Political Currency

The second era of Trump is a little over a week old, and the president-elect is making waves with his cabinet appointments. An attorney general who has been investigated by the House ethics committee for sexual misconduct allegations (which he vehemently denies)? Welcome, Matt Gaetz. Trump’s pick for defence secretary? Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host who’s a proponent of American-made ammo.

George Osborne and Ed Balls consider what the spillover will be for the UK. Will the recently cooked-up Chagos Islands deal get messy? And will Britain find itself more exposed to America than the US itself when it comes to the economic fallout?

And while Nigel Farage still appears to be jostling to become UK ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson is strongly tipped for the job. Do unusual times call for an ambassador with a little ‘British allure’?

Back home, and the Labour government has increased tuition fees for the first time since 2017. With that, and the cut in the winter fuel payment, George says he’s really starting to get on board with the Starmer government…

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty

Producers: Miriam Hall, Rosie Stopher and James Shield

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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

Donald Trump’s return has provoked days of soul searching among Democratic voters. But the pollster with one of the most accurate predictions of the outcome, James Johnson of JL Partners, has asked George Osborne and Ed Balls to shake off the gloom and consider any positives. Is there a silver lining in a second Trump presidency? George has some ideas, while Ed is struggling… 

Votebeat editorial director Jessica Huseman asks: does the world see the US as an international example of democracy any more? Did it ever? 

And Susanna Reid from Good Morning Britain has rung in to ask what Trump’s re-election tells us about what voters truly want.

Plus: with Kemi Badenoch now leading the Tories, George and Ed answer the question: what does the shadow cabinet …actually do? 

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producer: Miriam Hall and James Shield

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

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It’s beginning to sink in: Donald Trump 2.0 is now upon us. George Osborne and Ed Balls think seismic shifts in the global economy could be ahead. Could his aggressive trade policies chip away at the UK’s growth plans?

Trump has also claimed he could end the Ukraine war in a day. Does that mean a peace deal – or appeasement? Meanwhile Nigel Farage is offering up his services as a British ambassador to Trumpworld. Would despatching Farage to Mar-a-Lago be a relief for Keir Starmer?

And the new Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, faced her first PMQs this week. Ed and George review her debut performance at the despatch box.

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Technical Producer: Mikey Nissenbaum

Producers: Miriam Hall and James Shield

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

Donald Trump is set to make his return to the White House after a stunning overnight victory against Kamala Harris in the US election, just as George Osborne and Ed Balls predicted. But was this just a simple case of ‘It’s the economy, stupid!’

Ed thinks the Harris loss could be a warning to UK’s Labour party members –  if they don’t get UK living standards up, could they go the way of the Biden Democrats too? George, meanwhile, thinks Trump’s win exposes a fundamental challenge for the Left that it is now too focused on identity politics and not on people's living standards.

They also question: will Donald Trump seek vengeance for Labour’s ill-advised involvement in the election? Nigel Farage was the only British politician with a major presence in the US overnight. Does his time at the Trump victory party mean Reform will be getting some help from Trump in years to come? 

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Technical Producer:  Mikey Nissenbaum

Producers: Miriam Hall 

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

Rishi Sunak spoke at his last PMQs. But George Osborne reveals why it may not be the last time we see him in No 10... He and Ed Balls discuss whether perceptions of politicians can ever change.

Former cabinet member Caroline Spelman asks if a spoiled ballot is a waste of time. And Laura Trevelyan, co-host of the podcast Heirs of Enslavement asks whether countries should apologise for their role in the transatlantic slave trade.

Plus - Love the pod? We thought so. Ed and George clarify whether a declaration of love at the top of your question is a prerequisite for getting a spot on the show...

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty

Producers: Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino Sofos

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

The dust has settled on Rachel Reeves’ budget, and despite a strong performance from the Chancellor, George Osborne and Ed Balls have noticed a few glaring omissions. Child poverty? Didn’t really rate a mention. How about some of the New Labour classics like getting people back to work? Pensioners? Nope. So how did this crucial economic pitch to the nation stack up? Ed and George consider how the fallout might impact Labour all the way to the next election.

Meanwhile, the polls are telling us the historic US election is set to be a squeaker, with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in a dead heat. The betting platforms and markets are telling a different story, however. George has the latest on who the world’s major financiers are expecting to be in the White House come January … 

And speaking of going to the polls, Japan’s snap election just backfired – did anyone in the UK notice? Ed and George question if we should be paying more attention to this major world economy.

Remember, you can catch up on our Budget Hot Take here: tr.ee/pc-live

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty

Producers: Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino Sofos

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

Has Rachel Reeves done enough to get away with announcing £40 billion of new taxes?

In a special YouTube LIVE episode, Ed Balls and George Osborne give their immediate reaction to the Chancellor's first budget. Was it “big and bold and historic” or a “cross your fingers and hope for the best" moment?

Who wins and loses from the budget? And how big a gamble is it for Labour's fortunes?

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty

Producers: Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino Sofos

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

Has the reaction to the Winter Fuel Payment cut scared Labour from making more big budget moves on welfare? And what ever happened to the tradition of the Chancellor knocking back a brandy while delivering the Budget? Ed and George discuss the best drinks of choice when outlining an economic plan to the nation… and what other Treasury traditions are in place. 

Plus, is it a brief, is it a leak or is it just a plain old trail? The pair breakdown the terms and mull some of the most famous, career-ending leaks in British political history. 

And with the US election just over a week away, what is the level of support for Donald Trump amongst the UK population? Do more Brits than we think secretly admire the Republican nominee’s approach? 

Finally, for all you listeners desperate to join our Record Club, Ed has followed up his first suggestion of Kuunnelmia by Jukka Perko with another Scandi recommendation: Hoven Droven.

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producer: Rosie Stopher, Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick 

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

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

Drumroll, please. After keeping his cards pretty close to his chest throughout the Tory leadership campaign, George Osborne is ready to name who he thinks should seize the Tory crown. With the race now whittled down to just two people – Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick – George explains why a possible exit from the European Convention on Human Rights has swayed his choice and what might put him off voting Conservative at all...

Meanwhile, members of the Labour party are in hot water after Donald Trump accused them of election interference. Ed Balls thinks the party’s decision to get involved in a foreign country’s election could be described in a few ways (mainly as naive, gauche and definitely a mistake.) 

And, less than a week away from the first Labour budget in 14 years, has the party done enough to convince voters, the markets and business leaders there’s a plan for economic growth? 

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty

Producers: Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

Frenemies George Osborne and Ed Balls talk about great political friendships and rivalries. What was the unspoken understanding between former Prime Minister David Cameron and George that made their allegiance last? And which Conservative friendships were soured by Brexit?

They answer the question: Are economists just making it up as they go along? How can Rachel Reeves just change the definition of fiscal rules? And with questions from all over the world this week, Ed and George ponder: should we be rethinking about how we teach second languages? 

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producer: Rosie Stopher, Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick 

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

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

How can Rachel Reeves solve her £40 billion budget gap without breaking Labour’s manifesto promise? Ed Balls and George Osborne take a deep dive into the tax hikes she has and hasn’t ruled out - and whether she can fairly class raising employer National Insurance contributions as manifesto-friendly.

Elsewhere, Labour continues to woo the business community - this time at its International Investment summit. But can an event like this overcome the very real barriers to growth that the UK faces? 

