OppositionCast

When is a protest legitimate, and when does it cross the line into unreasonable or unlawful behaviour? In this week's episode Nigel and Sarah discuss the rough treatment of hecklers at the Reform UK conference, and look back at interruptions to previous leaders' conference speeches. They also consider the masked gangs who took to the streets in Dover and Portsmouth this week, and whether norms of political behaviour are under threat. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

Parliament returns from its summer break, and OppositionCast returns to bring you news of a Shadow Cabinet reshuffle, as Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch refreshes her top team, with both her Shadow Chancellor and Shadow Foreign Secretary departing for the backbenches, and new faces being brought forward. Meanwhile, Sir James Cleverley is seeking to win the Conservative Party's nomination to stand as Mayor of London in 2028 - what might his chances be? Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

As the UK sees yet another Prime Ministerial handover, Nigel and Sarah discuss the choreography of the departure and arrival rituals, with reflections on previous such occasions. They also consider whether those sacked from the Cabinet by Andy Burnham will become trouble-makers on the backbenches, and take a moment to reflect on the kind words expressed between the Leader of the Opposition and Keir Starmer at his last Prime Minister's Questions, and why such courtesies matter in our politics. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

As all eyes at Westminster turn to the imminent coronation of Andy Burnham as Labour leader, OppositionCast, appropriately, looks across the chamber to the opposition party and looks at the history of Conservative leadership elections. Nigel speaks to Lee David Evans, John Ramsden Fellow at the Mile End Institute, about his new book "Coronations and Defenestrations: Choosing (and losing) Tory leaders", which charts an often brutal history of leadership contests. We discuss the effect of different rule changes over the years, and consider the proper definition of a "stalking horse." Presented by Nigel Fletcher Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

Once again Nigel Farage has put himself at the centre of a political drama with his announcement, amid growing questions about his finances, that he is quitting as an MP to fight a by-election to regain his seat. He is pitching it as "establishment versus the people", but could this be a populist stunt too far? With the main parties refusing to stand candidates, his main rival looks to be veteran novelty candidate "Count Binface". Nigel and Sarah consider whether Farage's move might backfire spectacularly, and discuss previous elections which didn't go according to plan. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

With the Labour leadership contest heading towards more of a coronation than a challenge, Nigel and Sarah turn their attention to asking whether Kemi Badenoch's pugnacious performances at Prime Minister's Questions in recent weeks are justified, and delve into the archives to compare her with previous leaders facing an outgoing PM. We also consider whether Nigel Farage's refusal to answer questions about his £5m gift are a growing problem for Reform UK, and whether perhaps the party has peaked in popularity. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

Exactly ten years on from David Cameron's resignation in the wake of the Brexit vote in 2016, Keir Starmer has just become the sixth prime minister in just ten years to make a resignation statement- only one of whom had been defeated at a General Election. In this episode we discuss how Andy Burnham is already being treated as Prime Minister in waiting, rumours that he is planning to relocate some Number 10 staff to Manchester, and whether noisy protests should be banned. We also get some exclusive insights into the famous "Podium guy", whose arrival in Downing Street now heralds the end for British Prime Ministers. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

It's the morning after the Makerfield by-election and Andy Burnham's emphatic victory over Reform UK which will see the 'King of the North' march south to Westminster to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. Sarah and a slightly sleep-deprived Nigel discuss the result and what happens next. We also consider a historic victory for the Conservatives in the Aberdeen South by-election, and Nigel gets on his soapbox to launch a campaign for more geeky explanations on TV election coverage. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

With just ten days to go before what we are obliged to call "the most important by-election in modern political history", Nigel and Sarah consider the lessons which Labour's Andy Burnham and Reform's Robert Kenyon might take from political history, with a look back at the Greenwich by-election of 1987. We also discuss Andy Burnham's stumbling answer to questions about the government's fiscal rules and why he wants to be Prime Minister, which reminded Nigel of a certain scene from The West Wing... Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

The local elections were only two weeks ago, but the time since has seen a dramatic aftermath, with pressure on the Prime Minister to set out a timetable for his departure, resignations from government, and the expectation of a looming Labour leadership election. Nigel and Sarah discuss the turmoil in politics, the prospects for Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting and other possible candidates, and ask whether the modern test for a Prime Minister is passing the "vibe check". Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

