on Dec 18th. Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics. To get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/roc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak has sacked Suella Braverman and brought back David Cameron. But in terms of party management and the direction of policy, do these seemingly dramatic changes make much difference? Steve Richards considers all this plus news of an upcoming special Patreon-only Zoom event coming soon. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and an exclusive live Zoom Q+A only available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Nov 20th. Kings Place London on Dec 18th.  Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics. To get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/roc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Richards considers how Rishi Sunak pays homage to Elon Musk, and discusses the confirmation from the Covid inquiry that no one and no agency was in control during a national emergency. A King's Speech is unveiled, most of which will not be implemented plus Sunak and Starmer follow the United States in their attitude to the Israel/Hamas conflict. All this begs the question who actually wields power in the UK?  Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live: Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Nov 20th. Kings Place London on Dec 18th.  Get Steve Richards’ book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain from 1945 to Truss here. The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics. To get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Covid struck the UK at the worst possible time. Johnson was governing amidst casual chaos and yet he was popular and this popularity made him dangerously powerful. Neither his subservient cabinet nor a parliament with a big Tory Majority dared to challenge him. Now we are discovering quite how bad things were. Plus brilliant questions on Keir Starmer and the Israel Gaza conflict, Brexit, the leadership of Heath compared with Sunak and whether I want to be an MP. Rock & Roll Politics -the Xmas Special is live at Kings Place on Dec 18th when we look back at another wild year and look ahead to 2024, the likely election year. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-11/  Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more The latest episode in the series on political rivals is Denis Healy vs. Tony Benn. Other series include epic general elections, prime ministers' chosen advisers and apparent government cock ups, all exclusively available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3 The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Question Time Special, Rock & Roll Politics explores the Israel/Gaza nightmare, the origins of Brexit and the crises facing the Conservative party. Plus, will Labour win an overall majority? Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham this Wednesday 1 November. Tickets here: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3 The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics. To get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Conservative Party has a reputation for adapting ruthlessly to changing times, but is it deserved? After the two historic by-election defeats last week, the United Kingdom's governing party of choice faces the possibility of a calamitous defeat at the next general election.  Steve Richards asks; did the Tories ever learn the full lessons from the election slaughter in 1997 and what have they done for voters since 2010 that can give them hope of a fifth term next year?  Plus brilliant questions from the listeners on Israel and Gaza and much more. Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more The latest episode in the series on political rivals is Denis Healy vs. Tony Benn. Other series include epic general elections, prime ministers' chosen advisers and apparent government cock ups, all exclusively available to subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3 The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tensions are high in the UK and yet virtually everyone condemns the brutal atrocities in Israel while warning about the horrors in Gaza. Steve Richards asks; amidst a consensus over the horror, why is there such angry disagreement? Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/ Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3 The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keir Starmer framed a powerful and coherent argument in his conference speech, but what about the gaps? Steve Richards asks; What have we learnt from the conference season so far? The SNP is coming up next. All this plus brilliant listener questions and notices for the Rock n Roll Politics Co-operative.  Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/ Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3 The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Richards is at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. The mood is disciplined and yet ebullient and businesses have flocked to the conference assuming Keir Starmer will be prime minister next year. Are Labour ready for the challenges of power? Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/ Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3 The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his party conference speech, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claimed to be the “change-maker” who was moving Britain on from “the last thirty years”. Steve Richards asks, did he pull his speech off? Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/ Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3 The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The pre-election Conservative Party conference manages to be both noisy and subdued. The autumnal gloom has set in, there's a pervasive sense that defeat looms and that sense makes defeat more likely. It is true that Sunak inherited a nightmare, but why has he failed to rise to the challenge? All this from Steve Richards, plus more brilliant questions and notices for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative. Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/ Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Richards speaks to the Labour shadow cabinet member and historian Nick Thomas Symonds. Nick has revised his biography of the former Prime Minister Clement Attlee and included an introduction from Keir Starmer, but can Starmer emulate Attlee?  Nick also has responsibility for negotiating a 'better Brexit', Steve asks him how can this be achieved? Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/ Steve Richards' book 'Turning Points' is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1695642519&refinements=p_27%3ASteve+Richards&s=books&sr=1-3 Nick Thomas Symonds' book Attlee: A Life in Politics will be available later this month: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Attlee-Life-Politics-Nicklaus-Thomas-Symonds-dp-0755636139/dp/0755636139/ref=dp_ob_title_bk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The tidal waves move away from Thatcherite orthodoxies as the next election moves into view and the consequences of austerity economics and privatised monopolies are playing out.  Steve Richards asks; will the UK turn if Labour wins?  Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 23rd.  Expect high political drama: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-10/ Steve’s latest book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain From 1945 to Truss is now available: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_2?crid=QRFD2ZSG4CJG&keywords=steve+richards+books&qid=1694439462&sprefix=steve+r%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-2 The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the UK is excluded from the latest US/EU initiative, Steve Richards asks what is its role in the world? The same question was asked during the Suez crisis in 1956 and during the rows over Brexit. When the UK reaches crucial turning points does it turn, or do the key questions remain unresolved?  Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics At the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place this Wednesday. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/ Steve’s latest book Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain From 1945 to Truss is now available for pre-order: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Points-Crisis-Change-Britain/dp/1035015358/ref=sr_1_2?crid=QRFD2ZSG4CJG&keywords=steve+richards+books&qid=1694439462&sprefix=steve+r%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-2 The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today; the closure of schools because of unsafe buildings is emblematic of a country where nothing seems to work. Nothing happens by chance and Rishi Sunak's fiscal conservatism – echoing the early austerity years – has consequences.  Plus Steve Richards considers Keir Starmer's reshuffle. Believe it or not the policies will matter more than the personalities. Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics At the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/ The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are close to the start of a new political year and the Conservatives appear to be as disturbed as ever. Nadine Dorries is stirring, so who is Rishi Sunak turning to for support in this troubled time? Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics At the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/ The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this latest episode Steve Richards reflects on the lessons so far from a vibrant Edinburgh Festival and introduces an episode previously released for Patreon backers on the significance of Prime Ministers appointing allies who they have known and admired for many years. Their chosen confidants tell us much about the character of a PM. In this case we look at the instincts of David Cameron as he turned to his close friend Steve Hilton. Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th to Saturday August 26th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics At the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/ The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 1992 election haunts Keir Starmer and his team. It was an election when Labour was at some points well ahead in the polls and still lost. In this summer special Steve Richards looks at what really happened.  Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics At the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/ The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first of a series of Summer Specials Steve Richards reflects on the role of troublemakers in British politics. This is the chance for the whole Rock N Roll Politics co-operative to hear an episode from the Patreon series on troublemakers.  Today Steve focuses on Enoch Powell who made one speech that rightly led to him being sacked from the front bench, never to return. He still managed to torment Prime Ministers from the backbenches and influenced the outcome of at least one general election.  Other episodes in the series are available on Patreon and look at Tony Benn, Robin Cook and Nigel Farage.  Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics At the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/ The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the height of summer and a chance to explore the many mysteries of British politics via brilliant questions from the Rock N Roll Politics Cooperative.  Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics At the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/ The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the UK's bonkers pre-election 'tax and spend' debate continues the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has discovered he has more money to spend than he had expected. Steve Richards considers all this plus the need to avoid being perceived as punitive at the start of the UK's tentative green revolution. Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits including bonus episodes and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics At the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/ The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Labour's gain in Selby was a triumph as was the Liberal Democrat’s victory in Somerset and Frome. In a by-election special Steve Richards considers the fall out from the results, including the Conservatives' win in Uxbridge that will have immediate consequences. Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits, including a LIVE gathering on Zoom on Monday 24th July for more on the by-election fall out: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics At the start of a new political year Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 13th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-9/ The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a recent article for the Observer, Keir Starmer deployed many phrases that were part of Tony Blair's armoury twenty years ago – or even further back than that. After several Labour defeats is that the smart strategic move, to follow the language and ideas of an election winner? Or is such an unusual act of imitation a sign of weakness? Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon and get exclusive benefits, including a LIVE gathering on Monday 24th July for immediate by-election fall out: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the same time that we discovered the police were not investigating allegations surrounding Huw Edwards we also learned that the presenter was in hospital. Unsurprisingly given the media frenzy surrounding him.  In this episode Steve Richards asks how big can a story get when involving a presenter's private life? Support Rock N Roll Politics and get episodes early and ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of Keir Starmer's key missions is to achieve the highest levels of growth in the G7. Steve Richards asks how? The answer is far from clear, as Starmer and Rachel Reeves highlight their commitment to stick more or less to Tory tax and spend plans, although in the style of New Labour circa 1997. Plus today there’s more brilliant questions and life changing notices. Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Subscribe to Patreon for exclusive benefits including the July live event: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics The New European sponsors Rock & Roll Politics - to get full access to the site for just £1 per week PLUS a £25 voucher to spend in their online store, visit www.theneweuropean.co.uk/rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Richards is in conversation with the director, Josh Appignanessi, about his new film ‘My Extinction’. The film is both funny and urgently reflective as Josh explores the dilemmas facing each of us in the face of climate change. What does it take for us to act on the climate crisis and is the issue too overwhelming as we contemplate our extinction?  