Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

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/wh...

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......

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...

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.theoldmarke...

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-2...

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.theol...

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Politi...

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!...

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 bef...

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://ropeta...

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.ki...

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...

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-harol...

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...

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...

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-r...

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...

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-ri...

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...

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: Birmi...

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-2-783652...

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, Ma...

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/ Be...

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://w...