And, with the passing of controversial SNP titan Alex Salmond, Ed and George look back on his legacy, and the state of his former party.

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty

Producers: Rosie Stopher, Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

The killing of HS2 was one of the defining features of the former government’s final days but there’s now talk the high speed rail line to Manchester might happen after all. Northern Powerhouse Chief Executive Henri Murison asks what Ed Balls and George Osborne make of the chatter that it could be revived, in the form of the so-called ‘HS2 light’.

How should we truly define a “pensioner”? Does it just mean someone who is actually receiving a pension, or someone who is of pension earning age? And should pensioners with wealth be treated in the same way as those without?

Plus, Ed and George share their favourite moments of political barb and banter. What was George’s scariest moment as a politician? 

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall 

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

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James Cleverly has made a stunning exit from the Tory leadership race, leaving Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick as the final two to duke it out. George Osborne and Ed Balls consider if that’s thanks to some cunning political strategising or just a good old-fashioned cock up. Now, of the two who is more likely to take the crown? George thinks Jenrick is more “malleable” – is that what an opposition leader needs to be?  Is Badenoch Mrs T(hatcher) or T(russ)? 

Meanwhile, the lead up to the budget is intensifying with the IFS Green Budget being published this week. Can Rachel Reeves change her fiscal rules without spooking the markets? 

Finally, what is the role of Downing Street’s Chief of Staff? With Sue Gray's departure, what can Morgan McSweeney learn from his predecessors to right her wrongs and rebuild the government’s image? 

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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

Ed Balls and George Osborne consider their biggest political mistakes and their proudest moments in office with a question from former Deputy Prime Minister Therese Coffey. What tax move did George make – against all prevailing advice, mind you –  that he remains pleased with to this day? And what would Ed have done differently in the handling of the Baby P tragedy? 

Speaking of mistakes, some of our attentive listeners have sent in a few corrections for Ed and George to face. In a move unfamiliar to most politicians, they’re willing to admit when they are wrong, judiciously of course… 

And live from the Tory party conference this week, the Conservative Mayor of Tees Valley Ben Houchen asks if Rachel Reeves is really supportive of devolution? Sounds like the jury is still out as to whether or not the Treasury is really behind it… 

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall 

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

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Keir Starmer has caved and returned thousands of pounds in freebies given to him by a Labour donor, in an attempt to close a rather embarrassing chapter for the government. But has he successfully hosed it down? Ed Balls and George Osborne consider whether it's a textbook case of what not to do when you have a PR snafu on your hands. 

Meanwhile, tensions are escalating in the Middle East. Is there a risk of the conflict intensifying, or is the situation under control? And what does it mean for the West?

And with the highly anticipated budget now merely weeks away, they take a look at what Rachel Reeves has on her plate. Is this shaping up to be the “relaunch” budget Labour needs, or are we on the verge of a new era of anti-growth…

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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

Has the Tory leadership contest just been decided? Our man on the ground George Osborne is reporting directly back to Ed Balls from today’s Conservative Party Conference leadership hustings. Is the crown James Cleverly’s for the taking after a storming speech? 

Plus, George is joined by Tory watchers-extraordinaire, Michael Gove and Danny Finkelstein, for their post-hustings analysis.

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Video Producer: Mikey Nissenbaum

Producer: Rosie Stopher

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino Sofos

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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

Ed Balls and George Osborne open up this week on their most ardent, contrarian views. Is reincarnation real? Political reincarnation, perhaps. George shares how his thoughts have moved with the times and how he has reached some fresh conclusions on cannabis   – conclusions with which, it turns out, Ed completely disagrees. 

And, they field questions straight from the Labour party conference. Tips for the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones? Ed and George are happy to oblige. And what do they make of the demands for food security and environmental improvements amid rumours about cuts to the agricultural budget?  

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall 

Technical producer: Ollie Geraghty

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

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

Who’s hungry enough to seize the Tory crown? As the Conservative Party Conference nears, the leadership contest is heating up. Of the four hopefuls, who will get the backing of the party’s elder statesmen Michael Gove and Boris Johnson? George knows who Boris wants as leader, and that person isn’t currently in the race… 

Labour’s wrapped up its party conference, which was light on announcements and heavy on gloom. Both George Osborne and Ed Balls are wondering why so sad? A trip to the UN seems like a break at this point for Keir Starmer, so what can they do to turn those frowns upside down?

And across the Atlantic, it's a story of Trump’s tariffs and Kamala’s capitalism – with the US presidential race reaching the pointy end, how much is the economy playing a role in the campaign? 

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Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency

Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall

Technical producer: Ollie Geraghty

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

Rachel Reeves took to the stage at the Labour Party Conference in a wet and gloomy Liverpool, hoping to brighten her party’s fortunes. After a tumultuous few weeks for the new government with rows over ‘Keir’s gear’, Sue Gray and the Winter Fuel Payment, the new chancellor hoped to prove that after 14 years of the Tories, Labour were all set to deliver a bright new future. But it was a speech that was heavy on rhetoric, light on policy and disrupted by a pro-Palestine protestor. 

Has she done enough to shake off accusations that she’s the next ‘austerity chancellor’? Ed Balls and George Osborne pick over her speech and ask whether she’s managed to convince voters they’ve made the right choice… 

Our next episode of EMQs will be a Labour Party Conference special - Political Currency Gold subscribers get first dibs on questions. Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. 

Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency

Producer: Rosie Stopher

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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

Rachel Reeves takes to the Labour party conference stage today, but hopefully not before she has chance to listen to Ed Balls and George Osborne’s sage advice on how to give a great conference speech. We take a stroll down memory lane and reflect on some of the most rousing speeches in British party conference political history – from the funny to the formative. 

Which MPs have tattoos? Ed and George list out the candidates most likely, bu have either of them got a decorative dolphin or butterfly somewhere discreet?!

And does anyone in the Treasury actually read budget representations? Or is it a huge waste of time and effort?

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall 

Technical producer: Danny Pape

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

As Labour feels the heat over Keir Starmer’s freebies scandal, there's a sense of glee in Tory party circles now the "holier-than-thou" party has something of a mess to clean up. Ed Balls and George Osborne mull how the government can reset their image, especially now the Sue Gray pay row is also threatening to rain on Starmer's conference parade ....

Across the benches they reflect on the celebratory Liberal Democrat conference and whether the party has finally gotten over Nick Clegg. Could they be a thorn in the side for Labour and the Conservatives?

Plus, amid the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery they examine the dilemma Energy Secretary Ed Miliband faces in appeasing Labour’s Scottish vote and upholding their climate pledges. 

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Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency

Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall

Technical producer: Danny Pape

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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

Are eloquent middle class people hogging valuable public service resources? Ed Balls and George Osborne debate the case for co-payments to ease the burden. How can both Ed and George be correct on their analyses of the 2010 financial situation? And why do politicians continue to trot out their media spin lines when it’s clear to everyone that they’re not answering the question?

Plus, Ed and George share their favourite conference memories as party conferences get underway. 

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall 

Technical producer: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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

The NHS must “reform or die”, says Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Is he channelling his “inner Tony Blair” in a gutsy move on our health service or is this another policy which will end in controversy, much like the winter fuel allowance or early prison releases? 

Across the pond, the US Presidential TV debate gave Kamala Harris an edge as she took on Donald Trump for the first time. But perhaps even more of a win was Taylor Swift’s endorsement, which soon followed. But do celebrity supporters make any real difference in politics? 