Steve asks what is the best way to protest and is there hope amidst the alarm? What has Josh learnt from his own comically erratic climate change journey? https://www.dartmouthfilms.com/myextinction Support Rock N Roll Politics and get episodes early and ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Hitchin Festival on Tuesday July 11. Tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/hitchin/the-market-theatre/rock-n-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/e-kgvveaea Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are now in the pre-election phase, so inevitably tax is a 'burden' that should be cut and 'reforms' will magically improve public services. Steve Richards assesses the consequences for the state that we are in. Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Hitchin Festival on Tuesday July 11. Tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/hitchin/the-market-theatre/rock-n-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/e-kgvveaea Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Water privatisation was rushed through after the 1987 election. The many problems were as obvious then as they are now. So why was privatisation proclaimed as a Thatcherite triumph for decades? Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Hitchin Festival on Tuesday July 11. Tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/hitchin/the-market-theatre/rock-n-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/e-kgvveaea Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The anti-Tory mood is deep and deepening but amidst the gloom where are the arguments about why nothing works in the UK? And where are the ideas that offer some hope that things can only get better?  Plus - What have we learned in the fast moving Putin saga? All this and your brilliant questions too. Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Hitchin Festival on Tuesday July 11. Tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/hitchin/the-market-theatre/rock-n-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/e-kgvveaea  Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th with a different show every day. Tickets here:  https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Subscribe to Patreon for bonus podcasts and exclusive live events:  https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martin Rosenbaum was the BBC's Freedom of Information guru, seeking to uncover hidden material via the Freedom of Information Act, an item of legislation Tony Blair deeply regretted passing. Martin became the world expert on using the act and has now written a book called 'Freedom of Information: A Practical Guidebook'. Martin reflects on the dramas leading up to the act becoming law and what happened subsequently. As a former BBC editor he also discusses the political programmes he was involved in making. Book link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Freedom-Information-practical-Martin-Rosenbaum/dp/1739800540/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is easy to blame Boris Johnson for everything that has gone wrong but the seeds of the current set of crises go deep, as the Covid Inquiry seems to recognise. Rock n Roll Politics is live at Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13 with a different show each day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Support Rock n Roll Politics on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following the publication of her book - My Family and Other Radicals, Polly Toynbee reflects on being privileged and on the left, her remarkable family, being on the losing side in politics most of the time and her hopes for Keir Starmer. Rock n Roll Politics is live at Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13 with a different show each day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson seeks to cause trouble for Rishi Sunak. Nicola Sturgeon is arrested. These dramas are more nuanced than they appear to be but for now the obvious beneficiary is Keir Starmer. However, Steve Richards asks if Starmer is conceding too much ground in advance of an election he looks like winning? Or does he look like winning because he concedes so much ground? Rock n Roll Politics is live at Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13 with a different show each day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is the most pledged policy in recent decades and yet never delivered … Labour proposed a national care service in 2010, Theresa May had a plan in 2017, Boris Johnson pretended to have one in 2019 … So far nothing. Now the Fabian Society has set out its ideas for a National Care Service with a report broadly welcomed by its shadow Health Secretary, Wes Streeting. But where will the money come from and does Keir Starmer have the political will to deliver finally? That's two of many questions I discuss with Andrew Harrop, General Secretary of the Fabians as we delve deep in thorny areas with the next election moving into view. Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 13th ... a different show every day. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson is making life hellish for Rishi Sunak..causing trouble in relation to the Covid Inquiry, making the front pages most days of the week, making clear he blames Sunak for his fall. Former PMs make leadership difficult for their successors...does a politically active Johnson make it almost impossible to lead the troubled Conservative party? Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For a few decades the Conservative Party has changed from an expedient political force with MPs and members loyal to the leadership to a more factional and insurrectionary movement. Tim Bale, the author of The Conservative Party After Brexit-Turmoil and Transformation, has followed the changes at every level from the membership to the leadership. To make sense of the current turmoil in the UK's governing party we look back and follow the wild patterns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Suella Braverman and many others contemplating their leadership ambitions, take note. From Rab Butler to Jeremy Corbyn there are reasons why those seen by some as potential Prime Ministers never make it.  Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival with a different show every day from Sunday August 13th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his new book ‘Politics-A Survivor’s Guide’ the columnist Rafael Behr hails the centre ground in contrast to the populist politics that has flourished in the UK and elsewhere…but the term is imprecise and often applied to justify policies that are far away from the ‘centre’. Also..Can we get angry about the state of politics without nearly killing ourselves?? Support Rock N Roll Politics on Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the silliest and most dangerous debate of the lot. "Too many are coming here…" "The wrong people are coming here..." "The right people can come here…" "We need vacancies filled, but they can’t come here…" Will the debate on immigration rise above the vitriol, for a solution that benefits everyone? Plus brilliant questions, and much more. Remember to send in your questions to steveric14@icloud.com! Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from August 13th, with a different show every day! Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Subscribe to Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive Zooms and other goodies: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The author of a new book on Boris Johnson reflects on the many reasons why the former prime minister should never have got close to Number 10...and the lessons that need to be learnt when a figure wholly unsuited for leadership acquires near presidential powers. Support Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are echoes with the build up to the 1997 election in the insurrectionary stirrings of prominent Tories...Why did they act with reckless disloyalty then... and why are they doing do now?  Subscribe to RockN Roll Politics: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following the release of his new book "Why is this Lying Bastard Lying to Me?," I speak to Rob Burley, former editor of Marr, The Andrew Neil Show and Newsnight, about the art of the political interview. We reflect on the current state of the BBC, and look back at some of the legendary interviews, including Brian Walden's exchanges with Margaret Thatcher and Tony Benn. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place this Monday. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/ Subscribe to Patreon for bonus podcasts, live zooms and much more here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Much will happen between now and the next general election, making it risky to extrapolate too much from last week's local polls. For Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, the road ahead will be challenging in different ways... and both are new to the task of leadership in the buildup to an election. Rock & Roll Politics - A New Political Landscape? is live at Kings Place next Monday. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/ Subscribe to Patreon for bonus podcast series, live Zoom events, and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the Queen died, many commentators predicted the country would be traumatised by the loss for a long time. Instead, it was Liz Truss that caused the trauma immediately after the Queen's passing, Charles's accession to the throne causing no fuss at all. What does it tell us about the monarchy, and its capacity to generate feverish commentary now that the "Elizabethan Age" is over? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place in London on May 15th. There's a lot going on that we need to discuss, and you can get tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/ Don't forget to send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a video announcing he was standing for a second term, President Biden chose ‘freedom’ as a them – a term normally associated with the Republicans. It’s a vote winner and in the UK the Conservatives have claimed it too. But will Starmer follow Biden in committing to ‘freedom’? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on May 15th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/rocknrollpolitics/ And join Steve on a special Zoom for Patreon supporters this Weds 3 May. Sign up to join: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The dangerous chaos of Johnson's leadership is exposed in a new book by historian Anthony Seldon. Yet, we knew most of the sordid details it all at the time - so how did he get away with it? Plus, a Question Time Special on relations between ministers and civil servants. Where does power lie? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on May 15th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/ Join Patreon for our live event next Wednesday: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is a bully? Dominic Raab has been officially condemned as one, by the inquiry into his conduct in Parliament. But what about Margaret Thatcher, who reduced some colleagues to tears? Was Gordon Brown a 'bully' or simply "demanding" and "emotional?" In this era of deep crises, too many imprecise terms are defining British politics. Many of you will disagree, and I look forward to our debate... don't forget, email steveric14@icloud.com with your questions! Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place in London on May 15th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/ Join me on Patreon for bonus podcasts, and the first subscribers' live Zoom next month: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the SNP in turmoil, former Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander reflects on the rise of nationalism, the collapse of Labour in Scotland, his hopes for a Labour revival, and his memories of victories and defeats in UK elections. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Old Market Theatre in Hove on Monday. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not known for their militancy, nurses have rejected the government’s latest pay offer. There's a risk strikes could continue all year, telling us much about the state the UK is currently in… Plus, questions on the wider implications of Labour’s attack ads, and an exciting announcement or two! Rock & Roll Politics is live: Old Market Theatre in Hove on Monday April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Kings Place, London on May 15th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8/ Subscribe on Patreon for bonus podcasts, sneak previews and other exclusive extras: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’m in conversation with Rory Carroll, The Guardian's Ireland correspondent and the author of Killing Thatcher — a brilliant new book on the IRA’s 1984 attempt to assassinate Margaret Thatcher, during the Conservative conference in Brighton. Rock & Roll Politics is live in Brighton on April 24th. You can get tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Labour's latest round of attack ads accuse Rishi Sunak of being soft on criminals. It's caused a briefing war in his shadow cabinet and no end of criticism. If the leader of the opposition's attacks aren't credible, they could end up causing more trouble for Starmer himself... Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Monday April 24th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Don't forget to send in your questions to steveric14@icloud.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's an Easter Question Time Special! Lessons on Nigel Lawson's career, Brexit, Jeremy Corbyn, the "real" Rishi Sunak... and much more. Remember to send in your questions at steveric14@icloud.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In which I alienate everyone. I don't believe local parties should have the exclusive right to select candidates; the leadership must have a big say. But I also believe it was an overreaction and strategic misjudgement to suspend Jeremy Corbyn from Labour, and then bar him from being a candidate. What will the consequences be for Keir Starmer? Plus, your brilliant questions. Rock & Roll Politics is live at The Old Market Theatre, Brighton, on Monday April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Subscribe to Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more. The latest bonus series is The Troublemakers, including Tony Benn, Enoch Powell, Nigel Farage and David Owen: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Danny Blanchflower is a Professor of Economics and was a member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee. In our conversation for this week's podcast, he’s both gloomy about the economic future — and optimistic if there’s a bold government that recognises the value of investment. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to send in your questions for Tuesday's podcast at steveric14@icloud.com! Rock & Roll Politics is live: Witham, Barnard Castle, April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre, Brighton. April 24th:   https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new narrative is taking shape in the media. Rishi Sunak as a grown up, a marked contrast to Johnson and Truss. His 'good weeks' sorting out the Windsor Framework and publishing his tax returns during the busiest news day of the year are encouraging friendly papers to tell its readers not to write the Tories off at the next election. But can this narrative be sustained, in this last full year before a new general election is held? Rock & Roll Politics is live: Ropetackle, Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham, Barnard Castle, Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre, Brighton, Apr 24th https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, the legendary chronicler of Prime Ministers, Michael Cockerell, joins me to discuss the rise and fall of Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak… and a fleeting speculation that he had an affair with Margaret Thatcher. Rock & Roll Politics is live: Black Box, Belfast Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle, Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham, Barnard Castle, Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre, Brighton, Apr 24th https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twenty years later the question is still posed. Why did Tony Blair decide to go to war in Iraq? I argue that his decision was not an aberration, but part of his flawed 'third way' approach to leadership — one that appears to be a mighty influence on Keir Starmer now. Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham, March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London, Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I'm in conversation with Michael Jacobs, Professor of Political Economy at Sheffield University, and former adviser to Gordon Brown on climate change. He was also chief executive of the Fabian Society in the buildup to 1997 election, and author of an IPPR report on economic policy that was hailed by both former shadow chancellor John McDonnell and his successor, Rachel Reeves. I speak to him about Labour's opposition to the latest budget, and how Keir Starmer's approach may change in the months leading up to the next election... Rock & Roll Politics is live: York, Mar 17th https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-prime-ministers-reflections-on-leadership-from-harold-wilson-to-rishi-sunak/ Birmingham Mar 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest self inflicted BBC crisis, over Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker as his views on the government's immigration policy, has followed the same pattern as previous ones. Can the BBC change this time, or will there be more self harm to come? Rock & Roll Politics is live: York, Mar 17th https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-prime-ministers-reflections-on-leadership-from-harold-wilson-to-rishi-sunak/ Birmingham Mar 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lord Finkelstein has had a unique career. A Times columnist, Tory peer and former advisor to Prime Ministers and leaders, he got his start as a member of centre-left SDP. Now, he’s on the board of Chelsea FC — a dream job, but one that brings with it some dilemmas on match day. I speak to him about disagreements with his friends in the country's highest offices, expressing his own views as a Tory Lord and his upcoming book Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad... Rock & Roll Politics is live: York, Mar 17th https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-prime-ministers-reflections-on-leadership-from-harold-wilson-to-rishi-sunak/ Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Follow me on Patreon for early access to episodes and bonus podcast series: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three candidates seek to replace Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister of Scotland. Why do none of them seem ready for the epic challenges of the role, while Sturgeon was so dominant? Plus, questions on Sue Gray, the DUP and the Northern Ireland Protocol and the state of Labour under Keir Starmer. Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham Mar 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Don't forget to send in your questions to steveric14@icloud.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I’m in conversation with the chair of Compass, Neal Lawson, who argues the current challenges facing the UK are incomparably different to 1997 — and demand more daring solutions from Keir Starmer. Rock & Roll Politics is live:  Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In last week’s podcast, the Shadow Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, outlined her plans for childcare. But how will they be paid for? Do Labour dare to give details in advance of an election? Will such details help Labour win — or will they become a vote losing ‘tax bombshell’? Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Shadow Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, joins me this week to discuss her plans for childcare, the ending of tuition fees, new roles for schools and the mood of Sunderland voters that supported the Conservatives in 2019. Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham March 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle April https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak seeks a deal on the Northern Ireland protocol, but faces familiar obstacles in the form of rebels in his own party and the DUP. Plus, Keir Starmer's barring of Jeremy Corbyn from standing for Labour in next year's general election — and the future of Scottish independence after Nicola Sturgeon. Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham March 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle April https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The current Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case, is in the news most days of the week. Lord Robin Butler, who served under Thatcher, Major and Blair, joins me this week to reflect on his time in the Cabinet Office, comparing parliamentary dramas then and now... Plus, reflections on NIcola Sturgeon's shock resignation, and the consequences likely to stem from it... Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham March 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle April https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The BBC chair Richard Sharp has lost authority whether he stays or goes. Where does that leave his search for ‘impartiality’? Plus brilliant questions on Brexit, Andy Burnham and much more.. Back the podcast on Patreon for bonus content, early editions and more. Current series of Patreon exclusives is The Troublemakers. Episode 2: Enoch Powell: https://www.patreon.com/posts/subscriber-ep-2-78365294 Rock & Roll Politics is live at Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham March 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle April https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In my conversation with Andy Burnham, we discuss whether he had more power as a cabinet minister, or now as Mayor of Greater Manchester, his policies since becoming mayor, whether he has become more radical... and the similarities - or lack of them - with the build up to Labour's victory in 1997. Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham, March 21st: https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ London, March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast, March 26th: https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Shoreham, March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Barnard Castle, April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Brighton, April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Subscribe to Patreon for this month's bonus show, Episode 2 of "The Troublemakers" on Enoch Powell, and much more here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liz Truss's comeback was delusional in its lofty grandeur, yet also very narrow. Why did she choose outlets with limited audiences? The answer tells us much about the modern Conservative Party. Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham, March 21st: https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ London, March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast, March 26th: https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Shoreham, March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Barnard Castle, April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Brighton, April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Subscribe to Patreon for this month's bonus show, Episode 2 of "The Changemakers" on Enoch Powell, and much more here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I speak to the the transport expert and host of the Calling All Stations podcast, Christian Wolmar, about the state of the railways, the all-important context going back to British Rail, and his hopes and fears for the future. https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21st: https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ London, March 23th Kings Place https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast, March 26th, Black Box https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Shoreham, March 29th, Ropetackle https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Barnard Castle, April 1st, Witham https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Brighton, April 24th, The Old Market Theatre https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are deep reasons for the crises erupting around Rishi Sunak, but there is also an immediate one — Boris Johnson. https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21st: https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ London, March 23th Kings Place https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast, March 26th, Black Box https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Shoreham, March 29th, Ropetackle https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Barnard Castle, April 1st, Witham https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Brighton, April 24th, The Old Market Theatre https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nick Timothy, Theresa May's joint chief of staff during her first phase in Number 10, remains a strong believer in the "good that government can do.” He still sees support for a more active state as the most fruitful route for his party, despite the state-shrinking campaigns of Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. Does his view have much support amongst Tory MPs, and was Theresa May ever fully committed to his approach? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ The Ropetackle, Shoreham on March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/  The Witham, Barnard Castle April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/  The Old Market Theatre, Brighton April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the run up to the 1997 election, the Conservative government was falling apart over 'sleaze' and rows over Europe. Nearly three decades later, we're back there again. How did it come to this? Plus brilliant questions on my interview with Lisa Nandy, levelling up and much more... Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ The Ropetackle, Shoreham on March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ The Witham, Barnard Castle April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ The Old Market Theatre, Brighton April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time the podcast is twice-weekly. We’re joined by shadow Levelling Up Secretary Lisa Nandy to explore how a Labour government would give back control to local communities. Back us on Patreon to get all our podcasts early, bonus editions and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live are available now. Come and see Steve at… Kings Place, London – live and streaming online on Thur 21 March The Ropetackle, Shoreham – Wed 29 March The Witham, Barnard Castle – Sat 1 April The Old Market Theatre, Brighton – Monday 24 Apr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It looks as if agreement can be reached on the Northern Ireland Protocol. But will Rishi Sunak's hardline Brexiteers back a deal? And how does Nicola Sturgeon find a route to independence? Plus brilliant questions and a big announcement. Back the podcast on Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live are available now. Come and see Steve at…  Kings Place, London – live and streaming online on Thur 21 March The Ropetackle, Shoreham – Wed 29 March The Witham, Barnard Castle – Sat 1 April The Old Market Theatre, Brighton (well, Hove actually) – Monday 24 Apr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The last full year before the General Election is the defining one for a leader of the opposition. Is Starmer ready for the challenges ahead? Plus brilliant questions on Rishi Sunak, the NHS, trust and authenticity… and much more. Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live are available now. Come and see Steve at…  Kings Place, London – live and streaming online on Thur 21 March The Ropetackle, Shoreham – Wed 29 March The Witham, Barnard Castle – Sat 1 April The Old Market Theatre, Brighton (well, Hove actually) – Monday 24 April Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So far, Rishi Sunak has been a ghostly prime minister, but also a stubborn one. Does he understand the scale of the crisis in the UK, and has he the ideological flexibility to adapt? The answers will determine whether he has a chance of narrowing the gap in the opinion polls, and in the quality of all our lives... Plus, brilliant questions and much more. Rock & Roll Politics is live in March and April. Tickets below: Kings Place, London, March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham, March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ The Witham, Barnard Castle, April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton, April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Subscribe to Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the end of a year when Boris Johnson fell over issues relating to trust and the likes of Trump have tried to launch a comeback, I reflect on the issue of trust in the era of globalisation. It takes the form of a talk I gave at Newcastle University recently. ‘Trust’ is one of the most interesting terms because the nature of politics demands some evasiveness at least. But has trust between voters and elected politicians ever been so low? Back the podcast on Patreon and get early episodes plus extras too: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Live at Kings Place, London, Thur 23 March 2023: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Live at The Old Market Theatre, Hove, Mon 24 April 2023: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s back. One of the most ubiquitous terms in British politics, “reform”, is in fashion again – but like most prominent terms it is imprecise to the point of absurdity. Plus more brilliant questions from our listeners. Treat yourself and friends to festive gifts like tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live, the dream Xmas present… Live at Kings Place, London, Thur 23 March 2023: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Live at The Old Market Theatre, Hove, Mon 24 April 2023: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Support the podcast by backing us on Patreon and get fabulous benefits: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inflation and the cost of living are the immediate causes of this winter's strikes... but there are much deeper currents. Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well ahead in the polls, Keir Starmer becomes more confident and authoritative. He has learnt the lesson that ‘tax and spend’ debate is impossible for Labour to win in opposition but can be won in government. In my view the opposite applies to constitutional reform…Plus, brilliant responses to Hancock in the jungle and whether trains are better in Europe. Rock & Roll Politics – The Christmas Special is live at the Market Theatre, Brighton on Mon Dec 12th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Support the podcast on Patreon and get exclusive extra episodes, ad-free editions and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The three themes are connected… download this week's Rock & Roll Politics to discover how. Plus brilliant questions and much more! Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on Monday December 5th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ The Christmas Special is also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Monday December 12th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Don't forget to rate the podcast and send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WIth government sources briefing that they want a closer relationship with the Single Market, it looks as if questions are finally being asked about Lord "Frosty" Frost's disastrous hard Brexit. But where will they lead? Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on Monday December 5th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ The Christmas Special is also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Monday December 12th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics  Don't forget to rate the podcast and send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So many questions were triggered by last week's Electoral Reform Special that they merit a bonus podcast. The epic themes: Fairness, how to bring about change, wider constitutional reform, the broader context, and more... Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on December 5th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ I'm also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Dec 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics The Patreon version with bonus podcasts and much more is available here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paying homage to their fiscal conservatism, Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt turn to recent history for inspiration. But the past is a fickle guide… Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on December 5th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/  I'm also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Dec 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics  The Patreon version with bonus podcasts and much more is available here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So here it is ...The Electoral Reform Special! I reflect on why I have been an opponent, and my latest position. And now... over to you! Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on December 5th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ I'm also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Dec 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics The Patreon version with bonus podcasts and much more is available here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Conservatives miles behind in the polls, the route to election victory is narrow... but not entirely blocked. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Old Market Theatre Brighton for a Christmas Special on December 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Subscribe on Patreon for the new, exclusive series on governmental cock-ups - new episode on Tony Blair and the Iraq War coming soon! https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics And don't forget to send your questions in to steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak, the self-declared fiscal conservative, becomes Prime Minister having lost the summer's leadership contest. But will his Thatcherite instincts allow him to rise to the epic challenges ahead?  Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/ I’m also live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham on Oct 27th; just a few tickets left: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-the-liz-truss-special/ And live at the Old Market Theatre Brighton for a Christmas Special on December 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive podcast series and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Liz Truss era is over after just a few weeks. Since 2010, four Conservative Prime Ministers have fallen between general elections, suggesting that Truss is part of a deeper pattern... Rock & Roll Politics: The (Post) Liz Truss Era is live at Kings Place on October Weds 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/ Back the podcast for early, ad-free episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liz Truss is in the untenable position of supporting an economic policy she opposed with revolutionary disdain during the leadership contest. But can Tory MPs agree on an alternative? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/ I’m also live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham on Oct 27th; just a few tickets left: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-the-liz-truss-special/ And live at the Old Market Theatre Brighton for a Christmas Special on December 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive podcast series and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The mighty markets have wrecked the Truss/Kwarteng shallow revolution… but how will they constrain a Labour government if Keir Starmer wins the next election? Plus brilliant questions and much more. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London on October 26: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/  And Rock & Roll Politics: The Christmas Special is live for the very first time at the Old Market Theatre Brighton on Dec 12: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Support the show on Patreon to get early editions, bonus podcasts, merchandise and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Truss and Kwarteng u-turn on tax shows they failed to read the space available to them. How many consequences will there be?  This week, there will be analysis, brilliant questions, and much more. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wed Oct 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/ Sign up to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng have unleashed another shallow revolution, the third since 2010. The pound sinks and public services are on their knees. For 12 years, the UK has become a laboratory for whacky economic experiments. But will passive England vote for more? Rock n Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 26th, as the drama intensifies… https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/ Sign up to Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics And don’t forget, join the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative by sending your questions to steveric14@icloud.com ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Liz Truss era resumes at breakneck speed. How should Labour respond? In this week's podcast, I reflect on the lessons of Harold Wilson's much-overlooked leadership with Nick Thomas-Symonds, shadow International Trade Secretary and author of Harold Wilson - The Winner. Plus, brilliant questions on the monarch and much more. Rock & Roll Politics is live - and streaming - this Thursday at Kings Place. Tickets available at kingsplace.co.uk Email me and the Rock & Roll Politics Co-operative: steveric14@icloud.com Subscribe to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can a monarch genuinely define an era while being unable to express a view or implement policies that can change lives? Plus more brilliant questions from our listeners. Email yours to steveric14@icloud.com Rock & Roll Politics: The Start of the Liz Truss Era is live at Kings Place London on Thursday September 22nd and streaming live. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ Support the podcast, help us grow and get each week’s edition early plus bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Audio production by Robin Leeburn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Prime Minister Liz Truss is set to overturn Tory orthodoxies in place since this long-serving government was elected in 2010. What will the consequences be and what are the implications for Labour? Rock & Roll Politics is live - and streaming - at Kings Place on Monday September 19th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ Join as a patron for exclusive bonus podcasts, on Prime Ministers and their special advisors: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We had no time for listeners' questions earlier this week, so here's a bonus podcast with some of the brilliant ones I received, plus my reflections on the BBC and its board member, former Tory strategist Sir Robbie Gibb. Rock & Roll Politics - The Liz Truss Special is live at Kings Place on Monday Sept 19th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here is the 14th and final show at this year's Edinburgh Festival, in which the audience makes predictions on Liz Truss and Nicola Sturgeon, and I reflect on the ultimate irony of the Tory Leadership contest. Rock & Roll Politics - The Liz Truss Special is live at Kings Place on Monday Sept 19th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/   Subscribe on Patreon for early episode releases and special series: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics And don't forget to send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meeting some of the members of the Rock & Roll Politics Co-operative has got me thinking, and so have the audiences at my live shows… Plus, I review some of the events and shows I've seen at the Fringe, including those in which Nicola Sturgeon and Keir Starmer were centre stage. Send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to grow the Co-operative further! Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics live at the Edinburgh Festival: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics 'The Liz Truss Era Special' on Sept 19th at Kings Place are here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ The Patreon version of the podcast is here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As in the 1970s, soaring fuel bills are transforming political assumptions and orthodoxies, with only the candidates to be the next PM struggling to catch up. And as always, your questions. Send them in to steveric14@icloud.com! Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Rock & Roll Politics - The Liz Truss Era is live at Kings Place on Sept 19: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ Subscribe on Patreon for early episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the Tory leadership candidates row over tax cuts, there are bigger questions: what to do about Brexit labour shortages, and how will the war in Ukraine end? Plus brilliant questions from the importance of a leader's chosen confidant and adviser to the essence of 'authenticity'. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Mon Aug 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Rock & Roll Politics: 'The Liz Truss Era' is live at Kings Place on Sept 19th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ Patreon backers get exclusive access to episodes early, plus bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liz Truss presents herself as the change maker in a time of turmoil. Keir Starmer must do the same, even if the focus groups and the influence of mid-’90s New Labour point to an alternative, risky route of extreme caution…  Plus brilliant listener questions. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival every day from Mon Aug 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Join Patreon for early access to episodes, bonus content and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some Conservative members want their next Prime Minister to be... Boris Johnson. A man who shares this view is... Boris Johnson himself, who anticipates a return to Number 10 despite the current race to replace him. Plus the undeserved elevation of Margaret Thatcher to god-like levels, even among non-Conservatives, and brilliant audience questions. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Aug 15. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics And don't forget to send your questions into steveric14@icloud.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To my surprise we are learning a lot from the contest even though the candidates are saying very little. The biggest lesson so far: Get ready of political storms this autumn when the winner seeks to implement their economic policies. Also this week, more of your brilliant questions. Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Monday August 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Back us on Patreon for early, ad-free episodes, exclusive merchandise and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the third time since 2016 the Conservatives alone will elect a new Prime Minister. Yet the rest of us are excluded from the tax cutting, small state fantasy. In this episode: how the party has changed since the contest that followed the fall of Margaret Thatcher. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Aug 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Join Patreon here:: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For understandable reasons, there are more raging questions about Johnson’s lack of a moral compass. His hesitation in responding to the allegations about former deputy whip Chris Pincher relate to his tendency to misjudge the nature of every challenge, from Covid to Brexit…  Plus, your brilliant questions on the ill defined ‘centre ground’. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from August 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Join Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more. Next up, a special episode on Harold Wilson and Marcia Williams: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a week when Matthew Parris claimed Rishi Sunak was a ‘centrist’ and Keir Starmer proclaimed that Labour was on the ‘centre ground’ I wonder where the ‘centre’ is and what it means… if anything. Plus your brilliant questions on Mick Lynch, Boris Johnson, the by-elections and much more. Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Monday Aug 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more is here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In my reflections I suggest that the fragmentation of the railways – with no clear lines of responsibility – is the biggest cause of the current crisis… plus brilliant questions on a range of urgent issues from the BBC’s choice of panellists to Northern Ireland to what happens if the Conservatives win the next election but Johnson loses his seat. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Mon Aug 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Back us on Patreon to get the podcast early and ad-free plus exclusive bonus editions and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The confidence vote that Boris Johnson won narrowly is already having consequences. Tory MPs deploy their new leverage to demand vaguely-defined tax cuts and a new war with the EU over the Northern Ireland protocol …but what about the spending increases the same Tory MPs also want? And as the UK economy totters on the cliff’s edge, how would it cope with an economic battle with the EU? Rock & Roll Politics is live daily at the Edinburgh Festival from Monday August 15th. Tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Back the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Patreon to get exclusive early episodes, bonus podcasts and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson 'won' the vote of confidence in his leadership, but voters will note that many of his MPs don't support him and will wonder why they should, either. If there is a leadership contest most voters will not have a role - and all candidates will pitch to the right in order to win.  Rock & Roll Politics is live and streaming live on Wed June 8th - A Tory Leadership Special. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8-jun/   Back the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Patreon to get exclusive early episodes, bonus podcasts and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As millions enjoy street parties and raise a glass to the Queen - what exactly are they celebrating? Plus, brilliant questions on Partygate and Johnson’s survival. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wed June 8th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8-jun/ My new series on Prime Ministers and their advisers, starting with Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings, is exclusively on my Patreon page from the 1st of June: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics And don't forget to send your questions in to steveric14@gmail.com ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Time moves on and other issues erupt. But should that reduce the potency of the lockdown parties at Downing Street, and reduce the pressure on the inept Metropolitan Police? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place at June 8th, and we have a lot to pack in. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8-jun/ Sign up to Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more: And don't forget to send your questions in to steveric14@gmail.com ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson chose to place a border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Now, he faces the dark consequences…  Plus, the hidden risk of Keir Starmer’s pledge to resign if he’s issued with a penalty charge notice for Beergate, and brilliant questions from the UK and around the world. Send in your questions from your runs, bakes, and rows to steveric14@icloud.com Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on June 8. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8-jun/ You can back Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon to get episodes early, plus exclusive podcasts, merchandise and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics You can also become a Premium Subscriber on Apple Podcasts for early access. Search Rock & Roll Politics in the app for more information  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I reflect on the many lessons arising from the local elections, from the sudden focus on Starmer's future to the fractured state of the UK. Plus, more of your brilliant questions.  Rock & Roll Politics returns to Kings Place on June 8th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8-jun/   Tickets for my live shows at the Edinburgh Festival are also on sale: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics   You can back Rock & Roll Politics on Patreon to get episodes early, plus exclusive podcasts, merchandise and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics You can also become a Premium Subscriber on Apple Podcasts for early access. Search Rock & Roll Politics in the app for more information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I reflect on Ukraine and the origins of World War One… plus the lessons of Labour’s victory 25 years ago this week. Also, brilliant questions on issues from sex pests at Westminster to how to fund the NHS… Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on June 8th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-8jun/ Support us on Patreon and get bonus podcasts, early editions and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Enjoy the podcast and want a simple way to access bonus content as well as ad-free episodes? Rock & Roll Politics Patreon content is now also available via Apple Podcasts too. Click here to find out more: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rock-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/id1384867286 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The mood amongst some Conservative MPs has turned against Boris Johnson, but what are the conditions that bring about the toppling of a Prime Minister by their own party? Plus brilliant questions on the passivity of voters, NHS co-payments, Union Jack socks and much more. Patrons to Rock & Roll Politics get episodes early and an exclusive podcast on the 2017 general election, out this Friday! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics  Apple Podcasts listeners can also now receive exclusive content. Find out more here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rock-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/id1384867286 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I get angry… Plus brilliant questions on all the big themes, and the latest on my Union Jack socks. On Patreon there are bonus podcasts on the Feb ‘74, ‘83 and ‘92 elections. Back us on Patreon, help us grow, and get amazing merchandise and perks too: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a packed podcast we reflect on the lessons for the BBC in its never-ending attempt to find a Political Editor… Plus, Rishi Sunak, the French Elections, Labour and the need to excite as well as reassure. Plus brilliant questions and why all of us at Rock’n’Roll Politics should form a co-operative. Back Rock’n’Roll Politics on Patreon, help us grow, and get amazing merchandise and perks too: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A drop in living standards and the return of inflation should be an open goal for Labour, but there are huge challenges for ahead for Labour as well as opportunities presented by the cost of living crisis.  Plus, as always, your brilliant questions… There’s a new bonus podcast on the Patreon version of Rock n Roll Politics, discussing the 1992 General Election. Sign up now to listen! https://www.patreon.com/posts/64700914  Send your questions to Steve at steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Both Boris Johnson and Theresa May half-wanted to move their party on from Thatcherism… and yet they both appointed Thatcherite Chancellors. Why did they do so? What were the consequences? Plus brilliant questions ranging from how Labour can oppose Brexit, to why Prime Ministers make terrible mistakes, and on to a new favourite theme of listeners: tuition fees. Good or bad? Support Rock’n’Roll Politics on Patreon for bonus podcasts, exclusive Rock’n’Roll Politics mugs and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson's comments linking Ukraine with Brexit show that he is still writing Daily Telegraph columns as a form of leadership. Plus the P&O fire-and-rehire crisis, the language of ‘regulations’ and ‘freedom,’ and your brilliant questions...   Join Rock N Roll Politics the Patreon version here for lots of bonuses: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Send your questions to Steve at steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s podcast out early for Patreon followers. Number 10 is briefing that Boris Johnson is proving to be a world leader in the Ukraine crisis, and implying that perceptions of him will improve as they did in relation to Margaret Thatcher after the Falklands. Will they? And what really happened in 1982, when Thatcher went to war?  Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place this Thursday, March 17th, and streaming live: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-17-mar/   Join Rock N Roll Politics the Patreon version here for lots of bonuses: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics   Don’t forget to add your personal RSS for the podcast to your favourite app so you can listen wherever you are…  Email: steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast, Tony Blair’s former chief of staff, Jonathan Powell, reflects on the current international crisis. Jonathan met Putin several times during different phases of his leadership, and has been involved in negotiations - including in Northern Ireland - where resolution in any form seemed close to impossible.   Plus brilliant questions, and news of my Union Jack socks, arriving soon.    Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Thursday March 17th, and streaming live:   https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-17-mar/ Get Rock'n'Roll Politics early when you back the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics    Jonathan Powell’s books include: Great Hatred, Little Room: Making Peace in Northern Ireland   Don’t forget to add your personal RSS for the podcast to your favourite app so you can listen wherever you are…  Email: steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Putin’s view of his country’s recent past propels him to invade Ukraine – and yet his sense of the past is in many ways a wilful misreading. On this at least, he is not alone. Many leaders are burdened by a misreading of their country’s past… with consequences. Plus, brilliant questions from listeners and your suggestions for general election bonus podcasts for Patreon supporters. Help Rock’n’Roll Politics by backing us on Patreon here. You’ll get extra podcasts, mugs, free tickets and even (for top tier backers) a live show in your own home… Rock’n’Roll Politics is live at Kings Place, London on Monday March 17th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-17-mar/ Email: steveric14@icloud.com https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I reflect on that most potent and misleading word in British politics, ‘freedom’ – and then we go over to some brilliant questions ranging from Sunak’s chances of becoming PM to latest on UK foreign policy, plus great suggestions for General Elections in forthcoming Patreon podcast episodes. Rock’n’Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London, and streaming live, on Monday Feb 21st. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-mon-21-feb Support Rock’n’Roll Politics on Patreon here to help us keep growing and also get bonus podcasts, mugs, complimentary live tickets and much more. Email: steveric14@icloud.com https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I reflect on British foreign policy in the light of the Ukraine crisis and other sagas in which the UK has played a haphazard role… and Keir Starmer follows a pattern in speaking about foreign policy solely in terms of the never-ending vote losing factionalism in his party. Plus, brilliant questions on the police investigation re Downing Street parties and much more. Help the podcast to grow by supporting us on Patreon, the crowdfunding platform. You’ll get bonus podcasts, mugs, free tickets for live shows and much more. https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock’n’Roll Politics is live at Kings Place, London on Monday Feb 21st at 7pm..a brand new show and streaming live too. Tickets here : https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-mon-21-feb/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As politics gets even wilder, I reflect on how the make-up and effectiveness of the No.10 operation tells us much about the character of a Prime Minister. Based on the recent past, the structure of Number Ten will neither save a Prime Minister nor lead them to their doom. The wider political context always determines their fate… Plus, more brilliant questions from the UK and around the world. You can now support the podcast on Patreon with options that include special bonus podcasts – the first series is on epic General Elections – plus Rock’n’Roll Politics mugs, free tickets and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics  Rock’n’Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Mon Feb 21 and streaming live too:  https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-mon-21-feb/ Audio production by Alex Rees for Podmasters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Sue Gray ‘update’ was more dramatic than expected, but only Conservative MPs have the power to act. Will they? Plus, brilliant questions from around the UK and the rest of the world. Rock’n’Roll Politics is live – and streaming – at Kings Place on Monday Feb 21st: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-mon-21-feb/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson totters precariously because of the parties in Number 10… even though he himself has never been a great party lover. Why did he not think through those famous consequences? Did he not consider what would happen if the gatherings were leaked? Plus brilliant questions from all parts of the UK, Germany, Poland, Brussels and beyond.  Rock’n’Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London next Monday Jan 24. Join us for an epic political night – and we’re streaming live too. Tickets for either option here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-24-01/ Written and presented by Steve Richards. Recorded at Podmasters Studios, Highbury, London. Audio production by Alex Rees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I analyse Keir Starmer's latest pitch as if it were a classic literary text - which it is not - but there clues in it that are interesting. Speeches are always more revealing than they seem. Plus, brilliant questions from Portugal, Holland, France and of course the UK. Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Mon Jan 24th and also streams live. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-24-01/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first podcast of the New Year, I reflect on two big political taboos that I predict will be broken in 2022, and brilliant questions on the politics of Tony Blair, when governments fall and the latest on Covid. Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Jan 24th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why the resignation of Lord Frosty Frost shines light on a vast range of the current political landscape… also Covid latest, the North Shropshire by-election, and how they all connect… plus brilliant questions from across the UK and around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I reflect on the state of the modern Conservative party when so many of its MPs fervently oppose modest protections against Covid at a point when the virus is raging once more…plus brilliant questions, reports on the recent live shows and much more. Recorded at Podmasters Studios. Audio production by Robin Leeburn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak briefs the Times about his plans to cut taxes as taxes are about to rise… Keir Starmer gives an interview to the paper that makes no waves… plus brilliant questions. Rock’n’Roll Politics: The Christmas Special is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham on Wed Dec 8th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special/ And live at Kings Place London on Thursday Dec 9th (also streaming live): https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special/ Audio production by Alex Rees at Podmasters Studios. Podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keir Starmer has conducted a wide ranging shadow cabinet reshuffle-How significant will the changes be? Plus brilliant questions from around the UK...and the rest of the world. Rock N Roll Politics- The Xmas Special is live at Kings Place on Dec 9th..and also streaming live: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My reflections on the government's plans for trains in the north of England, Paul Dacre's revealing reasons for pulling out of the OFCOM post and Andrew Marr's equally illuminating statement on why he's living the BBC...plus brilliant questions. Rock N Roll Politics-the Xmas Special is live at Kings Place on Dec 9th. https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The opinion polls- accurate or not- determine the political mood, how leaders are perceived by their parties and the media. What is the significance when some polls show Labour in a rare lead? Plus brilliant questions from across the UK and the world.. Rock N Roll Politics-The Xmas Special is live on Dec 9th at Kings Place. Tkts here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The episode explores why long serving Conservative governments become vulnerable when stories about 'sleaze' become a dominant theme...and why B Johnson has distinct cause to be worried...plus brilliant questions from around the UK and the world. Rock N Roll Politics-the Xmas Special is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre on Dec 8th and Kings Place on Dec 9th  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak's budget has become mythologised as a 'tax and spend' programme..'a Labour budget'...but is it...? The question highlights issues around 'impartiality' and the BBC. Rock N Roll Politics- The Barnard Castle Special is live at Witham Arts Centre on Sat Nov 6th https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics/ Rock N Roll Politics-The Xmas Special is live on Dec 9th https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An analysis of the political duel between the Chancellor and the Shadow Chancellor ..with more to come...plus brilliant questions from around the UK and the rest of the world. Tkts here for Rock N Roll Politics-The Barnard Castle Special on Sat Nov 6th https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics/ And for Rock N Roll Politics-The Xmas Special at Kings Place on Dec 9 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the unbearable murder of David Amess-a. defence of politics and elected representatives...and a review of the BBC series on New Labour...that is getting rave plaudits, partly undeserved... Plus brilliant questions... Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Witham Arts Centre in Barnard Castle on Saturday Nov 6th. Tickets here: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Looking ahead to the live show at Kings Place.... Tickets here for live in the hall: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-live-in-hall/      And here for the live stream: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-online-streaming-event/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson has become a fan of import controls as a way of increasing wages- a key part of Tony Benn's Alternative Economic Strategy in the the late 70s and early 80s. But in another bizarre twist they are both Bennite and Thatcherite. Rock N Roll Politics is live on October 11 at Kings Place..and there's a live stream too: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-live-in-hall/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

K Starmer aches to engage with the wider electorate...but with the government facing several deep crises is he right to focus on internal issues at the start of the conference? Rock N Roll Politics is live  at Kings Place on Mon Oct 11th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-live-in-hall/ And is streaming live: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-online-streaming-event/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson's reshuffle shows that he is in total command of his government and party....more so than any other recent Prime Minister...at least for now...Plus Andrew Neil and GB News...and an amazing array of questions. Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 11 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-13-08/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A look ahead to the Rock N Roll Politics Special streaming live from Kings Place on Sept 13th at 7pm...There's a lot going on! https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-live-in-hall-13-sep/ Streaming tickets : https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-online-streaming-event-13sep/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most voters agree that a government must raise taxes to pay for social care.In effect an insurance for care does not come for nothing. Yet the government-like previous administrations- has failed to implement an effective plan even though Boris Johnson pretended he had one when he became PM. Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Mon Sept 13th ..and streamed live too.... https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-live-in-hall-one-13-sep/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a short summer break we all need to get together to prepare for an epic autumn...I reflect on Afghanistan and reveal some of the figures included in 'The Prime Ministers We Never Had'..in bookshops from this Thursday..plus brilliant questions. And Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Mon Sept 13...and there's also a live stream..the start of a dramatic new political year- https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-live-in-hall-one-13-sep/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who qualifies for the dubious honour of being a Prime Minister We Never Had? In my new book I argue that there are two qualifications. They must have been seen as a possible PM AND had a feasible chance of seizing the crown. I discuss some of those that are often cited as 'PMs We Never Had' but who do not qualify. Plus your brilliant questions..and you can pre order a signed copy of the book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-prime-ministers-we-never-had/steve-richards/9781838955946 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak is spoken of as Boris Johnson's likely successor...Chancellors are often seen as the next Prime Minister..and yet quite a few of them fail to seize the crown and become instead Prime Ministers We Never Had. Is Sunak the next Prime Minister or one of those who won't get to the very top? My latest book 'The Prime Ministers We Never Had' can be pre-orderered here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-prime-ministers-we-never-had/steve-richards/9781838955946 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time since 1979 some Conservatives, including Boris Johnson, seem to be looking towards a more active state...while others, including Rishi Sunak, continue to put the case for 'fiscal conservatism'. How significant is this divide in the modern Conservative party and where does it leave Labour? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson's 'Freedom Day' has become a dangerous farce, with Johnson, Sunak and Javid self isolating..raising big questions about what the complex term 'freedom' means...plus brilliant question on politics and sport, Jeremy Corbyn, what happens to those that defect to other parties... and much more. Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Greenwich Theatre on Sunday evening, July 18 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

B Johnson 'advises' mask wearing should continue in crowded indoor spaces...so the freedom not to do so is granted to the irresponsible who will ignore the advice...limiting the freedom of others..plus brilliant questions on MPs in the wrong parties to England's defeat against Italy. Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Greenwich Theatre next Sunday..a few tickets left for sale: https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/rock-n-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Labour won the Batley and Spen by-election against expectations..immediately K Starmer was urged to use his new space to 'take on his party'. But what does that mean? And what evidence is there that an opposition leader that triggers a 'row' goes on to win an election? Plus brilliant questions... Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Greenwich Theatre on Sun July 18-https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/rock-n-roll-politics-with-steve-richards/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Kings Place show on Monday-live in the hall and streamed-will focus on the Hancock saga, delving deep into the many themes, and move on to Cummings and segue into Lord Frosty...We'll reflect on the by-election in Batley and Spen and what it tells us, the Blue Wall, plus live questions and unreliable predictions...Tickets here for the streamed and live event. https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-28-jun/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What will be the consequences of the Conservatives' surprise loss of a by-election? Perhaps there will be none...but I argue that the Lib Dems' victory challenges Boris Johnson's main source of political strength-the perception that he's a winner....plus brilliant questions and bread recipes.  Rock N Roll Politics is live in the main hall of Kings Place on Monday June 28th...and streamed live. Tkts here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/?kw=2021-06-28 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With breathtaking but unsurprising chutzpah B Johnson and Lord 'Frosty' blame the EU for their own chosen Brexit route. The EU had agreed to T May's Brexit that avoided a border between GB and N.Ireland. Johnson proposed the border to get a deal that was different to May's...hoping to escape later from the consequences, or not realising what they were. Rock N Roll Politics is live in the main hall at Kings Place on June 28. Tkts: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/?kw=2021-06-28 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Like a dark thriller the lockdown exits have a familiar pattern-the frenzied focus on a date-Xmas Day, June 21st. Meanwhile the same newspapers and Tory MPs demand 'freedom' irrespective of the data, and B Johnson is inclined to agree with them as a new variant appears to be taking hold...Plus your brilliant questions on D Cummings, E Miliband, and much more.  Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on June 28th. Tkts here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/?kw=2021-06-28 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ed Miliband discusses some of the ideas in his new book 'Go Big' and why he feels freer to express his thoughts now compared with when he was Labour leader...Plus reflections on Dominic Cummings...and your latest questions on Labour's future, G7 and T Blair's foreign policy Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Monday June 28th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/?kw=2021-06-28 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Diana/Bashir crisis is more nuanced than the media frenzy suggests but the layers of BBC 'senior managers', where lines of responsibility are blurred and the output is often a distant consideration, are the constant factors in the various avoidable crises-Diana, Cliff, Gilligan/Kelly etc. Plus brilliant questions on Labour, Brexit and much more. Rock N Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on June 28th https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/?kw=2021-06-28 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is a sign that Labour is in crisis when its leader is inundated with advice...much of it contradictory and more vague than the assertive tone of the many contributors to the debate about Labour's future..Listen or read carefully to the likes of Tony Blair, Peter Mandelson, Angela Rayner and John McDonnell ...and their proposed paths towards recovery are more foggy than they appear to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rock N Roll Politics is streaming live from my boudoir for the last time tonight...the theatres are reopening soon! Get you tickets here and see you at 7pm: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The current political situation is like the best political thrillers where nothing is quite what it seems...a contrast to Brexit which was a rollercoaster thriller but all of it on the surface. There were no mysteries. There are now. We will crack them live on Wed night....Rock N Roll Politics is streaming from a room in my house for the last time before the theatres re-open. Tickets here...get the wine ready: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 'centre ground' is the most overused and imprecise term in British politics. Cameron, Osborne and Blair claim to be on 'the centre ground'. So do most political columnists. But what if these economic liberals are nowhere near the centre ground... if it exists at all? Tickets for the final historic show being streamed live from my boudoir on Wed May 12 are here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Even if most voters are paying no attention the allegations around B Johnson's integrity and judgement will destabilise Number 10, the wider government...and, indeed, B Johnson, a figure unused to facing consequences of earlier decisions and conduct. The historic final live show from a room in my house takes place on Wednesday May 12. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Imagine if Ed Balls or John McDonnell had been Chancellor.  Cameron would've been in no position to text them. This is partly a saga of one party rule at Westminster..plus your questions and who will win the Hartlepool by-election?  The historic final live streamed show from my boudoir is on May 12th. Tkts:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics/ steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just a quick reminder about tonight's live show and what we'll be doing...including the lessons from the contrasting careers of David Cameron and Shirley Williams, live questions and unreliable predictions.. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-1504/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Such a lot to cram in..BBC's response to Prince Phillip's death, Northern Ireland, Sturgeon v Salmond latest...and I reveal what I'll be covering on this Thursday's Rock N Roll Politics streaming live at 7pm and then available for another week. https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-1504/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I'm joined by Alastair Campbell to reflect on Ed Miliband's leadership, Keir Starmer and Tony Blair as he publishes his revelatory diaries that span 2010-2015..plus brilliant questions on A Salmond, K Starmer and the Covid Inquiry...and the latest from listeners in rural Australia and idyllic Portugal. Rock N Roll Politics is streaming live on April 15th.  https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-1504/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Salmond sets up a new party and some SNP figures defect. Defections will be destabilising for N Sturgeon.. Tory defections to UKIP freaked out D Cameron and in the early 80s defections to the SDP doomed Labour ...PLUS a recipe from one of our listeners in Italy.. Rock N Roll Politics is streaming live at Kings Place on April 15th. You need to get a ticket in advance. https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-1504/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The greater the doubt about the UK's place in the world the more it seeks to fly the flag....since the Suez Crisis the UK's sense of itself has been a contradictory mix of jingoism and extreme insecurity.....It's more straightforward for believers in 'British exceptionalism' to get worked up about the Union Jack rather than assess the role of a middle ranking power ....plus brilliant questions on all the urgently topical issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rock n Roll Politics is streaming live tonight at 7pm...My themes: Covid, Voters and The State; Rishi Sunak-Who is He?; Met Police-Who's in Charge? Plus Predictions, live questions and much more. Tickets here for live show and valid for a week- https://shop.kingsplace.co.uk/26461/26462 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A preview of Wednesday evening's livestream plus questions on whether the fashion for localism is misplaced, Keir Starmer, the vaccine 'war' and why we should be alarmed that most people in the UK have little or no interest in politics. Tickets for Wednesday evening's Rock N Roll Politics are available here. The show is then available for another week. https://shop.kingsplace.co.uk/26461/26462  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tony Benn used to argue it was the policies and not the personalities that mattered. Was he right-with reference to Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon, RIshi Sunak and Boris Johnson? Rock N Roll Politics is streaming live at 7 on Mar 17th. Tickets here: https://shop.kingsplace.co.uk/26461/26462 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The defining relationships in British politics is that between Prime Minister and Chancellor and Opposition leader/ Shadow Chancellor....In budget week how do Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak compare with past duos ..and Keir Starmer and Annelise Dodds...? Rock N Roll Politics is streaming live on Mar 17th. Book here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-online-streaming-march-17/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lord 'Frosty' Frost is now in the cabinet responsible for Brexit negotiations t...Having negotiated a deal that is causing chaos. B Johnson is not a good judge of people...he thought Cummings was his saviour and has yet to see that 'Frosty' is a puny courtier in his increasingly frenzied court. Send questions to steveric14@icloud.com Tickets for the next live show on Mar 17- https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-online-streaming-march-17/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My theme for tonight's live stream-Can Keir Starmer win? Plus questions and unreliable predictions...book in advance and get the wine ready for tonight. The show will then be available for seven days if it clashes with anyone's packed evening schedules. https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-feb-2021-online-streaming/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brilliant questions and a mini travelogue as we find out more where we listen to the podcast...from Australia to Germany and on to the great Manchester canal. Join me for the live stream next Wednesday at 7pm. I'll be reflecting on the leadership of K Starmer- Can he win the next general election...and how? Plus questions, points, and unreliable predictions. Details here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-feb-2021-online-streaming/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

B Johnson proposes to take back control of the NHS - A reform of reforms introduced in the first term of this long serving government. It is right to do so..and it was always absurd for D Cameron to give away significant powers while retaining responsibility....Plus great questions. Rock N Roll Politics is streaming live at 7pm on Wed Feb 17th. There'll be twists and turns...Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-feb-2021-online-streaming/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Northern Ireland protocol is looking wobbly already...that's because it doesn't answer the Irish Question arising from Brexit...Plus the lessons of UK's vaccine triumph..brilliant questions and the definitive answer to B Johnson's hair style. Tickets for the next live streaming of Rock N Roll Politics on Feb 17th here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-feb-2021-online-streaming/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson speaks and acts on a daily basis...but why does he show little sign of thinking through the consequences of what he says and does? Plus new questions on the implications of the Biden presidency, referendums, the art of leadership, Jeremy Corbyn and ...the latest on Johnson's hair style. https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-feb-2021-online-streaming/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

n this week's episode we focus on listeners' brilliant questions including ones on referendums and how they might work, Joe Biden...and B Johnson's hair style. Rock N Roll Politics- the Latest Lockdown Special streams live at Kings Place this Wednesday at 7pm-Reflectons on Joe Biden hours after inauguration , Donald Trump. Keir Starmer, unreliable predictions and live questions. Tkts here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-2001/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is the 'special relationship' of such value to the UK that it prevents British Prime Ministers from making critical judgements about US Presidents and their administrations?  Plus..more U turns from B Johnson ...brilliant questions about referendums, why Johnson is a winner and much more... Rock N Roll Politics-the Latest Lockdown Special is streaming live on Jan 20th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-2001/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When I heard that the Brexit deal was 'done' I wondered how all the fundamental conflicts had been resolved. The answer is that they have not been..all the thorny questions have been kicked in to the long grass...and B Johnson stumbles belatedly in to lockdown...the dark sequence recurs...plus brilliant questions and points of order. Tickets for the next live streamed show are here:https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-2001/   steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the Rock N Roll Politics Podcast Brexit/Covid Festive Special I reflect on my favourite political interview ...at the suggestion of a listener. Thanks to all of you for listening in 2020..and the for the brilliant questions..what a year..and we're going to need to stick together via the podcast and shows in 2021 to make sense of the ongoing epic dramas. ..and to hopefully have a few laughs as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We explore the layers of tragic irony as the UK heads for the cliff's edge . Tickets for Rock N Roll Politics live at Kings Place and the live stream are available here. https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/?kw=2020-12-16 The Prime Ministers-Reflections on Leadership from Wilson to Johnson is available here and of course at local bookshops. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prime-Ministers-Reflections-Leadership-Johnson/dp/1786495880/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the biggest differences between Conservative Prime Ministers and the few Labour leaders that have made it to Number 10 is their level of self confidence. B Johnson has pursued the hardest possible Brexit without agonising about its impact on the UK economy and his own position. D Cameron failed to win a majority in 2010 but pursued an agenda on the radical right as if he had won a landslide. Rock N Roll Politics is live/live streamed at Kings Place on Dec 16: www.kingsplace.co.uk/RNRP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

M Gove wrote a well argued essay in the Times explaining the new tier system. Within hours a panic stricken B Johnson implicitly undermined the arguments to appease Conservative MPs.....plus your brilliant questions. Tickets for the live show at Kings Place on Dec 16th and the live stream are here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/rocknrollpolitics/ The email for signed messages re my book on Prime Ministers, and for questions /thoughts: steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Rock N Roll Politics streaming live on Monday at 7 here's a great chance to have more time for your brilliant questions... Keep the questions and points coming..the email: steveric14@icloud.com Tickets for the live streamed show on Monday are here..a chance to ask questions and raise points live...There'll be much to discuss: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-online-streaming-23-nov/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the departure of Dominic Cummings there is much talk of a 'reset' in Downing Street... But how much will really change or can change? Plus more brilliant questions..keep them coming : steveric14@icloud.com. Tickets for Rock N Roll Politics the live lockdown special on Monday Nov 23rd are here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-online-streaming-23-nov/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The victory of Joe Biden and the fall of Donald Trump raise many questions: What's the impact on the increasingly isolated B Johnson? Will 'Trumpism' flourish without Trump ( I doubt it)? Are there lessons for the BBC in CNN's grown up coverage (Yes)? Plus your brilliant questions at at time of historic upheaval. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're living through epic times...B Johnson calls a second national lockdown inevitably. Yet he acts weeks after he was advised to do so..the same dark sequence as in the spring. When leaders are out of their depth they repeat past misjudgements almost knowingly. Meanwhile K Starmer suspends J Corbyn to the predictable cheers of the fickle Greek Chorus of commentators-but was he right to do so? And the  minor matter of the US presidential election..plus your brilliant questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A government with a big majority faces a dizzying array of critics less than a year since its election victory -some of its own MPs highlight forensically what's wrong with the 'world beating Test and Trace' system, Marcus Rashford is once again the voice of the poor with support across the country and Andy Burnham becomes a potent voice of protest but-in muddled Britain- without much power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A preview of the live stream of Rock N Roll Politics from the Kings Place Website at 7pm on Monday (and available for a few days after the live event). There'a lot to catch up on..Brexit, Covid latest, your questions and much more. Tickets here:  https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-online-streaming/ See you there! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson claims a balanced approach in response to the second wave of Covid...in doing so he repeats the same mistakes of earlier this year and will be tormented again with the words "too little ...too late"...I explore why Prime Ministers succumb to the dangerous allure of policies that have failed in the past...plus your questions and how to watch the live Rock N Roll Politics on Monday Oct 19th Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In another packed episode-latest on Covid testing, B Johnson's conference speech crammed with objectives without explaining how he'll meet any of them-and your brilliant questions inc Andrew Neil's new channel, Keir Starmer's knighthood..and pro-Europeans without a voice...and what you're up to while listening to this podcast..plus details of next live show at Kings Place on October 19th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The media is trained to spot tensions between PMs and Chancellors, but often gets the complex relationship wrong...plus Covid, the government's response and Monty Python's Flying Circus...and your brilliant questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the virus wreaks havoc again, why some MPs call for the army to intervene ...and why there'll be significant consequences as some Tory newspapers give B Johnson a hard time (though nowhere near as hard as they would have done to a Labour PM)...Plus your brilliant questions.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The government's 'oven ready' deal that would 'get Brexit done' is now being violated...by the government...and your brilliant questions on Boris Johnson, Brexit, Keir Starmer and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Number 10 that presided chaotically over Covid and its consequences does not go for introspective humility...Instead of learning lessons from its failures it moves on with naive self-confidence and counterproductive machismo as it threatens to renege on its own 'oven ready' Brexit deal....plus some of your brilliant questions answered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson is struggling. Does he realise yet that he is not equipped to meet the epic demands of leadership? Writing the paperback version of 'The Prime Ministers- Reflections on Leadership from Wilson to Johnson' I am struck by how miserable Prime Ministers are a lot of the time. They get to the top, feel euphoric...and then all hell breaks loose. Also given the performance of the government....should Labour be doing even better in the polls? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have the last twelve months been the most historic since the end of World War Two? Covid, Brexit, a big Tory election win....that takes a lot of beating..there's been the Suez Crisis, Sterling Crises, Three Day Weeks, Winter of Discontent, Iraq, Financial Crash...and what about the epic dramas of the early 1980s? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In UK politics B Johnson can escape scrutiny more easily than D Trump, Johnson's model of leadership in some respects. Johnson does not like being challenged and in one huge policy area he is getting his way. The UK economy faces another big hit because of the Johnson/Cummings approach to talks with the EU, but few are questioning what they are doing and what the likely consequences will be. On this Johnson has no need to fear scrutiny...and that is very dangerous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak walks on water but he does so by putting the case for borrowing and spending. How should Labour respond? There are big risks and opportunities for Starmer and his new team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Dominic Cummings the most powerful  Number 10 special adviser of modern times? I reflect on the relationship between PMs and their favourite special advisers. From Harold Wilson and Marcia Williams to Johnson and Cummings...the most illuminating relationships in politics.