It's the morning after the weekend before - with the final results of elections across the UK now declared and the analysis and fallout now beginning. The outcome has turned the UK's political map into something of a patchwork of different colours as the reshaping of the British party system continues. In Scotland the SNP remain in control, but with Reform UK and Labour vying to be the official opposition. In Wales, a century of Labour dominance has come to an end, with Plaid Cymru winning the most seats and falling just short of a majority in the Senedd. And across England Reform UK and the Greens have seen notable victories, but there were also some satisfying results for the Conservatives and Lib Dems. Before we embark on what could be a dramatic week for politics at Westminster, Nigel and Sarah take the opportunity to discuss the significance of what we've just seen happen across the country. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

The King's speech to both houses of the United States congress this week has been hailed on both sides of the Atlantic as a triumph, and it was also a masterclass in gentle opposition, pointedly rebuking Donald Trump at several points, to enthusiastic applause in the chamber. Nigel and Sarah discuss its significance, and also look ahead to next week's elections, and the importance in politics of being able to count. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

In one of Keir Starmer's most difficult weeks as Prime Minister (since the last one), he has faced a barrage of questioning over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain's Ambassador to the US, after revelations about the peer's security vetting process. In the wake of the renewed row, Nigel and Sarah discuss how opposition MPs have sought to find a "killer question", and what that actually means. We also take a look at the polls for the upcoming set of elections across the UK, with less than two weeks to go until voters deliver their verdict. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

As the English local elections enter the last month of campaigning, with nominations closed and candidates chosen, is the big story now a fight between Reform UK and the Greens for control of Town Halls? Nigel and Sarah review the campaign launches of both parties and consider whether local or national politics will determine the results, as well as asking: how well vetted are these new candidates? We also take a look at the latest opinion polls and consider which leaders are seen as the 'least worst' options by voters. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

With an important set of elections coming up across the UK in May, Nigel and Sarah have reactivated the OppositionCast election war-room to preview the battles ahead. In London, the Conservatives and Labour will be looking to hang onto or recapture Councils they have traditionally run, but are facing an unprecedented challenge from Reform UK and the Green Party. Meanwhile the SNP will be looking to consolidate its grip on the Scottish Parliament, and Labour will be trying to hang onto control of the Welsh Senedd. The weeks ahead could see further dramatic reshaping of the opposition landscape in the UK, and OppositionCast will be charting the campaign and its aftermath, and hearing from experts and politicians along the way. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the The Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

It's CHRISTMAS! (well, nearly...). As we approach the end of 2025, Nigel and Sarah present a bumper edition of the podcast, looking back at a dramatic year in the politics of opposition in the UK. Who were the winners and losers, and what might next year have in store? Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

It's the moment we've all been waiting for - the longest party conference season in recent memory finally comes to an end with the "Your Party" conference in Liverpool last weekend. And it was a dramatic one - Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's rocky relationship took another turn as Sultana boycotted the opening day of the conference over what she called a "witchhunt" against her supporters. Nigel and Sarah discuss whether the new party can recover from this chaotic launch, and in other news, also catch up on talk of a future electoral pact between the Conservatives and Reform UK. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

It's Budget Day - but is there anything left that hasn't already been leaked? With Nigel soaking up the atmosphere around Westminster and Sarah cheering on the latest farmers' protest, we discuss how the Budget speech went, and whether it is enough to quell opposition on the Labour benches. We also review Kemi Badenoch's response in the chamber, in which she introduced another breakfast cereal reference to compete with Sarah's frequently-mentioned Coco-Pops. Will it soon be Cheerio, Chancellor? Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

Only a week to go until we (finally!) hear what is in the Budget, after weeks of speculation and even U-turns on announcements not yet made. Nigel and Sarah have been counting down the days to Budget Eve, and discuss this week's PMQs and renewed disquiet on the Labour backbenches. Plus, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage go head-to-head with a battle of the press conferences. We also look at the state of public opinion, with some polls showing the Greens now level-pegging with the Conservatives, and ask whether there is anything the main parties can do about the disaffection driving these trends. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

The government looks to have scored an own-goal this week, after sources in Number 10 briefed against the Health Secretary, claiming he is plotting to bring down the Prime Minister. It prompted a furious response from Wes Streeting, to whom Keir Starmer has been forced to apologise. There are now calls for Starmer's Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney to be fired, and Labour MPs are more unhappy than ever. Sarah and Nigel discuss whether the government is doing the Opposition's job for them. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

