Chris Maguire & Frank McKenna
Northern Spin
Chris Maguire and Frank McKenna are Northern-based political commentators and co-hosts of the Northern Spin podcast. Maguire is an award-winning journalist and Executive Editor of BusinessCloud, while McKenna is Chief Executive and Group Chairman of Downtown in Business. Launched in 2022, Northern Spin was created to give the North a stronger voice - cutting through Westminster noise with sharp analysis of politics, business and media from a distinctly Northern perspective. Now, as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham battles to win the Makerfield by-election — and positions himself for a pot...
Author
Chris Maguire & Frank McKenna
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jun 22, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Northern Spin - Season 3 - Episode 8: Press Freedom Under Attack and Beware of Grifters 04.04.2023 1:00:51
This week the ‘Carlos Tevez of business journalism’ and Chris discuss the world’s worst photo shoot for a PM and politicians getting crabby with the press. PLUS: Cricket’s big racism row
Northern Spin - Season 3 - Episode 7: Locked horns, is Sunak beating Starmer? 28.03.2023 1:03:01
This week Michael and Chris have taken the gloves off and properly slug it out over Starmer, Sunak and GB News. Also, a look ahead to the Northern battlegrounds in the upcoming local elections. PLUS: why new adaptation of Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice is a warning from history.
Northern Spin - Season 3 - Episode 6: Burnham's devo boost, while Johnson faces truth 22.03.2023 54:31
All eyes looked North last week as the deeper devo deal put Greater Manchester into a new era. Plus: Michael and Chris pick apart Boris Johnson's defence and explain why Suella Braverman only invited client journalists on to her Rwanda trip.
Northern Spin Extra: Budget special with economist Nicola Headlam 16.03.2023 39:17
It’s been described as Jeremy Hunt’s ‘Back to work Budget’ but will it get the British economy going at long last? Economist Nicola Headlam from Red Flag Alerts joins Michael and Chris for a special analysis of the Budget and what it might mean for the North.
Northern Spin - Season 3 - Episode 5: Cruella Braverman, Gary Lineker and compassion 14.03.2023 57:59
As the BBC sways one way and the other over Gary Lineker, Northern Spin looks on as the Tories get nasty again. Also, Chris Maguire accuses Michael Taylor of letting Andy Burnham off the hook, there's a lament for Oi Polloi, and insight on what the rescue of Silicon Valley Bank means for the Northern tech scene.
Northern Spin - Season 3 - Episode 4: Heroes or villains? 08.03.2023 1:05:15
Season 3 - Episode 4: Heroes or villains? Michael and Chris discuss the case for and against Isabel Oakeshott and Sue Gray
Northern Spin Extra: Naomi Timperley talks Ukraine, Dragons’ Den and Steven Bartlett 03.03.2023 39:11
Northern Spin Extra: Naomi Timperley talks Ukraine, Dragons’ Den and Steven Bartlett
Northern Spin - Season 3 - Episode 3: Starmer’s Missionary Position, Sunak’s Big Gamble and the Politics of Football 28.02.2023 56:23
Season 3, episode 3 of Northern Spin looks at Starmer’s missionary position, Sunak’s big gamble the loathsome Boris Johnson and why Man United’s cup win matters
Northern Spin - Season 3 - Episode 2: Sturgeon, Labour's Invisible Shadow Cabinet and Steven Bartlett 21.02.2023 1:05:26
Northern Spin looks at what Nicola Sturgeon's departure means for northern politics, and what the decline in local newspapers teaches us about accountability and trust
Northern Spin - Season 3 - Episode 1: Political integrity - RIP 15.02.2023 55:55
Michael and Chris discuss the best and worst of modern politics and journalism
Northern Spin - Season 2 - Episode 10 - Comedy Double Act Truss and Corbyn Return 07.02.2023 56:02
Michael and Chris finally find something to agree about as former PM Liz Truss and ex Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn make comebacks.
Northern Spin - Season 2 - Episode 9 - Inside the Convention of the North 31.01.2023 56:04
During Rishi Sunak's worst week Michael and Chris take you on a view behind the scenes at the Convention of the North and point out which northerners used it to go "on manoeuvres".
Northern Spin - Season 2 - Episode 8 - Blocked and shocked! 24.01.2023 49:46
Fresh from the studios of the BBC Michael and Chris return to pick apart the levelling up bids and discuss a few politicians 'on manoeuvres'. Who could block this? Someone has!
BETTER BUSINESS SUMMIT SPECIAL 20.01.2023 12:43
Recorded in front of a live audience at the Better Business Summit, Michael and Chris talk to Hannah Cox from the summit about her mission to make business a force for good.
Northern Spin - Season 2 - Episode 7 - A Love Letter to Good Journalism 18.01.2023 52:02
A new logo, a new sponsor, but just the same razor sharp analysis of politics and Northern life from Michael and Chris.
Northern Spin - Season 2 - episode 6. QUIZ TIME 10.01.2023 1:07:38
Michael’s unhealthy knowledge of all things Labour reaches new levels while Chris names the Tory MPs ‘on manoeuvres’
Northern Spin - Season 2 - Episode 5: 2022 review. 20.12.2022 1:07:05
Chris and Michael reflect on an unprecedented year of 4 Chancellors, 3 PMs, and 2 monarchs
Northern Spin Extra - Special guest, Elise Wilson 15.12.2022 35:29
Refreshingly smart, naturally funny, very down to earth and French. As Labour council leader Elise Wilson made Stockport comfortable around the Greater Manchester table. But what's next?
Northern Spin - Season 2 - Episode 4: STRIKE OUT 14.12.2022 51:52
Michael and Chris discuss the growing industrial action; Labour cosies up to business; and a date with Stockport's Blossoms.
Northern Spin Extra - Special guest, Vimla Appadoo 08.12.2022 35:18
Facing up to racism, affordable childcare and becoming the UK’s first female Asian PM
Northern Spin - Season 2 - Episode 3: Browned Off 06.12.2022 43:52
Gordon Brown’s devolution plans; Northern anger grows at rail chaos; Tories get Chester ‘pelting’
Northern Spin LIVE - Power to the People 02.12.2022 45:42
Michael and Chris held their first live event at The People’s Powerhouse, which is committed to creating a better and more equal North.
Northern Spin - Season 2 - Episode 2: Bras, Burnham & Boycotts 29.11.2022 46:17
This week’s Northern Spin asks: Have the Conservatives turned their back on Levelling Up? Why are so many Tories quitting politics? and Is Andy Burnham set to return to Westminster?
Northern Spin Extra - Special Guest, Economist Nicola Headlam 24.11.2022 41:19
How Boris Johnson broke the Northern Powerhouse, and other insights
Northern Spin - Season 2 - Episode 1: 'It’s All Kicking Off’ 22.11.2022 40:34
‘It’s all kicking off’ As a new season of Northern Spin starts, Michael Taylor and Chris Maguire discuss the Autumn Statement, councils face cash crisis, World Cup and is art coming home to Manchester?
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