And, back in Europe, George gives us the inside track on the effect his former counterpart, France’s new Prime Minister Michel Barnier, will have on future relations with our neighbours across the Channel. 

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Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency

Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall

Technical producer: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

Booking an appointment with your GP can feel harder than getting your hands on Oasis tickets. So should those who miss their slots be made to pay? Would it create a barrier to entry for vulnerable people in society, or could it open the door to millions more people who are sick of getting stuck in the queue?

Ed and George also bring you inside the world of becoming an MP and they top up their summer reading list with some international big-hitters. 

Plus - now back from holiday - Ed reveals whether he caused any diplomatic incidents over a sun lounger…

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producer: James Shield and Miriam Hall 

Technical producer: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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

Ed and George are reunited to mull over whether Rachel Reeves should make a U-turn on the winter fuel payment furore. Is there an "escape route" she can take?

And they examine the government’s decision to suspend some arms shipments to Israel. Was it really “a legal decision, not a policy decision”, as the PM has claimed?

Finally, we ask whether central bankers deserve the credit for falling inflation – or if they simply got lucky. And Ed and George issue a mea culpa for some slightly inaccurate predictions about the Tory leadership contest, as Priti Patel tumbles out of the race at the first hurdle.

You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency

Production support: Caillin McDaid

Producer: James Shield

Technical producer: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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Where are all the great parliamentary speakers like Gordon Brown, Robin Cook, and William Hague? Ed Balls and George Osborne reflect on fond memories within the chambers like Cook’s resignation. Will the Tory leadership contest bring in any new contenders?

Plus, what determines seating order in commons? Can live fact checking during PMQs work? What actually is a three line whip? And how risky is it to defy one? 

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The summer holidays are over, if Keir Starmer’s speech this week was anything to go by. Is he stepping into Osbornomics strike two? Whilst Ed Balls is still on holiday, George Osborne is joined by Chief Executive of Labour Together, Jonathan Ashworth, to reveal what’s going on behind the scenes as the government returns to Westminster. 

In a quick turnaround, Starmer was next spotted in Germany, resetting relations in Europe. Is there merit to seeking bilateral relations with EU countries? Will this lead to growth and prosperity? And will it appease Leave voters who swung to Labour at the election?

Plus, Ed and George provide their insights from their time inside shadow cabinets, imparting their advice for the next Tory leader on how to return to government as swiftly as possible.

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Are the civil service the real brains behind the government? What role does a Chief of Staff play? And what on earth do government ministers do all day?

Ed Balls and George Osborne are tackling your questions on the ins-and-outs of the daily grind of running the country - from official residences to avoiding gimmicks. 

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The Democratic National Convention is underway in Chicago with jubilant scenes. Fortunately for us - while Ed Balls is on holiday - George Osborne has persuaded former shadow Paymaster General Jonathan Ashworth to be Political Currency’s eyes and ears on the ground as Kamala Harris looks to become the Democratic Party’s formal presidential nominee. But are spirits just a little too high for what is shaping up to be a very closely fought race? And have the Dems been taking notes from the Labour party?

Plus, Ed and George have recorded their ultimate guide to summer political reading. We hope you’ve got a big suitcase - you’ll need it for all of these!

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Should Labour have defended themselves better against the Tory claim that they’d caused the 2010 UK financial position? Ed Balls and George Osborne go head-to-head on who was to blame, and whether austerity was the answer in this special fiscal policy-themed edition of EMQs. 

It’s not all debate though - Ed and George explain the concept of ‘running out of money’, and how much of a previous government’s economic policy is required to make its way into a new term. 

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It’s results day and while students across the country celebrate their A-levels, BTEC and T-levels, university funding has come back into the limelight. And what’s better than one former education minister? Two! Gillian Keegan is sitting in for George this week, and she and Ed Balls consider the best course of action to make the education sector pay for itself. 

Plus, Gillian makes her case for more business people in Parliament. Would they really drive more growth than career politicians with PPE degrees?

And in the next instalment of our summer conversations, Ed and George give the 2024 intake of MPs their top tips for standing out from the crowd - but does Gillian agree?

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Ed Balls and George Osborne answer questions from the EMQs archive - this week, an insider’s guide to a life political. Is a u-turn ever the right thing to do? How does the Prime Minister know whose question to answer at a press conference? And is it fair to say that all politicians are just in it for themselves? 

Plus, Ed makes his predictions for the next shock-exit politician to follow in his and Michael Portillo’s steps as a media personality, and we ponder what our Political Currency constituency looks like. 

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Britain braced itself for widespread rioting and anti-immigration demonstrations, with shops boarding up their storefronts and commuters told to take care on their way home. Instead, a pushback from counter protestors and a heavy police presence largely quelled any violence. Ed Balls and Grant Shapps – who is in the seat for George Osborne – consider how Keir Starmer has handled the situation. Grant gives his honest opinion on how all his previous leaders handled their own crises – from the best all the way to Liz Truss. 

And, the battle for both the Tory leadership and the party’s soul now fully underway. Grant talks to Ed about losing his seat. And he weighs in on how far to the right the Conservatives should be going (not far) and whether they should be taking a leaf out of Nigel Farage’s book…

Plus, in our bonus summer material, Ed and George discuss the risks and realities of trying to take a summer holiday as a politician. Does it matter where you go? And when do you need to make the call to cancel? Someone might want to forward this along to Keir Starmer…

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Ed and George are going on a summer holiday… and Ed’s GMB co-host Ranvir Singh wonders, if they had to take a trip with a member of the opposition, who would it be? Whoever Ed chooses will have an interesting outfit to look forward to, as he reveals his holiday get-up to a somewhat stunned George. 

We’ve had a question from another member of gazebo man’s family - and this time, his dad wants to know, should Covid business loans be written off? Ed and George also tackle food VAT, Rishi Sunak’s personality change, and whether being a technocrat is ever a good thing. 

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In the wake of the tragic events this week in Southport, and the eruption of riots that followed, Ed Balls and George Osborne consider how MPs should confront violence and disinformation – all while keeping to the rules. George wonders if courts should update reporting restrictions in a social media age, while Ed cautions that no politician ever wants to jeopardise a criminal trial. George is clear on one thing, though – the political establishment needs to take a firmer hand in dealing with Nigel Farage, who has been accused of inciting riots with incendiary comments about the stabbings this week.

Meanwhile, the brand new Chancellor Rachel Reeves fiscal policies have given George a case of the Deja Vu. All her policies so far have got George’s stamp of approval. Is Reeves just Osborne 2.0? Ed doesn’t think she’d be too thrilled with that comparison. 

And when it comes to the Olympics, Ed has a list of reasons why the economics don’t work for basically any city to play host. George thinks he’s being a Scrooge and should just cast his mind back to the happy, simpler days of London 2012… 

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Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall

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Could we see celebrities swapping the silver screen, football pitch or concert stage for the hallowed halls of Westminster? Ed Balls and George Osborne recall stars who have previously made the switch – does anybody ever really pull it off?

And, our hosts have got Paris 2024 fever as they look back on their favourite Olympic moments from London 2012. As athletes prepare to compete on the world stage, what are the best lessons or policies the UK has learnt from overseas? 

Plus, will inflation go down? And how should we pick our party leaders?