This week, as the Conservatives put out a Traitors-themed video calling for Rachel Reeves to resign if she puts up taxes, Nigel and Sarah discuss what lessons the TV show has for our politics. We also look back to 1967, when the Labour Chancellor James Callaghan resigned after breaking a promise not to devalue the pound. We also review David Lammy's performance standing in for Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions, and consider the experience of previous ministers who have had trouble with prisoners escaping when they shouldn't. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

Nearly a year after taking on the role of Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch had a good outing at Prime Minister's Questions this week as she asked a "Gotcha" question to Keir Starmer about the government's tax promises. But as she grows in confidence, her poll ratings remain historically bad. Nigel and Sarah discuss this and other issues including budget speculation, the Chancellor's difficulties over form-filling, a Welsh by-election and the 75th anniversary of the rebuilding of the House of Commons chamber. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

With parliament back in session, Nigel and Sarah review where things stand after the party conferences, and discuss the news of the week. As Storm Benjamin batters the UK, there's controversy over the grooming gang inquiry, and the continuing scandal over Prince Andrew has landed on the political agenda. How can MPs best scrutinise issues that affect the Royal Family? Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

This week marks the 100th anniversary of Margaret Thatcher's birth, and her legacy was much in evidence at last week's Conservative Party Conference, with Kemi Badenoch's speech taking place 50 years after the Iron Lady's own first speech to the conference as leader. In this special episode, we delve back into our own archives to revisit an interview with Dr Emily Hickey, whose PhD thesis focused on Mrs Thatcher's time in Opposition, and with Sir Adam Ridley, who was an adviser to the future Prime Minister and helped draft that first party conference speech. We also hear extracts from a discussion Nigel took part in on Matt Chorley's radio show featuring Conservative peer David Willetts talking about how Thatcher was more pragmatic than she is now given credit for. Presented by Nigel Fletcher Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

Our conference roadshow comes to an end (for now) with Sarah and Nigel both reporting from the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. We speak to Kemi Badenoch about what lessons she's learnt from Margaret Thatcher's time in opposition, and to the Shadow Health Secretary, Stuart Andrew, about how he's approaching the task of developing policy in opposition. We discuss how the conference might affect the political narrative, and (for some reason), whether Nigel wants to smell like a bowl of Coco Pops. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

The Labour Party Conference in Liverpool saw much speculation about a possible leadership challenge from Andy Burnham, whilst Keir Starmer - like Ed Davey last week - focused his attention on Nigel Farage and Reform. Nigel and Sarah reflect on Burnham's prospects and discuss the party's attitude to dissent after a number of attendees found their credentials cancelled after posting critical comments. They also consider the issue of politicians' security, after Reform claim Farage's police protection has been reduced. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

We're off to the seaside in this episode, as Nigel joins the Lib Dems for their conference in sunny Bournemouth, where the party was talking ID cards, online safety and taking on Reform UK. Featuring an exclusive interview with party leader Sir Ed Davey, taking a break from his itinerary of media stunts to discuss the challenges of opposition and his ambitions for the next election. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

In the latest of our UK conference season specials, we take a closer look at the Green Party of England and Wales, with former leader Natalie Bennett talking Trump, protests and how to "change everything". We also speak to Professor Tim Bale about Green party membership, discuss another Tory defection to Reform, and review Donald Trump's state visit. Plus a surprise appearance from Doctor Who! Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

Nigel and Sarah begin our Party Conference season with a look at the Reform UK gathering in Birmingham, and discuss the fallout from the resignation of Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner. We also speak to Professor Tim Bale of Queen Mary University of London about who Reform's members are and what the party's prospects might be in the years ahead. Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

In this special bonus episode, Dr Nigel Fletcher takes OppositionCast listeners to the first stop on his party conference tour, spending a day at the Reform UK conference in Birmingham. He speaks to Nigel Farage, interviews a recent defector from the Conservatives and watches as the leader's speech is interrupted by protesters. Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher Theme Music by Tom Hector

With parliament back from the summer recess and the autumn party conference season about to begin, we limber up for our conference road trip by catching up with a busy week in UK opposition politics. There's a new leader of the Green Party and pressure on the government from opposition parties over the Deputy Prime Minister's tax affairs. We also hear from Jeremy Corbyn about his new party, Ed Davey of the Lib Dems on Gaza and the ECHR, and listen in on Nigel Farage appearance at a congressional hearing in the United States. Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher Theme Music by Tom Hector

