Northern Spin

Keir Starmer’s resignation has cleared the way for Andy Burnham to become Britain’s seventh Prime Minister in just 10 years. In this special episode of Northern Spin, co-hosts Chris Maguire and Frank McKenna discuss: Is Andy Burnham ready for the top job? What could a Burnham Cabinet look like? Who makes Burnham’s A-team? What next for Nigel Farage and Reform UK? How did Burnham secure a landslide...

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has staked his political future on winning the Makerfield by-election - and, potentially, a tilt at becoming Prime Minister. But who is Burnham, and how did he get here? In this special episode of Northern Spin, co-hosts Chris Maguire and Frank McKenna profile the man dubbed the King of the North. They discuss: • How Boys from the Blackstuff changed the direct...

All eyes are on the North as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham fights to win the Makerfield by-election and keep alive his path to No.10. But any ambitions Burnham has of becoming Prime Minister depend on stopping Reform in the most important by-election in a generation. In this episode, co-hosts Chris Maguire and Frank McKenna tackle the big questions: Can Brand Burnham win over Makerfield, L...

Northern Spin this week has added insight from special guest Lou Cordwell, who as chair of the Greater Manchester Business Board has been in the room when big decisions have been made, as well as friendly discussions with government.. So much to get through, Goodbye Cruella and welcome back "Lord" Cameron. PLUS: Is Manchester in danger of becoming the London of the North?

This week's Northern Spin is a deep dive into why politicians are making such a play for business, and what the private sector might want in return. We discuss the horrors emerging from the Covid Enquiry, the political tightrope Keir Starmer is walking over the Middle East crisis and explain why Suella Braverman is saying such dreadful things about homeless people. PLUS: In the culture bit, positi...

A deep dive into the national broadcaster. Is it covering “both sides” fairly in the Gaza war? Plus: Rachel Reeves feels the pressure over plagiarism row, and a heartfelt plea to check your alcohol use following Matthew Perry’s tragic death.

After crushing by-election defeats in Tamworth and Mid Beds Chris crunches the numbers and works out what it means for the Conservatives in the Red Wall north and the leafy northern shires. Plus, insight from would be MPs on seats where Labour dares to dream, the dangers facing Keir Starmer as his support for Israel prompts the resignation of a Manchester councillor, why it's York Library Service...

Reeves and Rayner get rave reviews, Burnham on best behaviour. PLUS: The remarkable work of the Mines Advisory Group, and how northern politicians have balanced their messaging around the unfolding horrors in Israel and Gaza.

As Labour woos businesses and unions in Liverpool, the Tories reflect on a disastrous conference in Manchester. Plus: Michael reports on his recent trip to Israel.

Cancelling Net Zero measures, considering tax cuts for the wealthiest 4% and casting doubt over HS2, is Rishi Sunak being true to himself or just badly advised? PLUS: the Liberal Democrats on manoeuvres, the conspiracy mob at work again and the strange tale of the University of Bolton maybe changing its name.

Another packed podcast with reports from the Preston front on why it’s not a radical city. Chris is impressed by smooth talking Tories, while Michael revisits Alderley Edge, home of Boris Johnson’s newest peer. Plus: the voice Craig Fairbrass, Gary Neville on manoeuvres, and the brass neck of Liz Truss.

In defence of Dan Hewitt, why Tony Blair is the most powerful man in the Labour Party, why the Labour reshuffle is all about the North and some rare praise for a Tory from Michael Taylor. PLUS: the local government funding crisis and a refresh on which snowflakes we're blocked by.

With special guest Joshi Herrmann from the Manchester Mill the talk turns to a crisis in local journalism, the Labour reshuffle and a disastrous summer for the Tories. Plus: why the next six months is all about delivery for Andy Burnham.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham speaks to Northern Spin. In one of the most far-reaching interviews he’s ever done he talks: Is he on manoeuvres? Devolution; Keir Starmer; ambitions; Gary Neville; universities, cricket; Mary Earps; his faith and much, much more.

In another shocking week for the Conservatives, we take a look at why Gillian Keegan picked a fight with Andy Burnham, some insights into the strange behaviour of water company United Utilities and what led to another Labour dissenter getting the rough treatment from Sir Keir Starmer's bully boys. PLUS: Strong views on Lord Zac Goldsmith, Thick Right stalwart Lee Anderson and Kim McGuiness in the...

Seven years since the political earthquake of the vote to Leave the EU, so much division still exists. These two Remain voters suggest a path to reconciliation and a sensible future with European neighbours. PLUS: More Tyson Fury, local MP in Twitter block scandal, the university sector's financial time bomb, why the submariners seem to matter more than drowning refugees and witness account of a f...

Rishi Sunak’s problems are far from over, rising mortgage rates are hitting home owners and soaring anger over parties and sleaze aren’t helping. Plus: a visit to Tyson Fury’s favourite seaside burger joint, some anger about vaping, big food companies and the antics of the Daily Mail.

Boris ‘Pinnochio’ Johnson has debased public life, but is there still life in the Tories who were elected on his watch? Plus: reports from summer festivals, including close encounters with Michael Gove, Rachel Reeves, Sir John Major, Alastair Campbell and Susanna Hoffs.

Does the exclusion of Jamie Driscoll in the scrap to be North East Mayor reveal Keir Starmer's strength, or his paranoid weakness? Plus, Andy Burnham seems to get a mention in every single story, why Gordon Brown was in Birkenhead and why Mavis and Deano are the key names to watch in politics.

On this week's Northern Spin, Michael reports back from Angela Rayner's barnstorming speech at the Labour Creatives event, a Tory attempt to spin bad news about the railway falls flat and Chris has some very serious advice following his own experiences with skin cancer.

Michael and Chris talk about spats. Why doesn’t Keir Starmer get on with Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner? Why doesn’t THG’s Matt Moulding get on with the FT? Why doesn’t Ben ‘Blocker’ Houchen get on with anyone not a Tory?

These are serious times, calling for serious solutions. So why are the Bring Back Boris brigade on manoeuvres? Plus, praise for the FT’s coverage of Ben “Blocker” Houchen’s Teesside travails, why the trains won’t get better straight away, and why we should be worried about cricket.

We’re back after a short break of moonlighting on other podcasts and obsessive election analysis. Also, Andy Burnham’s next six years, the NHS in crisis and who’s funding Labour’s pro-business charm offensive?

In the season 3 finale of Northern Spin Michael and Chris take you to the places across the North where the local elections will be most fiercely fought, with insights into voter ID, LibDem bar charts, low turnouts and insurgent independents. PLUS: just for the regulars. a ding dong over doctors.

It's a tense stand off in the Northern Spin studio this week as Chris loses his mind over the Labour hit job on Rishi Sunak, Michael introduces a rap battle into the script and both have a thing or two to say about Scott Benton, the CBI, Fergal Sharkey and Carol Vorderman.