GnT - The Politics Podcast From The Groucho Tendency

In this episode of GNT, we delve into a pivotal moment for the Labour Party, its leader Keir Starmer, and the broader political landscape of the UK. As the heatwave continues to grip the nation, Mike Indian is by the insightful Liam Kay-McClean, who brings his unique perspective to the table.We kick off the discussion by reflecting on a significant debate in the House of Commons regarding Labour's welfare reforms, particularly focusing on changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a crucial disability benefit. The government has been working to secure Labour MPs' support for these reforms, which have sparked considerable controversy due to proposed tightening of eligibility criteria. Liam highlights that these changes could potentially push around 150,000 individuals into deeper poverty, a staggering figure that underscores the gravity of the situation.As we unpack the implications of the vote, we note that despite a significant rebellion among Labour MPs—120 of whom signed a reasoned amendment to scuttle the legislation—the government pressed ahead. However, the rebels managed to extract concessions from Downing Street, leading to a delay in the implementation of the changes until a review is completed next year. We discuss the political ramifications of this manoeuvre, particularly the government's struggle to balance cost-saving measures with the welfare needs of vulnerable populations.Liam raises critical questions about the timing and rationale behind these reforms, especially in light of the ongoing cost of living crisis. We explore the disconnect between the government's proposed changes and the immediate needs of constituents who are already grappling with rising living costs. The conversation shifts to the broader context of welfare reform, with both of us agreeing on the necessity for a comprehensive strategy that addresses the complexities of the welfare system.As we analyse the political handling of this issue, we reflect on the challenges faced by Starmer's administration. The episode reveals a pattern of missteps and a lack of clear communication with backbench MPs, which has led to a perception of a government that is out of touch with its own party. We discuss the potential consequences of this disconnect, including the risk of further unrest among Labour MPs and the implications for Starmer's leadership.Join us for this insightful analysis as we navigate the intricacies of political reform, party dynamics, and the pressing issues facing the UK today.00:00:00 - Introduction to GNT and Political Context00:00:32 - The Day Everything Changed for Labour00:01:04 - Welcome to Liam K. McLean00:01:34 - Overview of the Political Debate00:02:07 - Key Vote on PIP Changes00:02:51 - Controversial Eligibility Criteria00:03:30 - Impact on Poverty Levels00:04:09 - Labour MPs' Rebellion00:04:45 - Government's Concessions and Delays00:05:35 - Economic Logic Behind the Reforms00:06:22 - Need for Welfare System Reform00:07:04 - Concerns Over Timing and Isolation of Changes00:08:55 - Projected Savings from Changes00:09:42 - Handling of the Legislation00:10:37 - Political Handling and U-Turns00:11:41 - Comparison to Blair's Leadership00:12:27 - Cost of Living Crisis and Public Perception00:13:48 - Disability Groups and Communication Failures00:15:06 - Need for Economic Empowerment Narrative00:16:02 - Suggestions for Better Communication00:16:21 - Lessons from Recent Political Events00:18:52 - Implications for Starmer's Leadership00:19:37 - Future of Labour Governance00:20:45 - Backbenchers' Influence on Leadership00:21:53 - Need for a Reset in Number 10 Operations00:23:28 - Conclusion: The Future of the Labour Government00:25:28 - Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of The Groucho Tendency, host Mike Indian is joined by political consultant Mario Creatura and Labour in the City chair Tanisha Aggarwal to discuss the challenges and qualities required of effective MPs. The conversation covers emotional intelligence, community engagement, and the pressures of political life, including the impact of abuse and burnout. The guests reflect on the importance of diverse voices, the role of party networks, and the complexities of issues like assisted dying. The episode emphasizes the need for integrity, public service, and a supportive political culture.Introduction and Recap (00:00:10) Mike recaps last week’s episode, introduces the topic of political professionalism, and welcomes guests Mario and Tanisha.Labour in the City: Purpose and Activities (00:02:22) Tanisha explains Labour in the City’s origins, its networking role, and how it supports Labour with financial expertise.Conservative Party Networks and Policy Input (00:05:33) Mario describes Conservative Party policy forums and networks, and how they feed expertise into party policy.Core Competencies for Effective MPs (00:08:46) Discussion on the essential qualities for MPs in 2025, emphasizing emotional intelligence, community engagement, and public service.Big Picture Thinkers and Standout MPs (00:12:19) Mario and Tanisha highlight current MPs who exemplify leadership, vision, and the ability to connect local and global issues.Assisted Dying Bill: Parliamentary Process and Challenges (00:18:37) Analysis of the Assisted Dying Bill debate, focusing on MPs’ roles, personal beliefs, and representing constituents.New Labour MPs and Rebellion Culture (00:23:29) Exploration of the new Labour intake’s independence, the welfare reform rebellion, and the tension between party loyalty and conviction.Candidate Selection and Testing for Values (00:25:57) Debate on how parties can select candidates with the right values, ethics, and soft skills, learning from other professions.Balancing Professionals and Outsiders in Parliament (00:33:31) Discussion on the need for both political professionals and outsiders, and the challenges of adapting to parliamentary systems.Barriers to Attracting Good Politicians (00:35:26) Mario outlines the personal, financial, and cultural obstacles deterring talented people from becoming MPs.Personal Deterrents and Emotional Toll (00:38:09) Tanisha shares her personal reasons for not standing as an MP, focusing on abuse, pay, and emotional burnout.Optimism and Final Thoughts (00:40:21) Concluding remarks on the importance of public service, optimism for future MPs, and the need for societal support.Closing and Next Episode Teaser (00:41:38) Mike wraps up, reflects on representative democracy, and previews upcoming podcast topics.TopicsThe qualities and competencies required for effective Members of Parliament (MPs).The significance of emotional intelligence in political representation.The role of community engagement and connection with constituents.The impact of sensitive issues, such as the assisted dying bill, on political discussions.The dynamics of party loyalty versus individual conviction in voting.The importance of networks within political parties for policy discussions.The challenges faced by MPs, including public scrutiny and burnout.The need for a supportive environment for aspiring politicians, especially from underrepresented backgrounds.The relationship between the electorate and their representatives in a representative democracy.The philosophical considerations of political systems and the qualities desired in politicians.