As parliament breaks up for the summer recess, Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch has taken the opportunity to refresh her frontbench team, with a reshuffle that has seen the return of former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to the Shadow Cabinet. Will the changes be enough to boost Conservative fortunes? Will anybody actually notice? And where are Nigel and Sarah going on the party conference roadtrip? Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

As Labour marks a year in office, there aren't many birthday celebrations in a week that saw a damaging rebellion over welfare cuts and speculation about the future of the Chancellor. Nigel and Sarah look back over the last year and consider the fragmented nature of opposition to the government. Plus we talk to the guru of parliamentary rebellions, Professor Philip Cowley of Queen Mary, University of London about the significance of this rebellion and what it means for the government. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

We're back! It's a new year (OK, it's five months into a new year), and Nigel and Sarah have a lot to discuss - from the Conservative Party in the UK slipping to 4th place in the polls to the surprise defeat of opposition parties in Australia and Canada. What does the triumph of Reform UK in the English local elections mean for the Conservative and Labour Parties? What is the "Trump effect"? And will Nigel manage to wrap up the podcast on time without having to do endless retakes? Tune in and find out. Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Theme Music by Tom Hector

As 2024 draws to a close, Nigel and Sarah present our festive special, looking back on a major year for opposition parties and elections. Amid the Christmas wrapping and mince pies, they look at the moments, campaigns and leaders of the year. Nigel also heads to the pub to catch up with the editor of the Times Diary for some reflections on the more light-hearted stories 2024 has brought. Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

As a new Leader of the Opposition, it's important to make a good first impression - and commentators have been quick to give their initial verdicts on Kemi Badenoch. But how did previous opposition leaders present themselves in their very first public statements in the job? Nigel gets back in his TARDIS to find out. Meanwhile, Sarah has abandoned impartiality and been out supporting the (rather noisy) farmers protests in Westminster. Will the issue resonate with the public? And what are we to make of a recent poll showing Reform UK ahead of Labour? Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher Theme Music by Tom Hector

As the dust settles after Donald Trump's victory in the US Presidential election, our transatlantic election podcasting reaches its finale. Sarah joins us from New York, having been in California for polling day, and gives us her take on how the result went down in Kamala Harris's home state. Back in London, Nigel runs through the Shadow Cabinet appointments that have now been made by new Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and considers the serious challenges they face. Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

We have a result! The long Conservative leadership contest comes to an end with the election of Kemi Badenoch, who takes over as the new Leader of His Majesty's Opposition. Once again, Nigel Fletcher was in the room where it happened. On the other side of the Atlantic, the US Presidential Election reaches its climax, and Sarah has travelled to Los Angeles in California for election day. She gives her latest insight on the election campaign, including encountering a crowd of Trump supporters in New York. Will we have another result this week, or is it going to take a bit longer to know who will win the White House? Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

Plot twist! We're back with an extra episode after the final MPs' ballot in the Conservative leadership election produced a shock result that few commentators or politicians saw coming. Nigel was in Committee Room 14 of the House of Commons as the result was read out and talks to Sarah about what might have happened... Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

With the sudden resignation at the weekend of the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff, Sue Gray, what does the turmoil in Number 10 says about how well Labour prepared for government? And with the party conference season wrapping up last week with the Conservatives in Birmingham, Nigel and Sarah discuss the leadership speeches from the final four candidates, before MPs whittle them down to the final two this week. Plus all the latest on the US election trail from Sarah in Washington DC. Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

With the Labour Party back in government after 14 years of opposition, Nigel heads up to Liverpool to the party's conference fringe and finds a surprisingly subdued mood, accompanied by dark clouds and driving rain. We hear analysis from polling guru John Curtice on the outcome of this year's General Election, discussion of the culture wars with More in Common's Luke Tryl, and discussion of the state of the Labour Party and its many new MPs with journalist Michael Crick. Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher Theme Music by Tom Hector

It's party conference season, and Sir Ed Davey has kicked things off by arriving at his Lib Dem gathering in Brighton on a jet ski, whilst Nigel Farage has rallied his Reform UK troops in Birmingham. Over in the USA, it's now over a week since the Trump/Harris debate - has it moved the polls, or is the race still too close to call? With Sarah in New York and Nigel minding the shop in London, we discuss these topics, and look ahead to the Labour and Conservative conferences. Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