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The world is braced for a brat summer as Kamala Harris steps in for Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate - George Osborne and Ed Balls consider whether the fevered KHive reaction spells success, or simply masks the very real challenge ahead. 

In Labour land, Rachel Reeves is preparing her statement on the fiscal reality the government faces, all in the shadow of seven Labour MPs losing the whip over George’s two-child benefit cap. Was Keir Starmer right to cast off the rebels? And, Ed and George offer their advice to Reeves - how can she avoid becoming ‘Ms. Austerity Chancellor’?  

Meanwhile the Tories really do need to make up their mind on who they are - and fast. As James Cleverly throws his hat in the ring for the leadership contest, it’s time to decide what conservatism actually means now.

Plus, George convinces Ed to share the truth of his Strictly experience. 

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Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall

Producer: Rosie Stopher

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Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

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How important is it to have a leader who ‘turns you on”? Are ID cards essential in a new world of AI and deep fakes, or are they a waste of government time and money? And should you be made to vote?

Plus, if you’ve got a speech to deliver in the near future, Ed Balls and George Osborne give their best guide to public speaking. You’re welcome.

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It was a bonkers week for American politics, on both sides. Team Trump went from an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania to a fiery convention in Wisconsin. Biden’s camp had NATO, fresh calls for him to drop out of the race and a Covid diagnosis to round it off, all in a matter of days.

And amongst it all, a fresh political operative came into the limelight: Donald Trump’s newly-named running mate JD Vance. Turns out, he’s an old friend of George’s and a long-time fan of the former Cameron-Osborne government. George Osborne reveals all about the man who could be VP and suggests he could be taking notes from Keir Starmer’s playbook. Ed Balls isn’t so sure. In fact, he’s pretty horrified by the suggestion altogether… 

Back home, and British politics is positively placid by comparison. The former PM Rishi Sunak is learning the art of being a good loser, and using a bit of humour to get through it all. Labour is making big moves with its foreign policy. What does it tell us about their future plans?

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As England heads to the final of Euro 2024 - are the politicians who claim to love the beautiful game faking it for political gain?

We’ve seen Keir Starmer’s new ministerial appointments - but what on earth do all these snappily named secretaries, under-secretaries, and private secretaries actually do? If there’s one thing Ed Balls and George Osborne love, it’s a deep dive into the inner workings of government, so politics nerds: Roll up, roll up. 

And how can voters gauge whether their new MP is any good or not? 

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While Keir Starmer gets on with the business of naming ministers and settling in at Number 10, the Tories are picking up the pieces of their shattered party and considering the best person to turn the ship around. So who is the new Rishi? Is it Kemi, Suella, Priti? Whoever gets the top job needs to be a healer, George says, and not a warrior. 

Meanwhile, winning a campaign is one thing, staying in government is another. Ed and George think Labour is in danger of lurching into technocrat territory when all the people want is some competence around here. 

And, fond memories are flowing of when Ed got the ministerial call up. Apparently Tony Blair took an unorthodox approach….  

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Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall

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A brand new cohort of MPs have descended on Westminster today and with them comes a flurry of policy announcements. What does Keir Starmer’s cabinet say about the kind of Prime Minister he wants to be? And might he regret some of the very ambitious changes his ministers are making?

The last Labour government was defined by foreign policy. So what are the big forces which could shape the future of Keir Starmer’s government? Ed and George talk about the shock result in France, as well as Starmer’s approach to the conflict in Gaza. 

And a huge thanks for listening to our Election Extras – we hope you’ve really enjoyed them. 

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A new dawn, a new day, and a new government. Not quite Blair ‘97, Ed Balls and George give us the inside track on exactly how things are playing out inside No. 10 Downing Street right now. From cabinet appointments to civil servants, this is the guide you need.  

But Keir Starmer’s landslide is just one half of the story today - the Tory and SNP downfall and the rise of Reform tell their own tales. Ed and George share their most standout moments of the past 24 hours and give their takes on how this will play out for the major parties as they (try to) move forward.

To celebrate the election, we’ll be exclusively answering subscriber questions in our post-result special on Monday 8th July. It’s not too late to have your chance! Join POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and to listen on Mondays to our brand new ELECTION EXTRAS.  

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They think it’s all over… it is now! No really, that’s the actual line from the Conservative party as they send out the hardest worker of this campaign, Mel Stride, to concede a full 24 hours before voters go to the polls. Ed Balls and George Osborne question whether the move will just serve to put even more potential Tory voters off.

The winner might be considered a foregone conclusion at this stage - but the details are far from it, and Ed’s been swotting up on the ones to watch for early indications. If you’re planning an all-nighter, grab your popcorn and make some notes - you don’t want to be without the Balls election 2024 primer. 

And, if you’ve ever wondered what candidates will be doing for the next 48 hours, Ed and George pull back the curtain on the highs and lows of a life-changing night. 

Credit to Greg Birks for ‘I’m Just Ed’.

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T-3 days until polls open and if England’s efforts in the Euros are anything to go by, there’s no predicting what could happen between now and then… at least, that seems to be what Rishi Sunak is hoping. Ed Balls and George Osborne aren’t so sure. As final Party Political Broadcasts go out and an ever-more-desperate message comes from Tory HQ, is it time to call Sunak’s early election a failure?

And as electoral activity kicks off in France, and debates begin in the US, what does the International political situation mean for an incoming government on the world stage? 

There is some explicit language in this episode.

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Is Rishi Sunak California dreamin’ of a post-PM life? Or are the rolling hills of Yorkshire calling him to stick around? Ed Balls and George Osborne ponder what the Prime Minister will do next if he loses his premiership next week. How can good polling change an election outcome? And what does the cost of living crisis actually mean?

Plus, they give their best advice for making it through the election all-nighter. And has anybody seen Ed Miliband?

Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall

Producer: Rosie Stopher

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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The final week of election campaigning is here! Keir Starmer hasn't even measured up for curtains in Downing Street yet, but the attention is already turning to the headaches he will face in government. After a wobbly final debate performance against Rishi Sunak, Ed Balls wonders if the Labour leader can ever go for the jugular when it counts.

Then there's the markets. Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves might have high hopes for their policies, but where will the money come from? George Osborne thinks Labour's honeymoon might be over before it's begun.

And while it looks like Starmer has got Labour's act together, there's trouble brewing on the left of the party. Sir Keir's biographer, Tom Baldwin, reveals the real reason that Starmer served in Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet.

Apologies for George's F Bomb in the first few minutes!

Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall

Producer: Rosie Stopher

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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With the general election in sight, has Nigel Farage made a campaign misstep? His claim that the west provoked the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been met with international indignation – but will it have any on his polling?

And as we enter the final 10 days of campaigning, things aren’t looking great over at Conservative HQ – has Rishi Sunak accepted his party’s dismal fate? The Tory leader appears to be switching to a strategy of damage control, but it’s unclear if it will be enough to entice Conservative voters out… 

Plus, George Osborne marks 10 years since his first major speech on the Northern Powerhouse. What should an incoming Labour government learn from the mistakes of the past? 

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Will shy Tories (or Reform UK-ers) deny Keir Starmer his landslide? If not, who should the Conservatives install as leader to provide stability – perhaps somebody with international and domestic credibility... say ... David Cameron?

Plus, does your postal vote count if you die before the big day? And, who would you invite to your ultimate political party? Please make sure you’ve got your karaoke song at the ready.

