The Political Breakdown

It was the former Labour Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, who said “a week is a long time in politics.” Well, the last couple of weeks have felt like a year. Keir Starmer has announced he’s stepping down as Labour leader and Prime Minister.  And after winning the Makerfield by election, self-proclaimed King of the North Andy Burnham looks set to be the next leader and PM.  So will anyone challenge h...

Less than two years after a landslide victory, Labour is tearing itself apart. Resignations, leadership rumours, and a potential showdown in Makerfield — is this the beginning of the end for Keir Starmer? Former BBC journalists Douglas Beattie and Simon Thomson go beyond the headlines to unpack the chaos: who’s manoeuvring, what’s really driving the unrest, and why voters have been turning away. F...

In this episode Simon Thomson and Douglas Beattie examine the forthcoming Makerfield by-election, explaining how this extraordinary contest might shape British politics in the years ahead.  Who might win, and if Andy Burnham triumphs for Labour does that spark an immediate leadership bid?   For an on the ground perspective Douglas and Simon are joined by Yakub Qureshi – journalist, editor and edit...