On this episode of GnT, host Mike Indian is joined by former political advisers Christine Quigley and Mario Creatura to unpack the dramatic rise of Reform UK and the resignation of its chairman, Zia Yusuf. The trio explores the party’s surge in the polls, the broader political realignment shaking up Westminster, and the behind-the-scenes realities of party infrastructure and funding. Drawing on their frontline political experience, the guests share candid insights into the challenges—and opportunities—facing both established and insurgent parties in today’s fast-changing UK political landscape.

Its been nine months, three Prime Ministers, four Chancellors and one engagement... Mike Indian and Liam Kay return with their insight and analysis on the premiership of 'Dishy' Rishi Sunak, the US Mid-term elections, Twitter falling into the abyss and the football World Cup in Qatar. 

Words carry power. In a world where anyone can have a pulpit, a way to express themselves, language has never been more potent and imperative to world affairs. In this episode, Mike Indian and Liam Kay explore why leaders must act with integrity in both their actions and expressions.

On 20th January 2021, the Presidency of Donald J Trump comes to an end, but America and the World will be living with its legacy for years to come. In the first GnT of 2021, Mike Indian and Liam Kay look across the Atlantic to events in Washington to unpick events in the world's preeminent democracy. 

Joe Biden has been declared as the 46th President of the United States after an unprecedentedly bitter campaign that exposed not just the deep divisions within America, but also questions about the faith of the electorate in Western democratic institutions. With 71m votes, can this election really be seen as a rejection of Donald Trump? Mike Indian and Liam Kay dissect the results and what they mean. 

In the second part of the series on what MPs do away from Westminster, Mike Indian speaks to David Linden, MP for Glasgow East. This podcast answers the eternal question: what is a Scottish Nationalist's favourite English sitcom?

What do MPs do when they are not in the House of Commons? In the first of two interviews, Mike Indian speaks to the Rt Hon Damian Green MP, former Conservative Cabinet Minister and MP for Ashford about the challenges COVID-19 has presented to his work and the challenges facing the Tory Party and Boris Johnson.

As the summer heat rages, Boris Johnson has set himself the goal of getting schools back in September, but will that mean closing the pubs? Liam Kay makes his predictions for how lockdown will develop, whilst Mike Indian gives his take on Joe Biden's Vice-Presidential pick.

