Whitehall Sources

Welcome to a special bonus episode from the Sources podcast family, brought to you by D.C. Sources! On the midterm special D.C. Sources podcast, Maura Gillespie, Meghan Hays and Eli Stokols are joined by Reid Epstein of the New York Times, Maya Davis of the Wall Street Journal and Lauren McCauley of the Maine Morning Star. The team unpack a sweeping set of results for the Democrats, the questions...

This week on the Whitehall Sources podcast, Joe Hawkins stands in for Calum Macdonald and is joined by James Nation and Jo Tanner for an assessment of what was in the Budget, what it taught us and what lies ahead for Andy Burnham. -- Whitehall Sources is a podcast which takes you behind the door of Number 10 Downing Street. Senior advisers to our most recent Prime Ministers share their experiences...

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, discusses the importance of supporting British industry, the role of oil and gas in the economy, and the need for a pragmatic energy policy that balances environmental concerns with economic growth. He emphasizes the significance of industrial jobs, the challenges faced by traditional indust...

On this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, we explore the complex dynamics of international security, US-UK relations, and the future of military technology with expert Mike Martin, a Liberal Democrat MP and defence analyst. Plus, his inside story of what it was like to stand against Iain Dale in the last General Election... -- Whitehall Sources is a podcast which takes you behind the door...

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, James Nation and Jo Tanner analyse the key outcomes of the recent Conservative Party Conference, focusing on Kemi Badenoch's speech, policy announcements, and the broader political landscape ahead of the next election. Whitehall Sources is a podcast which takes you behind the door of Number 10 Downing Street. Senior advisers to...

On this special episode of the Sources Podcasts, we're taking you to Liverpool for 24 hours at Labour Party Conference 2026. Hear the secrets of Political Christmas with Politico's Megan McElroy, More In Common's Louis O'Geran, Labour MP Jonathan Hinder, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, former Andy Burnham advisor Kevin McKeever and more. Presented by Joe Hawkins. ************* Whi...

Journalists and Labour Party members return from Liverpool buoyed by Andy Burnham's speech at Party Conference, but has he answered the questions that lie immediately ahead, or even created new ones? Whitehall Sources is a podcast which takes you behind the door of Number 10 Downing Street. Senior advisers to our most recent Prime Ministers share their experiences and analyse current events. T...

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, we explore the upcoming Labour Party conference, the impact of recent polling data, and the strategic considerations for political parties in the UK. The House Magazine's Sienna Rodgers and James Nation, share insights on party dynamics, electoral strategies, and the current political landscape.-- Whitehall Sources is a podcast which takes you behind the d...

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner and James Nation break down a turbulent week in Westminster. The team dives deep into the escalating economic pressures facing the UK government ahead of the upcoming Budget—from Middle East supply chain disruptions driving up energy bills to the Bank of England holding interest rates steady. Plus, they examine the growing global deb...

Reform UK is facing growing pressure after a Channel 4 investigation into allegations surrounding foreign donations, while Nigel Farage and the party attempt to deal with the fallout. In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation discuss the latest developments in Westminster politics. The team examines whether Reform UK is losing momentum, what the controversy...

As Parliament reconvenes, Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares for his high-stakes House of Commons debut. From facing PMQs for the first time as PM to managing backbench tensions, energy policy shifts, and the upcoming budget, the honeymoon period is facing its biggest test yet.  In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation break down what to expect from...

Is Andy Burnham shifting real economic power from the Treasury to "Number 10 North," or is it just political symbolism? In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum MacDonald, Jo Tanner and James Nation break down the latest news from Westminster (and Manchester). They discuss Andy Burnham's ambitious pledge to end rough sleeping by Christmas, the looming autumn budget challenges, risin...

Nigel Farage wins 63% of the vote in the Clacton by-election, but skips his own victory speech as security claims collide with police statements. Meanwhile, Count Binface takes second place, and the Parliamentary Standards investigation is officially back on. In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation break down the chaos behind the Clacton result, what it m...

Labour takes a lead in the polls, but is the "Burnham Bounce" here to stay? In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the team dissects a massive week in UK politics: The Burnham Factor: Why Labour defenestrated Keir Starmer, whether Andy Burnham’s strong approval ratings (+20) can hold up, and what happens when tough spending choices arrive. Opposition Struggles: How Conservatives, Reform...

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources Podcast, Callum McDonald, James Nation and Jo Tanner are joined and special guest Charlotte Pickles (CEO of ReState).   Together, they unpack Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s landmark announcements on fiscal devolution—giving local mayors control over income tax and business rates—and his bold strategy to finally fix adult social care in England.&nbs...

Andy Burnham has officially become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, marking the country’s 7th PM since 2016.  Join host Calum Macdonald live from Downing Street on this special episode of The Sources Podcasts as we break down every moment of this historic handover of power. From Keir Starmer’s departure speech to Andy Burnham’s note-free address to the nation, we cover the immediate...

Is Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s economic vision realistic, or is a fiscal reckoning waiting in John Healey's autumn budget?   In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation discuss Andy Burnham's new cabinet... what will his new top-team mean for the country? Later they welcome Ben Zaranko, Economics Editor at The Observer, to break down the fiscal re...

As Andy Burnham prepares to enter Downing Street on Monday, the Whitehall Sources team goes behind the scenes of yet another transfer of power in Westminster. In this episode, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation break down the high-stakes chess game of Burnham’s upcoming cabinet reshuffle. Will Shabana Mahmood be named Chancellor? Is Ed Miliband a massive risk or an indispensable domestic...

On today's episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner and James Nation discuss the fallout to Nigel Farage's triggering a by-election in his own seat of Clacton. With most parties not standing his main challenger seems to be Count Binface.... Does this by-election even matter and should it get media attention, or is it a political stunt from the Reform UK leader that is b...

As Andy Burnham prepares for a potential move into Downing Street, the team breaks down his massive devolution speech in Manchester. Is "Number 10 North" a stroke of political genius or just rearranging deckchairs? In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation dive into the intense speculation surrounding Burnham’s upcoming cabinet. Will Ed Miliband grab the Ch...

Is Andy Burnham destined to be the next Prime Minister? In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Maconald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation break down the imminent "coronation" of the former Greater Manchester Mayor as the potential next leader of the Labour Party. We are joined by Financial Times Northern England Correspondent Jennifer Williams to unpack what a decade of covering Burnham reveals ab...

Sir Keir Starmer has announced he is standing down as Prime Minister. In this emergency episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, political strategist Jo Tanner, and former No. 10 deputy policy chief James Nation take you inside the room for one of the most shocking days in modern Westminster history. How did Starmer’s authority evaporate just two years into his premiership? From the catastro...

FEED SWAP: We introduce you to the Political Business podcast, hosted by Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever ------- Andy Burnham has secured a historic landslide victory in the Makerfield by-election, taking 55% of the vote and delivering a massive blow to Reform UK. Is this the end of the road for Prime Minister Keir Starmer?  In this episode of Political Business, hosts Nathan Parsad-Wy...

In this Whitehall Sources special, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner and James Nation are joined by Adam Dunlop (CEO of Carents) and Dr. Jackie Gray (Carents Founder) to pull back the curtain on the UK's adult carer crisis. They dive deep into the economic, emotional, and structural battles facing 4 million adult children in the UK today.  Over 70% of carents are forced to leave the workforce or dow...

On today’s episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, James Nation and Jo Tanner react to the breaking news that John Healey has resigned as Cabinet Secretary.  In a bombshell revelation, Healey’s resignation letter claimed that the government has been unwilling to “commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country”.  What does this shock announcement mean...