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Producer: Ned Miles

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Keir Starmer looks on track for a victory that could even surpass the landslide of ‘97. But how much is this a rejection of the Tories? George Osborne warns that unless the Labour leader can offer more, he may find himself turfed out after just one term. Ed suggests Starmer and Rachel Reeves should be thinking now about their first year in office, not just making it through the next fortnight.

Plus, inflation has hit the Bank of England target of 2%. It should be good news for Rishi Sunak, so why do Ed and George think it proves he’s gotten his election strategy all wrong? 

And, should the “two-child limit” be abolished? Labour are under increasing pressure to scrap the policy George implemented. George and Ed go head to head on what’s fair and right when it comes to kids, tax breaks and who gets them… 

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Can Rishi Sunak do anything to rescue his flailing election campaign? Some advisors have suggested the answer may lie in ramping up negative attacks on Keir Starmer. Why does George Osborne think that approach would be a “disaster” for Sunak?

And, have you noticed which MPs are missing from the airwaves? Ed Balls says it tells you more about the parties’ upcoming problems than you might first realise.

Plus, Rachel Reeves has been working hard to court British businesses. But will her strategy pay off?

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What more can be done to tackle childhood obesity? George Osborne and Ed Balls answer a question from Jamie Oliver on whether a future government could further Wes Streeting’s commitment to banning energy drinks and tackle childhood obesity. Is a protest vote ever worthwhile? And, former Tory MP Margot James asks: where are all the women in the campaigns?  

Plus, what is it like to be kicked out of Number 10 at speed? And perhaps more importantly, what are the political souvenirs that get left behind? Ed reveals a surprising artefact left behind by Tony Blair…

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After a rocky moment over his support of Jeremy Corbyn, Keir Starmer was determined to get his campaign back on track with the launch of his manifesto. George Osborne asks what it tells us about a potential incoming Labour government and Ed Balls warns it could be a financial straitjacket, making life for the party ‘very difficult’. 

Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak suffered a series of embarrassing media gaffes this week. Has bad polling sealed his fate or can he do anything to turn things around now?

And in America, President Biden’s son Hunter is facing prison after being found guilty on criminal gun charges. What does it mean in the race for the White House?

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Have the wheels well and truly fallen off the Conservative election campaign? After a dismal D-Day debacle and news that social media campaigning is suspended, Ed Balls and George Osborne question whether Rishi Sunak is just giving up.

Regardless, it’s manifesto launch week for the Conservatives, Labour and the Lib Dems, and an opportunity for each party to commit to their election promises. But do manifestos actually matter? And what’s going on behind the scenes as they’re finalised?

And election chaos seems to be spreading - in the aftermath of far-right success at the EU election, French President Emmanuel Macron has called a snap election. How does this bode for the UK’s own election?

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Labour and the Tories can’t stop arguing about whether things are getting better, or if they’ve never been worse: So what’s the truth? Ed Balls and George Osborne weigh up whether the two are mutually exclusive. Rob Burley wants to know if we’re seeing the consequences of the demise of the long-form interview in this election campaign, and we take a look at Labour’s candidates.  

Plus, in light of Nigel Farage’s milkshake incident, Ed takes us back to another time when a politician had an unwelcome interaction with a member of the public’s food: John Prescott’s egg incident. 

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The first election TV debate might be over, but the ripples of Rishi Sunak’s £2000 tax claim are still being felt around Westminster and beyond. Ed Balls and George Osborne wonder whether this could become the defining issue of this election - and question how on earth Keir Starmer was so underprepared for it. 

As the party leaders continue on their tours of constituency hotspots, what’s the real story behind their campaigns? Handily, George knows a thing or two, having run an election campaign himself, and he draws back the curtain on what’s really going on.

And if there’s one thing Ed and George love, it’s a budget - so when can we expect the first post-election fiscal event? 

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Rishi Sunak is facing dismal polling and Nigel Farage out on manouevers. In our first Election Hot Take, George Osborne reveals the sense of resignation that has set in among Tory MPs. Is the only thing that can save the Tories now a massive policy play? George thinks they may be working something up on inheritance tax.

Meanwhile in Labourland, the fall out from the Diane Abbott saga continues. Angela Rayner has stepped in to defend her, opening the door for the long-time Hackney MP to stand again. What does it reveal about the power Rayner holds in the party?

And the TV debates are imminent. What must the leaders convey about themselves if they want to win the keys to No.10?\

We just can't get enough of the election, so we've launching this extra HOT TAKE. Become a member of the🏅POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD party, to get the episodes a day early, on Monday. As well as EMQs on a Friday and every episode ad-free!

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Gimmicks and gaffes have been a feature of the first week of the election campaign. Inspired by Ed Davey’s attempt to raise awareness of river pollution by falling off a paddleboard – multiple times – George and Ed reflect on the nation’s (and their own) cringiest political stunts. And George  finally reveals all –  how did he end up doing the ultimate Tory power stance?

It’s not just PR moves though, policy debate is in full swing. Ed and George disagree on Labour’s planned tax on private school fees and mull the consequences the election could have for the markets. 

Plus, Ed offers his top tips to Michael Gove, amid rumours he might be about to trade in his spot in the cabinet for a place on the Strictly dance floor… 

Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

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After a faltering start in the rain, Rishi Sunak’s campaign seems to be gaining momentum. Is it enough to prove he was right to gamble on a snap election? 

While it might not all be plain sailing for the Conservatives, things have certainly been looking up as trouble brews in the Labour Party. Ed Balls thinks Keir Starmer's handling of Diane’s Abbott’s candidacy has been a “terrible mess”. Could it have real ramifications for his hopes at the polls? 

But elsewhere George Osborne thinks a nightmare could be brewing for the Tories in the form of Nigel Farage. Could the so-called “honorary president” of Reform UK be looking for a Conservative seat? 

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Ed Balls and George Osborne have election fever and won’t be stopped from answering your EMQs. How did George get the election date so wrong? Is the public too despondent with the state of politics to bother voting at all? And could the Liberal Democrats stun us all to become a credible opposition? 

Plus, George reveals what he thinks the Tories’ attack line on Keir Starmer will be, and Ed tries to nail him down on just who the incompetent junior minister in his treasury was…

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A snap election! Not quite George Osborne’s prediction of 14th November, Ed Balls is struggling to understand the logic that led Rishi Sunak to surprise, well, literally everybody with 4th July as the date of the next general election. Are good inflation numbers really enough to see the Conservatives to a better result than the formerly predicted disaster? George reveals Number 10’s thinking. 

As the battle is drawn, Ed and George discuss the seats to watch and the issues on the table - and of course, the ones that aren’t. And, they draw back the curtain on how Westminster will be preparing in the wake of the prime minister’s bombshell. 

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Why doesn’t Bristol have a mayor anymore? What do treasury officials actually do? And is there a reason we’re losing so many bright young tech experts to the West Coast of America?

Plus, author Will Hutton wants to know if Ed Balls and George Osborne will take responsibility for their involvement in the economic crises of the twenty-first century, and in a podcast crossover, Sascha O’Sullivan of POLITICO’s Westminster Insider wants to know if we should be trying to find silver linings in Truss’s attempt to be different. 

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Producer: Rosie Stopher 

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Keir Starmer, poster boy. The Labour leader’s new pledge card is here, with six key policies and a black and white photoshoot to woo the public. Is it all a bit retro? Well that depends who you ask: George Osborne would prefer a new approach, whereas Ed Balls reckons some solid Labour '97 nostalgia might just be what the party needs.

Meanwhile, Labour’s shadow foreign secretary David Lammy is working hard to get himself out there on the world stage - and back in the good books of a certain former (and possibly future) US President, of whom he’s rarely been complimentary before. If he’s after an invitation to Mar-a-Lago, the good news is that George has the inside scoop from the current Foreign Secretary on how an evening at Donald Trump’s dinner table plays out. 

And, with George on the ground at Stanford University, what are the challenges of the campus protests sweeping the world - and what does it mean for politics in a globally important election year? 

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Ed Balls and George Osborne are pleased to have been asked for book recommendations. Is this the start of a book club to compete with the likes of Richard and Judy? If so, George is bagsying his role in the duo now - and no, it’s not Richard. 

MP Greg Clark asks about the future of local mayoralties, and Sunday Times interviewer Decca Aitkenhead wants to know whether George is doing anything about his, ahem, selective memory. Plus, what on earth did the Cameron government see in Liz Truss all those years ago, and what’s changed?

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Rishi Sunak lives to fight another day after some terrible local election results. But as he loses yet another MP to Labour, Ed Balls and George Osborne ask whether it might be time to play a new strategy and try acting the underdog.

Meanwhile, whilst Labour had a markedly better weekend, it didn’t quite indicate the 1997-style landslide they might be hoping for in the next general election. Is Keir Starmer on track for a small majority? And if so, how should he manage it?

And in foreign affairs, the UK is notably absent from President Xi Jinping’s European itinerary this week. How did Sino-UK relations end up here, and how would a prime minister - current or future - get back on track?

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Producers: Rosie Stopher and Ned Miles

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It’s polling day. Ed Balls and George Osborne give their expert analysis on the importance of local elections: what contests do you need to look out for? And what do they reveal about Rishi Sunak’s political fortunes?

Across the border, the Scottish National Party is in turmoil after First Minister Humza Yousaf resigned. Could this open the door to a Labour resurgence in Scotland?

Speaking of, the person hoping to lead that resurgence is Keir Starmer. But how well do we really know the man hoping to be our next Prime Minister? George has called up Keir’s old friend Andrew Cooper to find out more about the Labour leader’s youth.

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It’s the most auspicious day of the year: Ed Balls Day. To celebrate, George has got his Ed Balls mask out (not a euphemism), and is ready to go Inside the Room. Just kidding. But he has in fact organised some questions from Ed’s nearest and not-so dearest. 

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves asks about Ed’s favourite Gregg’s order. Bandmate and Political Journalist Robert Peston wants to know why regulation of public services has gone so badly wrong, and Ed’s successor in his Morley and Outwood seat, Andrea Jenkyns, wonders if he regrets Labour’s gold sale. 

Plus, the icon that is Delia Smith asks about their shared passion: Norwich City Football Club. Not that that will stop Ed and George discussing their favourite Delia recipes. 

Head to our social media platforms to see how Ed celebrated Ed Balls day this year @polcurrency 

Producer: Rosie Stopher

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After two years, Rishi Sunak can finally celebrate a Rwanda victory as his bill passes in parliament - but Ed Balls and George Osborne can’t help noticing it’s been somewhat overshadowed by an announcement on defence spending. Is the government playing with fudged figures? And is it even worthwhile as far as voters are concerned?

St George’s Day saw an unexpected new poster boy this week - and no, it’s not George, much to his chagrin. Keir Starmer is embracing his patriotic side. Ed and George weigh in on whether now is the right time to be flying the English flag, and if a dose of nationalism (and a nationalised railway) is the way to win an election.

And across the pond, presidential polling has been shaken up by the emergence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a viable third candidate ready to split the vote. But whose vote will it split exactly? 

Producers: Rosie Stopher 

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Is the role of a PPS more than just a ‘bag carrier’ and when has it gone wrong? If Ed and George could have a cardboard cut out of any politician who would it be? And BBC Radio 4’s Amol Rajan asks Ed about Joe Biden’s stammer. Should the American President talk more openly about his speech impediment? 

Plus, is the rise of the smartphone to blame for us all being less productive? And should 16 and 17 year olds have been allowed to vote in the Brexit referendum? 

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It should have finally been a bumper week for Rishi Sunak - with inflation down, a win for his smoking ban and with success on his Rwanda legislation within sight.

But instead, would-be Tory leaders have been hogging the limelight. Liz Truss is back with a vengeance. Could her ‘Trump-style’ return to form see her reinstated as head of the party?

Or is it Kemi Badenoch’s time to shine? Why has her stance on the smoking ban been rubbing her colleagues up the wrong way? 

And as we head towards the local elections, party leaflets are coming in thick and fast. That is, if you can tell which party it’s come from - because George has noticed some parties are a bit more keen to dwell on their Westminster representatives than others…

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Ed Balls and George Osborne were Inside the Room with Michael Gove last week to deep dive into the Brexit plots - and now they’re facing your questions on the moment that changed British politics forever. 

What happened to all the voters the EU referendum coaxed out of the woodwork? Are women ignored in the retelling of those tumultuous days of 2016? And what can historical parallels tell us about the inevitability of rejoining?

Plus, GB News’ Chris Hope asks why George and David Cameron didn’t give themselves more time for their EU negotiations, Tim Shipman asks what would have happened if Boris Johnson became PM straight away and it’s time to ‘uncork the Gauke’ with a question on whether Michael Gove was right to advise future Prime Ministers to ‘never ever have a referendum on anything’?

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Another week, another scandal surrounding the Conservatives. But this time of the honey trapping variety. Ed and George discuss the dating app scam that has ensnared at least one MP. 

Meanwhile, Labour is having a difficult time stamping out persistent claims the party’s Deputy Leader Angela Rayner dodged tax on a house sale. George says if she stumbles, all the Conservatives want to see her fall. He predicts there will be more to come. 

And David Cameron is back on the world stage, meeting with US presidential candidate Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida this week. George thinks it shows Cameron can secure the meetings no “normal” foreign secretary could land. Ed wonders, though, what Joe Biden would think of the former PM giving airtime and legitimacy to Trump … 

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Producer: Rosie Stopher

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The result is in, and in the words of David Dimbleby, ‘we’re out’. But whilst the Brexit referendum draws a line under the campaign period, it sets the stage for chaos in the lives of our insiders. In this final episode of 'Inside the Room: The Brexit Plots', Ed Balls and George Osborne grill Michael Gove on the Conservative leadership contest that followed David Cameron’s resignation, and what (or who) persuaded him to commit one of the great political betrayals of recent years.

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As the Leave and Remain campaigns get underway, it seems that the Remain camp has a clear lead. That is, until it doesn’t. 

In this second instalment of Inside the Room: The Brexit Plot, Michael Gove, Ed Balls and George Osborne take us behind the scenes of the ever-more-panicked campaign HQs as polling day draws in.

Part 3 of 'Inside The Room: The Brexit Plots' is exclusively available to listen to now for subscribers to POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅

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Brexit was the issue that splintered British politics: Friendships were broken, political parties split, and a nation polarised by the EU referendum. We all know what the outcome was, but in this special miniseries, Ed Balls and George Osborne are joined by Michael Gove - the ultimate Leave campaign insider - to discover what really went on behind the scenes of the biggest political shakeup of the 21st century.

In this first part of three, Ed, George and Michael take us back to the beginning of the Brexit campaigns and ‘inside the room’ as a formerly watertight cabinet began to split in favour of Leave or Remain.

Parts 2 and 3 of 'Inside The Room: The Brexit Plots' are available to listen to NOW for subscribers to Political Currency Gold.

POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅

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Parliament may be heading into recess, but there’s little time for holidaying as the political parties are heading straight into local election campaigning after Easter. Ed Balls and George Osborne take stock of how those campaigns are shaping up, who and what to watch out for, and how the results might change the Westminster mood.

Is the BBC in danger again? And this time it’s from inside. After Tim Davie’s remarks this week, Ed and George take a deep dive on their own history with Auntie. 

And as we approach the end of the financial year, what about the newest kid on the block, Jeremy Hunt’s great British ISA? George and Ed look back on the “Buy British” campaigns of old and why they simply don’t work.  

Producer: Rosie Stopher 

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

The latest polling predicts Conservative armageddon in the next election. But do these polls matter? George reveals why the Tories are still banking on winning over those ‘don’t know’ voters. 

They’ll have a mountain to climb, with growing fears of coordinated tactical voting. Will it work as a strategy, and have Ed and George ever dared to vote for another party? 

And when Taylor Swift comes roaring into town, does she bring a massive economic boost with her? Our not-so-secret Swifties aren’t convinced… 

Plus, they tackle the consequences of spending commitments for subsequent governments, and ask if tradition has any real importance in politics. 

Got a question for Ed and George? Send a voice note to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

Producer: Rosie Stopher 

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

Rishi Sunak is on a mission to prove his political fortunes are turning round… despite a long list of headaches. How can he get out of the political spiral he’s in? George and Ed pick over some lessons from Prime Ministers past… 

He’d do well to heed their words. On the Labour side, Rachel Reeves had made another big play for the role of chancellor, giving the Mais lecture. Is ‘securonomics’ the future of Britain? And does it mean she’s disowning some of Ed’s New Labour decisions?

And forget the Eton rifles, could Britain’s young people actually be going to war?

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency

Producers: Rosie Stopher

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

Production support: Miriam Hall

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

Is legalising cannabis the answer to the hole in Labour’s financial plans? Are fiscal rules there to be broken? And, in light of the infamous royal photography fail, can Ed and George think of other times a photograph has landed a public figure in hot water? Of course they can - sorry Prime Minister!

Got a question for Ed and George? Send a voice note to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

Producer: Rosie Stopher 

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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

Michael Gove is rolling out his new definition of extremism this week, to the chagrin of people across the political spectrum. Ed and George weigh in on whether this will have any impact in keeping the UK safe, or whether it will threaten to divide the country further.

Unfortunately for Gove, a major Tory donor undermined the whole message with his own extreme comments about Diane Abbott. Should they return his £10m donation? And why didn’t they consult their most senior Black female member before responding to this new crisis? 

And the ‘crypto-winter’ is over: Bitcoin is back. Is the boom here to stay, and what does it mean for governments around the world?  

Producer: Rosie Stopher 

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

How does Donald Trump’s popularity endure, in spite of all his misdemeanours, and might Nigel Farage be taking notes? What is universal basic income and could it ever work in the UK? And George addresses recent claims that his little birdies in Downing Street have been found out… 

Ed and George are back answering more of your questions on EMQs. Have you got a burning issue you’d like them to address? Send a voice note to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

Producer: Rosie Stopher 

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

With the budget behind us, Ed pushes George on whether he’s still backing a November election. Tory sources are saying there’s a push from the centre of the party to send the country to the polls in May, but George has pretty strong views on what kind of idea that would be …. 

Meanwhile, Lord David Cameron is making lists and taking risks. The Foreign Secretary just celebrated 100 days in office, and George says he is being true to form by releasing a video listing off his lengthy travel agenda. But while anyone can hop on a plane – especially if you don’t have a constituency to tend to – Ed and George agree his willingness to push Israel on its approach to Gaza is shifting the international political mood, and restoring faith in the foreign office. 

And Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murty’s interview with Grazia about their home life, meant to be lighthearted and relatable, has been met with widespread cringing. Is Rishi listening to any of George’s advice at all?

Producer: Rosie Stopher 

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

Is this the budget that turns the Tories’ fortunes? 

Ed and George have been poised for this day for weeks: budget day! They give their immediate reaction to Jeremy Hunt’s (final?) spending plans, consider whether it meets the tests they set out on last week's episode, and they answer your questions.

This episode was originally broadcast LIVE on YouTube. Make sure you’re following us on social media @polcurrency so you don’t miss the next one. 

Producer: Rosie Stopher

Tech production: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

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

It's Budget week. Do Ed and George wish they were back in Parliament? And what's the secret to making it through the speech?

Plus they answer lots more of your questions, from whether Rachel Reeves is right to be thinking about reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance, to the mystery of what happened to the infamous EdStone...

Be sure to follow us on our socials @polcurrency and join us at 3pm on Wednesday 6th March for Ed and George’s live budget reaction.  

Producer: Rosie Stopher 

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

George reveals it was Sajid Javid who told Rishi Sunak to strip Lee Anderson of the whip, after comments that have been slammed as Islamophobic and hate speech. But on the broadcast rounds, the Conservative party line is to stop short, saying the “words were wrong” – over and over and over again. How would George and Ed tackle the furore, and why do they think Rishi Sunak should take a hard line and not “leave junior ministers out to dry”?

All the while, next week’s budget is causing friction between No. 10 and No. 11 – will Downing Street get the tax cuts they’re hoping for? And how will Jeremy Hunt be preparing for what could be his last budget as chancellor? 

And, is the real issue that the country simply isn’t growing? Prof. Ed Balls is back to explain to George why the government needs to take a regional approach if it wants the economy to boom. 

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. 

Producers: Rosie Stopher 

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

With thanks to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

Is Boris Johnson's forthcoming book going to cause Rishi Sunak another headache? Is it acceptable for political leaders to take private planes? And does positive discrimination ever work in politics? Ed Balls and George Osborne answer these questions and more in our latest instalment of EMQs.

Send your questions for future episodes to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency

Producers: Rosie Stopher and Nathan Copelin

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

Chaos reigns supreme in Parliament this week after a tabled Labour amendment led to calls for Speaker of the House Lindsay Hoyle to resign. Is it really as big a deal as has been made out? Or is it a huge mess for the Speaker to overcome?

Why isn’t the economy front and centre in this election year? It is on Political Currency! This week Ed Balls and George Osborne focus on housing policy. Will election battles be won on the greenbelt? 

And on Cameron-watch George’s mate David has been at the G20 summit, via the Falklands - the first UK politician to visit the islands since 2016. Does the foreign secretary have political motivation, or - as George suspects - is it just a bit of good old-fashioned political tourism to a place that holds curiosity for centrist dads everywhere? 

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. 

Producers: Rosie Stopher and Nathan Copelin

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

Ed Balls and George Osborne answer more of your Ex-Minister’s Questions. Speaking of ex-ministers, Nick Boles, wants to know if there’s still an opportunity for anyone except Trump and Biden in the race for POTUS...

And what about Labour’s proposed VAT on private school fees - will it cause a state school influx? Is the left a bit ‘male’ as George alleges? Ed isn’t convinced. Plus, they both revisit their experience of very publicly losing their jobs.

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency

Producers: Rosie Stopher and Nathan Copelin

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

The United Kingdom has fallen into recession… technically. It couldn’t be worse timing for the Sunak government, which will now have this gloomy economic news - already dubbed ‘Rishession’ - hanging over its head for the next three months. What would Ed and George do next?

Meanwhile, Labour has been battling a crisis of its own, as it’s embroiled in another row over anti-semitism in the party. Has Keir Starmer done enough to address concerns over Rochdale candidate Azhar Ali? Ed and George agree it’s an embarrassing mess for Starmer and the worst week of his leadership so far.

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency

Producers: Rosie Stopher and Nathan Copelin

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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

Ed Balls and George Osborne are back with more of your questions. Is the minimum wage making life harder for businesses? Which party will our next female Prime Minister hail from? Does Keir Starmer have enough charisma to maintain his leadership? Ed and George also reveal their best ever celebrity meetings - although George’s turns out to be a little too hip for Ed. And if you’ve ever wondered if Ed considered dropping the ‘Balls’ - well, it emerges it could have been worse. 

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency

Producers: Rachel Balmer and Rosie Stopher

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

It’s been a week of missteps for Rishi Sunak - an uncomfortable bet struck with Piers Morgan over Rwanda and a jibe gone wrong at PMQs - plus Liz Truss and her PopCon launch can’t have helped. Is this a precursor to the next leadership contest - or just misguided lessons in popularity with one of the least popular PMs of all time?

In Labour land, the party’s £28 billion on green spending U-turn is finally coming to fruition, weeks after Ed predicted it would. Is it screeching to a stop enough for people to notice - and what will come in its place? Ed and George debate how effective the rollback is.

And as Buckingham Palace announces King Charles’ cancer diagnosis, Ed and George reflect on how a modern monarchy communicates with the public.

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency

Producers: Rachel Balmer and Rosie Stopher

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

On this week's Ex-minister’s Questions, a listeners asks if Matt Hancock has simply been misunderstood? No guesses for which way Ed and George fall on that one. They’re also tackling social care policy, Sunday opening hours, and the real meaning of 'Chatham House rules'. Speaking of which, we've had correspondence from an anonymous source with a revelation about Rishi Sunak and a disappearing video he filmed for social media's most successful foodie account; TOPJAW.

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency

Producers: Rachel Balmer and Rosie Stopher

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

Wednesday marked the four-year anniversary of Brexit. Passed you by? Don’t worry, George admits he deleted the celebratory email from Tory HQ in protest. One old legacy of EU regulation is the bankers’ bonus cap, which Rachel Reeves revealed Labour would not reinstate if it won the election. Ed thinks she might be boxing herself in. He and George debate whether Britain has capitalised on its freedom from ‘red tape’ or if it’s all been a bit of a flop.

Rishi Sunak has announced a ban on disposable vapes. Sensible public health decision or the nanny state in action? Ed and George discuss whether the vaping ban ties in with Sunak’s clean living, fasting, tech bro image and whether it marks a break with the ultra-libertarian faction of the party. Should we just let Sunak be Sunak?

And zut alors! Ed crossed the Channel this week and made two important discoveries: a fantastic brasserie, and the oncoming depression in French political circles. As farmers blockade the streets of Paris, Ed and George ask what challenges President Macron faces and whether his successor could be a member of the far-right. 

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency

Producers: Rachel Balmer and Rosie Stopher

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

Ed and George tackle more Ex-Ministers’ Questions. What are the best nicknames they’ve heard in politics? Is it time to radically rethink the NHS? How can the Israel-Palestine conflict be talked about in a way that’s respectful to both sides? And George reveals one of the strangest rules in the House of Commons... may contain references to snorting - you have been warned!

To send in your questions for next week's episode, email questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk - we love to receive your voice notes! 

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency 

Producers: Rachel Balmer and Rosie Stopher 

Production Manager: Flick Heath 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford 

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and part of the Acast Creator Network Hosted on Acast.

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

Has Rishi Sunak survived his first attempted coup? It might look like Simon Clarke’s amounted to nothing but Ed and George think it might be too soon to tell whether he’s failed yet. They have plenty of insights into plots past, and the many ways they can fizzle, burn, or downright engulf a prime minister.

Elsewhere in politics, the UK tax burden has been drifting up to a rate not seen since the 1960s. Can any chancellor - current or future - do anything about it?

And in Europe, a beleaguered German coalition faces economic problems of their own, plus the looming  rise of the far-right. Is the most stable country in Europe headed towards ‘Dexit’?

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency

Producers: Rachel Balmer and Rosie Stopher

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

Ed and George are back to answer more of your Ex-Ministers' Questions. Who would lead a crisis during coalition negotiations? How do you prepare for PMQs? George and Ed discuss how they changed how the monarchy is financed. George reveals his double-life as leader of the Labour party. And Ed is grilled about kicking Susanna Reid in the head on live TV…

To send in your questions for next week's episode, email questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk - we love to get your voice notes! 

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency 

Producers: Rachel Balmer and Rosie Stopher 

Production Manager: Flick Heath 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford 

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and part of the Acast Creator Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Rishi Sunak survived Tory mutiny over the Rwanda policy, but he’s not out of the woods just yet. Ed and George explain why his road to election 2024 still faces huge problems.

Meanwhile, George has been in Davos this week. He reveals his celebrity spots - including Sting - as well as the global mood on the economy. But is this more than just a glitzy who’s who? Ed thinks it's a prime opportunity for opposition parties to show they mean business.  

And, in America, Donald Trump has claimed victory in the Iowa caucus. It could mean a return to the White House in 2025. Can foreign leaders come back from their scathing attacks and form a new relationship, and should they?

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency

Producers: Rachel Balmer and Rosie Stopher

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

Welcome to our first edition of EMQs - Ex-Ministers' Questions... see what we did there?. Every Monday, our ex-ministers will take your questions. Ed Balls and George Osborne will also hear from some influential and famous voices.

In our first episode: did the Lib Dems agree to ditch their pledge on tuition fees during the coalition talks? What is the Barnett formula and is it fair? And why are Special Advisers such as Dominic Cummings so influential?

To send in your questions for next week's episode, email questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk - we love to get your voice notes!

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency

Producers: Rachel Balmer and Rosie Stopher

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and part of the Acast Creator Network

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

General election fever begins as George shares his insider tip on when the country can expect to go to the polls. But the new year has kicked off with new problems for political leaders. What do they need to get in order first? 

How can they tackle a much older issue that’s been dominating politics this week? The ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office has captured the public’s imagination and led to demands for justice. Ed and George reflect on how they missed the story the first time round, and whether it will change the role of local MPs.

And as war rages on in Ukraine and between Israel and Gaza, Ed and George examine the Taiwanese election, which could have the potential to trigger more global conflict if the result doesn’t please China. What should you look out for as the island goes to the polls this weekend?

Missing our Questions section? Good news! EMQs - that’s Ex-Ministers’ Questions - will now drop every Monday morning with more answers than we have time for in the Thursday episode. Make sure you’re subscribed to this feed to listen, and send your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency

Producers: Rachel Balmer and Rosie Stopher

Production Manager: Flick Heath

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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