Mike and Liam are back in the pub... almost. In this episode of GnT, our dynamic duo look at why the Government is reopening pubs and restaurants, what might be in the Chancellor's economic stimulus package and why Keir Starmer sacked Rebecca Long-Bailey.

In the second GnT virtual politics pub session, Mike Indian is joined by technology researcher Amber Macintyre and former Commons Clerk Eliot Wilson to look at if our political systems need to become more digital. The trio also touch on the recent #BlackLivesMatter protests in the Uk and the US.

Both sides of The Groucho Tendency, Mike Indian and Tim Patmore, come together to discuss how the UK economy might recover from COVID-19. Tim gives his economical analysis, whilst Mike argues that Boris Johnson's government will have to give up key manifesto promises, including the tax lock.

In the latest GnT podcast, Mike Indian chats to former Labour MP and trade expert William Bain about the impact of COVID-19 on global trade, why the UK has no idea what its trade policy should be and if Brexit will be delayed. 

The Prime Minister's most senior adviser has been caught in apparent breach of the lockdown rules but has remained in post. In this GnT podcast, Mike Indian and Liam Kay look at why Dominic Cummings did not resign and what that means for Boris Johnson and his government's lockdown agenda.

We've all been taking part in #ClapforCarers on Thursdays, but are all key workers being appreciated equally? Mike Indian speaks to Julie Earls, Director of Appoint Us Services, a community care company based in Coventry, about the impact on the public and private sides of the social care sector.

Boris Johnson has set out how the UK will begin to exit lockdown, but has he got it wrong? Mike Indian is joined in the virtual pub by former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib and Labour activist Paul Lynch to discuss whether we are beginning to get the sweet taste of freedom.

The archaic House of Commons has come crashing into the 21st century by embracing technology to allow MPs to hold the Government to account during the pandemic, but what do these changes mean for our democracy? Mike Indian is joined by former Commons Clerk Eliot Wilson to discuss what the new measures are and if there are here to stay.

The UK Government has said there is a "light at the end of the tunnel" for lockdown and the distance to that light will be measured by the R Number? But what is the R Number and why does it matter? Mike Indian and Liam Kay look at the tests that must be met before our lives can begin to get back to normal.

Does the coronavirus pandemic mean the return of big government? Mike Indian is joined by former Conservative adviser and public affairs consultant, Stephen Lynch, to ask if Boris Johnson and the Tories can justify going back to being the party of the small state and lower public spending after the pandemic.

Is the UK getting used to big government? How have the powers of the British state responded to times of crisis. A recording of a talk to the Leicester Secular Society (via Zoom) by political commentator Mike Indian from 26 April 2020.

Is politics slowly returning to the coronavirus pandemic? In this podcast, Mike Indian and Liam Kay look at the UK Government's decision to extend the lockdown by another three weeks and what lessons can be drawn from how other countries have responded to the virus. Also, Mike speaks to someone who was struck halfway round the world when Europe started to lockdown and had to flee home.

The UK Government's has locked down the country in response to coronavirus. No other government policy in peacetime has touched so many aspects of our every day lives, but what price are we paying with our minds? In this podcast, Mike Indian is joined by Educational and Child Psychologist Dr Michele McDowell and Flexible Work (Implementation) Consultant and social commentator Marilyn Devonish to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting our mental health.

What's really going on in politics? Look no further!

Can Sir Keir Starmer take the Labour Party back to power? Mike Indian is joined by former Bury North MP James Frith to discuss Labour's new leader, whether he can win the 'Red Wall' back, Starmer's appetite for radicalism and if he should let the party reclaim the "tax and spend" mantle.

Could the UK Government tighten the coronavirus lockdown? Inside on the sunny first weekend of 2020, Mike Indian and Liam Kay ask if Boris Johnson has got his response to COVID-29 right. They also look at new Labour Leader Keir Starmer. In addition, Mike is joined by Sight for Surrey's Callum Russell to discuss how the lockdown is affecting those with physical disabilities.

The UK is locking down because of COVID-19. Mike Indian and Liam Kay ask if Boris Johnson and the Government are doing enough. In addition, Mike speaks to Matt and Linn from Artistic Rebellion about the low-paid self-employed are coping without government support.