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I reflect on the chasm between B Johnson's bold objectives and his capacity to deliver..plus Dominic Cummings, the shallow revolutionary with angry, contradictory plans...and K Starmer's sacking of RLB and the complex implications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode I reflect on the contradictory leaks coming from Number 10, the Treasury and the wider government..and reveal the outcome of my exclusive poll on the fate of Boris Johnson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lookahead to the next virtual live Rock N Roll Politics on Wednesday June 17th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In England voters only turn against Conservative governments when they are seen as incompetent. With one of the highest virus death tolls and a hard Brexit looming is B Johnson in danger of losing the battle of competence..with electoral consequences? Also some thoughts on the BBC's new DG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are signs of tension between Johnson, ministers and some of the scientists over the lockdown exit and the Cummings' affair. At first they appeared to be dancing together as ministers proclaimed absurdly that they were 'following the science', but now the mood on the dance floor darkens...plus Emily Maitlis and the BBC  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why is B Johnson so dependent on D Cummings? Is his determination to keep him a sign of strength or weakness? The saga of Cummings dash to Durham shows at the very least that the Vote Leave campaign runs Number Ten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A preview of the live virtual show on the Kings Place website at 7pm on Monday May 18th. The last live virtual show was on the day B.Johnson returned to work..how is he doing? How is K Starmer doing? And will the UK and politics in the UK change permanently and if so in what way?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A look ahead to Monday's virtual show on the Kings Place website starting at 7 pm...The last live virtual show was on the day B Johnson returned to work...How's he doing? How's K Starmer doing? And will the virus emergency change the UK and politics permanently ..and in what way? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson outlined the Lockdown exit strategy in a grand televised address to the nation. Yet avoidable confusion followed. Why? I reflect on how Tony Blair and others in the New Labour era would 'bombproof' every statement before a public word was uttered and seek to answer why B Johnson and his team are more casual in their approach. Also my verdict on Keir Starmer's early days... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I reflect on Matt Hancock not meeting his testing target, claiming to do so..and the triumph he could have claimed for getting close to his goal. Targets work..and the scrapping of targets was one of the many calamitous decisions taken by the coalition government... Plus Brexit latest..and thoughts on my virtual live show from a room in my house.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rock n Roll Politics the Lockdown Special is on the Kings Place website at 7pm on Monday April 27th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I am hooked on the Number 10 daily press conferences even though they are dull and reveal little..perhaps my addiction is explained by the gap between the eerie, subdued mood at the conferences with the epic crisis being played out..it's a darkly compelling disjunction..and on other matters the former Cabinet minister Peter Hain reflects on Labour's decline and the need for radical Keynesian economic policies under Keir Starmer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode I look at how perceptions of B Johnson changed in terms of his role as a Prime Minister when he was moved to Intensive Care-he was viewed suddenly as more leadenly than he was; I interviewed T Blair for my Radio 4 programme on Labour's challenges 'Left out of Power'- here is the interview in full. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not for the first time ministers are hoist by their own petard as they try to exert control over the NHS only to discover they gave away their powers to do so..and Keir Starmer wins by a landslide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

B Johnson has been famous for so long it is easy to forget how inexperienced he is as a PM facing the big challenge since 1945...and now he gets the virus along with other key players. Keir Starmer faces a different challenge..making his mark at a time of national emergency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

n this episode: The coronavirus means all fashionable assumptions are turned on their head. We turn to the state to come to our rescue after decades in the UK when big government and public spending were seen as a threat...but even so B Johnson's confused libertarianism allows many fools to be 'free' to get the virus and pass it on...not so many laughs this time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

n the latest episode of Rock N Roll Politics I conclude I was wrong a week ago in suggesting that the virus would not become political...and a Tory Chancellor contradicts his predecessors and media orthodoxy by arguing that higher spending boosts economic growth-quite a moment  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brexit not done, a virus spreading across the globe, a Labour leader soon to be elected-what is the most politically significant?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

B Johnson began his leadership acting as if was a Prime Minister with a landslide majority. Machismo and assertions of 'strong leadership' become problematic when he has no majority at all. Meanwhile I'm the only person in the UK who can see a case for J Corbyn's Brexit proposition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Johnson is Prime Ministers and forms his Brexit cabinet ready to plan for a 'no deal' Brexit. The juxtaposition of.a government with a crusading mission and a hung parliament sets the scene for a period of epic political drama...and I'm getting ready for the Edinburgh Festival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a new Prime Minister prepares to acquire the crown Steve Richards reflects on Boris, the fantasy of scrutiny in the Tory Leadership contest or any leadership contest, and the latest on internal Labour traumas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Richards reflects on the gaping gap between the Tory leadership battle and the parliamentary reality the winner will face- and why an early election may not solve the hell of leading in a hung parliament..plus Labour latest and the lessons of the BBC's leadership debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The importance of a leader's character is often overplayed but not at the moment. Theresa May presses on with her version of Brexit with a ruthless determination that defies her fragile position. So far she has continued to prevail because she is more wilful than the weakest House of Commons in modern times.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I explain why T May still holds most of the Brexit cards even if MPs get an extension to Article 50..most likely outcome of this very early Brexit phase is that a version of her deal passes and UK is out by June..then the nightmarish trade talks begin.. BUT I'm more excited by citizens' juries leading to an informed referendum. An informed referendum in the UK is a contradiction in terms but these juries can work as a way of engaging voters before the mendacious political battle gets formally underway.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At an epic point in the Brexit saga I reflect on the still pivotal role of T May, the less pivotal but vital stance of J Corbyn, J Bercow and all MPs: Parliament might want to take us back from the cliff's edge but will the weak but obstinate May be willing to be an instrument of parliament? Can you hear her utter the words " I will negotiate Norway Plus" or "I'll call a referendum". If not-what will happen? As a bonus I watched Fiona Bruce present Question Time.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest podcast I try and struggle to make sense of crazy Brexit events- T May goes on to Today programme for a silly interview, the Attorney General spends explaining why he wont publish predictable legal advice before the government publishes the advice, and the government is first in history to propose a policy that makes the economy poorer. We haven't even had the vote on May's deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why the transformation of the Conservative parliamentary party over recent decades means T May will lose the vote on her deal...plus the reason why she could not have posed a simple question: What Brexit deal could have won a majority in this parliament? After the election the answer would have brought her down. By then she was trapped and on a course towards the vote on Dec 11th...and why a TV debate between her and J Corbyn is the reddest of red herrings.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Brexit drama reaches a nerve shredding and unpredictable climactic I reflect on the roles of T May, J Corbyn and G Brown's recent Brexit speech....and pledge to update regularly while UK at cliff's edge...get ready for bonus podcasts, the only upside to a national emergency.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this latest episode I reflect on wider implications of the Newsnight interview with George Osborne and the subsequent glorious response of Polly Toynbee- when it was suggested that she and the former Chancellor were now relatively 'close' politically...and related to this: Who's winning the battle of ideas? The winner of this battle also wins elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's podcast I explore the most destructive and potent theme in UK politics -'betrayal'. If T May insists on the false Brexit choice of 'her deal v no deal' those feeling 'betrayed' will be Hardline Brexiteers, Soft Brexiteers and Remainers. Even May wins the Commons' vote on her deal the story of 'betrayal' will trigger a thousand more political explosions...and also the Liberal Democrats struggling to become significant and more on my unscripted TV Talks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode I explore the Prime Ministers we never had. All the factors that blocked them apply to Boris Johnson making it much less likely that he will be the next PM. In connection with Boris' fate I also reflect on my next BBC series of unscripted TV talks on the theme of 'PMs We Never Had' and why ad libbing to camera in a single take is a good way-in my view- of conveying the drama and epic significance of politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode-Referendums are a nightmare and yet a second Brexit referendum is both desirable and feasible; Corbyn and anti semitism-the furore over the latest imprecise British political scandal becomes even less focussed and more vague; the hidden divide that is more significant than 'open versus closed'...and I apologise for failing to meet a pledge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My reflections on Brexit latest and the Labour anti semitism row-another in a long line of imprecise UK political scandals...and then a chance to hear Andrew Adonis in spellbinding form live at the recent Kings Place Politics Festival. One pro- European said to me afterwards 'For one hour I believed everything was possible'.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What are the merits, flaws and chances of a new political party being formed? At the recent Kings Place Politics Festival Ian Birrell, Rachel Sylvester, Jonathan Freedland and I explored the ups and downs of a new party. As part of this podcast the event is broadcast. Relax on a beach-or anywhere- and listen!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reflections on what will not happen in the Brexit saga. There'll be no National Government. There'll be no election. Theresa May's Brexit Plan will not last, but her Plan is a battered shield while the rest of us search for an alternative plan...And the BBC needs some much deeper thinking on what means is to be a publicly funded organisation reporting in wild times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reflections on latest Brexit eruptions... two cabinet resignations, the possibility of parliamentary paralysis in relation to Brexit and why a schism in the Conservative party is more likely than an early election Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are many lessons from the shambolic introduction of new railway timetables and most of them apply to all public services in the UK. They are so obvious and yet political and media culture in the UK -or England- does not all allow us to go near the obvious...and only a very little bit this week on Brexit before a very big bit to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Shadow Brexit Secretary, Keir Starmer, was one of the many star guests at the recent Kings Place Politics Festival. Speaking to me as around 100 000 people were marching in London calling for a 'people's referendum' on Brexit Keir Starmer explains how and why the Labour leadership takes a different position. He also talks about the leap from being the Director of Public Prosecutions to a Labour politician in a pivotal post... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What this week's NHS announcement tells us about the fragility of Theresa May and how the insights of Bruce Forsyth could save BBC's Question Time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I reveal exclusively that the meaningful vote on the Brexit deal will be …meaningful… look forward to England being knocked out of the World Cup and reflect on the glorious TV panels of the 1970s that were often better than the games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reflections on the real Jeremy Thorpe after the concluding episode of the brilliant BBC drama and the lessons to be learnt from the brief phase when he lit up the political stage. Somehow or other I move on from Thorpe to Brexit... all paths lead to Brexit. This will be a month of heightened drama in the Brexit saga. No wonder Brexit is already being turned into a TV serial. I wonder if it will be as good as A Very English Scandal - although the creators of the Brexit drama could use the same title. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A recording of a recent one man show at Kings Place, London - the wild world of politics reflected in relation to Brexit, Jeremy Corbyn, Royal Weddings, the chances of a new party, and much more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Richards questions some of the fashionable assumptions about Labour's Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell and talks to the legendary Observer columnist William Keegan about Brexit and the Chancellors he has known Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this first weekly podcast Steve Richards reflects on why Theresa May is no different from all other Prime Ministers in twisting and turning over Europe - while being more trapped than any of her predecessors. He speaks to Andrew Adonis about Brexit, the BBC, lessons from speaking to Brexiteers around the country and his journey to the left in some policy areas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices