Not Another One

After a torrid few weeks, the team hears Tim Montgomerie explain his decision to resign membership of Nigel Farage's party. We discuss the schism on the right of British politics and ask whether it is a gift to Labour. With a special return appearance from Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Sir Keir Starmer’s shock resignation triggering a by-election in Holborn and St Pancras, North London, the team debate the new electoral threat to Labour from the “eco-populist” left. With special guest Thangam Debbonaire, ousted from her Bristol seat by the Greens at the last general election and now in the House of Lords. Plus: is Badenoch’s new Tory front bench a better line-up? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been a long hot summer. The team debates how party politics impacts the national mood on energy and climate policies. Will heat and wildfires push us farther apart or could the PM manage an argument in favour of national resilience, on energy, defence and even welfare? Plus: what to expect when parliament returns.Support NAO on Patreon here. https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NAO team returns after a short break to find that Tim, suspended from Reform, has become the story. Meanwhile, manic Manc Andy Burnham tries to prevail through positivity. Will it work? Does any of it address the pressing challanges? Plus: NAO plans and another holiday wine recommendation.Support NAO on Patreon here. https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our latest summer episode, featuring special guest and broadcaster Trevor Phillips, the team discuss whether the country is really on the slide. Or is everything going to be okay? Should there be, as the optimistic new Prime Minister says, “hope in every heart”?After this episode, the team will take a very short summer break and be back in the next few weeks for more conversation about British politics.Support NAO on Patreon here. https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Together with summer special guest Anand Menon, the team debates a flurry of policy speeches from the new PM as well as where the bounce for Labour leaves the prospects for an early general election. Plus: what will the Clacton by-election contest mean for Nigel Farage?Support NAO on Patreon here. https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our team debates the surprise decision to appoint John Healey as Chancellor and the dramatic clear-out of Starmer loyalists. What are the biggest wins and the biggest mistakes? Plus, with special guest and Labour Party insider John McTernan, we discuss how much support the new Prime Minister must rebuild to secure victory.Support NAO on Patreon and enjoy ad-free listening here:https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As our first special guest on NAO, John McTernan makes the case for a soft-left duopoly in Downing Street and we all disagree all over again on net zero policy - even more fiercely. We debate Badenoch's decision to "purge" Gavin Barwell and whether party leaders are wise to set policy tests. Plus: the implications for access to our politicians of Ann Widdecombe's dreadful murder.Support NAO on Patreon here. https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's special Q&A edition, the team grapples with the Farage question. What would happen to Reform without its leader? And what will an incoming Burnham cabinet imply for opposition parties? And what did we get wrong in the last two years? Plus: Steve promises to pop back in future episodes and NAO looks forward to summer special guests.Support NAO on Patreon here. https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's three-part "Tapas" edition, the team serves up a debate on the PM-in-waiting's first big speech, chews over the rows behind Starmer's Defence Investment Plan, and looks at the fight for the right as Farage and Badenoch jostle in Burnham's shadow. Plus: an announcement. Support NAO on Patreon here. https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new MP for Makerfield took his seat in the Commons on Monday. By the middle of next month he will almost certainly be prime minister. Does he have a programme for government? Has he had enough time to prepare for the mountainous challenges ahead? Do the wider electorate know enough about their next prime minister? For everyone’s sake, the answers need to be yes. Here at least are the answers from our team. Support NAO on Patreon here. https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ascent of the new MP for Makerfield looks unstoppable this weekend. With the parties of the right divided, and the limitations of the 2024 Labour manifesto putting restrictions on Andy Burnham's ability to deliver real change, the NAO team explore the likely new PM's options. Not least, will he call an early general election? Can he win back voters and rebuild a coalition of interests on the left?Support the work of NAO on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second part of our mini-series marking ten years since the referendum, the team tussles over the impact on the UK economy and the UK's rollercoaster politics. Plus: Makerfield predictions and the launch of the NAO Patreon, a way for listeners to support the continuing work of this podcast.To support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/cw/Notanotheronepolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of a two part NAO miniseries to mark ten years on, the team trace the origins of David Cameron's promise to hold an in/out vote on EU membership. Did he have a choice? Was the Leave win unstoppable? Where were we and where did we stand on that historic night. Plus: Steve's Harold Wilson impression. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team debates Nigel Farage's call for "cold rage" and his accusation of two tier policing in the wake of the revelations about the death of Henry Nowak. Plus: is the second tranche of Mandelson documents damaging or dreary? And will the nation (and Brenda from Bristol) have to face another general election sooner than expected? Apologies for the sound quality this week - recording took place during Tuesday’s thunder storm and the team had to fight through sound interference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Peter Murrell, the SNP’s erstwhile former chief executive and husband of Nicola Sturgeon, now behind bars, our team look at the implications of an outrageous scandal. Plus, the latest on the Burnham by-election circus and a policy discussion on social media bans and the coming wave in politics here and in the US - the backlash against big tech. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As new revelations about the cost and delays to HS2 stun Westminster, the team debates our failures to build. And as the Burnham and Streeting teams gear up for a fight the other side of Makerfield, will the face off deliver substantive plans? Plus: John Swinney is going on. The SNP government is going on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a crazy week, in this weekend edition the team takes stock of how we got to a full blown leadership crisis in Labour. Will the most dangerous challenger make it in Makerfield's by-election? Do the explosive set of results from May 7 contain a wider warning than Reform's march across the North West? And perhaps Brenda from Bristol should brace for yet another one. Plus: politics and vitriol. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reunited in the studio to compare notes in the middle of Starmer's leadership crisis, the team ask what has gone wrong in less than two years. Is this story of disenchantment a uniquely Labour one? Is it all about the electoral pressures on the party, Starmer’s mistakes, or has the UK developed an allergy to incumbents? Plus: Gordon Brown's surprise comeback under the spotlight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a few reminiscences of past elections thrown in, the team debate a fractured voting public in the run up to May 7th. Are we a UK of "fed-up-niks" and does malaise spring from economics? How intense is the political fervour to left and right? Plus: the hard-to-decipher polling in Scotland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Morgan McSweeney’s first public appearance - in front of the Foreign Affairs committee - we explore the dependence of some prime ministers on their chiefs of staff. Why do they make themselves dependent even when the dependency can lead towards their doom? Plus, did McSweeney emerge as a more complex figure than his caricature and where does this all leave Starmer? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After high drama at Westminster, the team debate the low politics that seem to bedevil decision-making at the heart of the government. Has the PM's famous ruthlessness backfired? And how vulnerable is he to a potential challenge after the May 7 elections? Might Scotland provide a twist? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former NATO Secretary General and Labour peer, George Robertson , has accused Keir Starmer of being complacent in relation to defence, arguing Britain’s national security and safety are in “peril”. Is he right? Plus, Reform and the local elections.Warning: apologies for the sound quality on Iain’s recording. Do not be alarmed. He sounds ill but that is the result of a problem with the microphone. Please enjoy the rest of the episode and normal service resumes next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With elections looming in which a dramatically different set of electoral competitions will play out, the team debates whether we are in an age of uber partisanship. When does party loyalty tip into something destructive? And will Tim's rare foray into predictions work out? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the campaigns well under way for parliament and government in Scotland and Wales, plus local fights across much of England, the team debate how high the stakes might be for both Labour and the Conservatives. Could it prove a terminal catastrophe for Starmer and Badenoch? And will the electoral splintering to the right and left to Reform and the Greens be permanent? Spoiler: we do not agree. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the international situation so fluid, the team debate government options for help with bills, and furious business complaints. Is it time to say no? Is it the 1970s all over again? Plus: we all confess to being fans of Alan Johnson, and of thrillers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the conflict in its third week, the team debates the consequences of the war and assesses where the British and American public are on the military action and the pressure on prices. Yes, the team also dares to debate energy policy and net zero polarisation. Plus: has Ed Davey gone too far? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With President Trump improvising his way towards a possible exit strategy, the team debate the wisdom of positions taken by Starmer and by Britain’s opposition parties. Plus: the bleak economic effects and an attempt at highlighting some positive political developments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a regional conflict spreading beyond Iran and Israel, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is far from "shoulder to shoulder" with the US president. As Trump rains down disapproval on his head, the team hotly debate American strategy and ask whether the so-called special relationship is collateral damage. Plus: the fascinating political backdrop to the Chancellor’s deliberately dull spring statement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our weekend episode, the team analyse the aftermath of the extraordinary Gorton and Denton by-election result and the humiliation suffered by Labour and the other old parties. What does it mean for the Prime Minister? What is driving the rise of the Greens and the wider voter rebellion? And how will the split on the centre-right play out? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What will be the political consequences when the full Mandelson documents are published? Modern politicians are robotic enough, but if all their private exchanges risk becoming public will they dare to be human? Can we combine transparency with the need for ministers to have space to be human? Or do we have the right to full disclosure when power appears to have been abused? Plus, will the Education Secretary’s SEND reforms work? And the team assess the prospects ahead of this week’s crucial by-election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The arrest of Andrew, formerly Prince Andrew, has been described as the worst crisis for the Royal Family in a century.Is that hyperbole or will the scandal do serious damage to the standing of the institution? Our team discuss the implications and the media’s role. Plus, the fallout from the Munich Security Conference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage has given Robert Jenrick responsibility for Reform economic policy, while making Richard Tice his formal deputy. Suella Braverman has the education portfolio. Will such appointments boost Reform’s credibility as an alternative government? Or is there big trouble to come as Nigel Farage becomes a leader of a team rather than a one man show? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the end of a week featuring a failed gambit to oust the PM, plus the expulsion of the country's most senior civil servant, Miranda and Tim debate the lost promise of a "dullness dividend". Stability seems elusive, especially given the threat to shake up government even further if Reform prevails. Is that necessary? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There have been countless resets and changes of personnel in Number 10 but so far little has changed in terms of Keir Starmer’s style of leadership. With the departure of Morgan McSweeney what should Starmer do to show he has learnt the lessons of his stormy premiership, or is it too late? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Westminster in a febrile state because of the Epstein-Mandelson scandal, pressure is growing on the Prime Minister. Is Britain really going to change leaders yet again? This would be the seventh PM in ten years. What is wrong with our system that this keeps happening? Plus, who is winning in local government between Reform and the Lib Dems? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For such a powerful politician, a key lieutenant to three Labour prime ministers, to be so dramatically disgraced is a seismic moment. As Downing St reels from the latest revelations, our team debates whether the end of Peter Mandelson's unique career marks the close of an entire generation's chapter - and what kind of Labour politics might now follow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As another senior defector moves from the Conservative party to Reform, our team asks if the battle on the right is going to lead to Reform replacing the Conservatives? Plus… if Labour loses the forthcoming by-election what happens to Keir Starmer? And where does the Burnham saga leave the party? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our weekend episode, Miranda, Tim and Iain chew over the international tensions laid bare this week, and ask whether Andy Burnham or other potential rivals to Starmer have answers to the wider questiions of the age. Warning: contains pyjamas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the threats on Greenland and tariffs from the president ramp up, our team debates the substance and the impact on US allies. For the UK, is it all about defence strategy and spending? Or is there even more at stake? Argy-bargy ensues about Starmer's foreign policy and the stance of opposition parties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the British Right going deeper into crisis or is it mending? The Not Another One team examine the implications of Robert Jenrick's defection to Reform. And Steve quizzes Tim about the role he played in the now former Tory MP's move. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team discuss the importance of character in politics via Peter Mandelson, Nadhim Zahawi, Donald Trump and Wes Streeting. The health secretary appeared to criticise allies of Keir Starmer in his latest punchy intervention. What is Streeting’s plan? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weekend edition, Tim Montgomerie and Iain Martin discuss the unfolding counter-revolution as brave protestors take on the regime. What are the implications if the uprising is successful? And why was the media here so slow to give these events the coverage they merit? Plus - Brexit is back, with Labour pushing hard for a much closer relationship with the EU and Nigel Farage pledging to resist the reset. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our team returns for the New Year episode to debate President Trump's extraordinary foreign policy. Are Greenland and Iran next after Venezuela, and how is the landscape of global threats (and alliances) shifting. How should the UK and the rest of NATO react? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As 2025 turns into 2026, the NAO team look at the critical May elections and beyond. What will the impact be if Labour gets wiped out in Scotland, Wales and local government? And will the fragmentation of the party system lead to parties on the left and ri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the end of an eventful year in politics, the team takes on questions from our NAO listeners. Everything from who would make the best 'once and future' PM to whether we are burying the mistakes born of recent turbulent times. Plus: do we get really cross with each other? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Reform’s Danny Kruger set out his plans to modernise the civil service while the current government is supposed to be carrying out its own reforms. But nothing is happening. Virtually every government identifies a need to improve the civil service and then backs away from significant change. Why? Plus, are Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham getting ready to challenge Keir Starmer next year? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of our festive specials Not Another One is live at the Centre for Social Justice for a review of the year. Why is Sir Keir Starmer vulnerable already? Will Reform or the Tories be the main alternative to Labour at the election? Is this the end of two party politics? Plus brilliant questions from the audience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With news of Reform UK's record £9m donation, our weekend episode finds the team reunited to explore whether money from individuals or organisations implies something in return. Should Britain opt for state funding of political parties? Or is going back to mass membership a better approach and a predictor of success? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the Budget the main question in the media and from some of the government’s political opponents has been did Rachel Reeves deliberately mislead? But is the Chancellor’s integrity the right target for her many opponents? Is the substance of the Budget getting less attention than it deserves from supporters and opponents? Plus, is this the end of juries and Your Party? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.