Just before Super Tuesday, Mike Indian and Liam Kay gave their predictions. Find out how right (or wrong) they were! They also assess whether Donald Trump's coronavirus response will stump his re-election bid and allegations of bullying against UK Home Secretary Priti Patel. Recorded on 2 March 2020.

Boris Johnson has lost his Chancellor after seven months in office, is he in trouble? Mike Indian and Liam Kay look at the winners and losers of the Government reshuffle, including why the Prime Minister is removing those who oppose him. They also look Stateside, asking which Democrat (if any) can beat Donald Trump? Recorded on 16 February 2020. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1497456875 Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/S3ZvUBADJn0 Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id2606198?country=gb

The UK has formally left the EU, but what happens now? Liam Kay and Mike Indian look at the forthcoming UK government reshuffle, Boris Johnson's tough decisions on Huawei and HS2, the Labour leadership election, the increasing irrelevance of the Lib Dems and the Iowa Caucasus. Plus, Liam forgets his own Twitter handle...

In our January special, Mike Indian and Liam Kay look at the brave new world of UK politics, why free broadband lost Labour the election and how Donald Trump might just end the world. Recorded on 6 January 2020.

Mike Indian and Liam Kay give their five thing to love and hate in this general election, what are your's? Recorded at The Speaker in London. Recorded on 17 November 2019.

Boris Johnson says he wants to take the UK out of the EU on 31 October. Parliament says he can't. Who is going to win? Mike Indian and Liam Kay assess what could happen in the run-up to the promised UK general election. Recorded at the Speaker pub in Westminster on 6 October 2019.

How did the Labour Party forget its working class roots? How did it get here? In the final programme of an unscripted series for Share Radio, Mike Indian looks at how the intellectual socialism won out how trade unionism to create Corbyn's Labour. Originally broadcast on Share Radio: https://www.shareradio.co.uk/programmes/how-did-we-get-here-a-history-of-the-uk-s-political-parties

How does one part go on to become three? Are the Lib Dems still relevant to British politics. In the second episode of the unscripted series, 'How did we get here?', Mike Indian and Simon Rose look at the history of the Liberal Party, SDP and the Liberal Democrats. Originally broadcast on Share Radio: https://www.shareradio.co.uk/programmes/how-did-we-get-here-a-history-of-the-uk-s-political-parties

Why is the most successful political party in the Western world the way it is? Why are the Tories obsessed with Europe? In this first episode of an unscripted three-part series for Share Radio, Mike Indian and Simon Rose examine the history of the Conservative Party. Originally broadcast on Share Radio: https://www.shareradio.co.uk/programmes/how-did-we-get-here-a-history-of-the-uk-s-political-parties

How will MPs stop a no-deal Brexit? What does Prorogation mean? And will Liam beat Mike in another bet? Mike Indian and Liam Kay look ahead to an eventful September in UK politics. Recorded on 31 August 2019.

In this podcast, Boris Johnson's election has lost Mike Indian a bet and Liam Kay has come to collect. They also break down the new government, ask whether we're heading for autumn election and wonder why President Trump is using racist language. Recorded on 30 July 2019.

In a special edition of the Groucho Tendency's podcast from Parliament, Mike Indian speaks to Nicky Morgan MP about Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the prospect of a snap general election and her own unique place in the Conservative Party.

Mike Indian and Liam Kay visit the French House in Soho to go over the EU Election results, why Brexit will cost Labour the next election and the Tory Leadership race. Also, Mike make a wager with Liam... Check out Liam in 'Britain's Secret Charity Cheats' here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0005j8t/britains-secret-charity-cheats-series-2-episode-2 Mike's analysis of the Tory Leadership election is here: https://thegrouchotendency.blogspot.com/2019/05/who-will-be-our-next-prime-minister.html

Who can I vote for in the EU elections? Mike Indian breaks down who is standing in the UK's European Parliament election on 23 May and how you should vote if you're a Leaver, a Remainer or just not sure.

GnT's second episode sees Mike Indian pick over three things that should be regretted in UK politics. (Recorded in January 2018).

In the first episode of GnT, Groucho Tendency Editor Mike Indian picks out the three things to watch for in Theresa May's New Year Government reshuffle. (Recorded January 2018).