Political Currency

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. 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 Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk 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. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 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 Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall Producer: Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Mikey Nissenbaum Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Join POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall Producer: Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Mikey Nissenbaum Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? 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 Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall Producer: Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Mikey Nissenbaum Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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…. You could have been listening to this episode 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 Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall Producer: Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Mikey Nissenbaum Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. You could have been listening to this episode EARLY and AD-FREE! Subscribe to POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs every Friday. Get a free trial now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Producer: Rosie Stopher Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall Producer: Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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’. 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. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Producer: Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Become a member of 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. Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Producer: Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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? JOIN OUR POLITICAL PARTY! Sign up to 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. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 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, receive early access to EMQs and to listen on Mondays to our new ELECTION EXTRAS! Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Producer: Ned Miles Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty and Will Gibson Smith Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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… You could have been listening to this episode early and ad-free! Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and to listen on Mondays to our brand new ELECTION EXTRAS. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Production support: Miriam Hall Producer: Ned Miles Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith and Oliver Geraghty Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? 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, receive early access to EMQs and to listen on Mondays to our brand new election HOT TAKES. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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… You could have gotten this episode early and ad-free by subscribing to POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 Enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and to listen on Mondays to our brand new ELECTION EXTRAS. Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Producer: Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? 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, receive early access to EMQs and to listen on Mondays to our brand new ELECTION EXTRAS. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Producer: Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? We’ve got election fever, so we're launching this ELECTION EXTRA Hot Take! 🏅 Subscribe to 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! Producer: Rosie Stopher Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 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, receive early access to EMQs and to listen on Mondays to our brand new election HOT TAKES. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Producer: Rosie Stopher Production support: Miriam Hall Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets. Try for free: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Producer: Rosie Stopher Production support: Miriam Hall Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.