We're back - and we've gone transatlantic! With the US election looming, Sarah has headed Stateside, and joins us from New York, where she'll be based to provide exclusive coverage and insights into the campaign there. Meanwhile, Nigel remains here in London and has been keeping his eye on Westminster, where Keir Starmer is facing internal opposition from Labour MPs, and the Tory leadership election has kicked off with the first ballot of MPs. Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

As parliament rises for its summer recess, MPs and politicos will be getting a bit of a break after a tumultuous few months. Though not if they're one of the six Conservative leadership contenders who made it onto the ballot when nominations closed this week. They now have just a month to win over supporters before the first knock-out stages begin on the 4th September when parliament returns. In this episode, Nigel and Sarah discuss the challenge facing the candidates vying to be Leader of the Opposition, and how difficult a position the Conservative Party is in. They also run through the long list of 40 bills announced by the new government in The King's Speech. Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

As the new parliament gets underway, we consider the changed political landscape, and the implications for the way opposition operates, with a wider variety of opposition voices in the House of Commons facing the new government from the benches opposite. To analyse and discuss the implications, this episode brings you a recording of our expert webinar, which took place on the first full day of parliamentary proceedings following the King's Speech. Alongside Dr Nigel Fletcher, it features: - Peter Kellner CBE - Pollster, broadcaster and award-winning journalist; former Chairman and president of YouGov - Baroness (Janet) Royall of Blaisdon - Former Leader of the Labour Party in the House of Lords and Chair of the Centre for Opposition Studies - Professor Paula Surridge - Professor of Political Sociology, University of Bristol; co-author of The British General Election of 2019 (and the forthcoming edition on 2024) - Baroness (Tina) Stowell of Beeston - Former Leader of the Conservative Party in the House of Lords; Previously Deputy Chief of Staff to William Hague as Leader of the Opposition The event is introduced by Professor Mohammed Abdel-Haq, Executive Director of the Centre for Opposition Studies. Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher Theme Music by Tom Hector

The dust has barely settled after the Labour landslide, but Nigel and Sarah have caught up on their sleep, and are back to give their reflections on a dramatic election night. What does the future hold for the opposition parties? How long will Rishi Sunak hang around as Leader of the Opposition? And who could follow him? Plus Nigel reports back on his busy election night, and we have another trip back in the TARDIS to see the aftermath of election night in 1997... Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

Finally, it has arrived. The polls are open and after six weeks of politicians campaigning, it is now for the voters to decide their fate. Nigel and Sarah discuss the final events in the election campaign and look ahead to the likely change of government. Back in 1997, the 1st of May dawns, with a nervous Michael Portillo canvassing the streets of his constituency, and Tony Blair starting to believe he might actually be on the brink of power. In 2024 as in 1997, all eyes are on the exit poll at 10pm... Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

With just two days to go until polling day, we're joined by special guest and podcast royalty, former Labour Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. We talk about campaigning, civility, what it's like to win in a landslide election... and what it's like to lose in the glare of publicity. Nigel and Sarah also catch up with Ed Davey's latest stunt, hear which former Prime Ministers have been caught on the doorsteps, and discuss Elton John's endorsement of Keir Starmer. Plus, have the Conservatives finally managed a genuinely good tweet? Lastly, we take another trip back to 1997, where we unexpectedly encounter the Centre for Opposition Studies' chair (our boss), wrestling with the Tory Chicken... Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

With just a week to go until the results of the election are known, Nigel and Sarah discuss the latest developments in the ongoing betting scandal, and review the final head-to-head TV debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer. Noises off threatened to distract from the event, and for once Sunak seemed to score some points at his opponents' expense. Meanwhile back in 1997, the political mudslinging had become particularly intense as polling day approached, with John Major calling Tony Blair a liar, and both parties condemning each others' tactics. We also take a look at a set-piece interview with Blair on News at Ten, and a lavish Labour Party election broadcast which became known as Blair -The Movie. Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector

As the betting scandal rumbles on, Nigel and Sarah discuss what further damage it could do to the public's faith in politics overall. They also consider how differing levels of trust change how voters react to policies, promises - and even Taylor Swift selfies. Back in 1997, the issues of Europe continues to dominate, with Sir Edward Heath lambasting the latest Conservative attack on Tony Blair. The Labour leader meanwhile receives a team talk from Sir Alex Ferguson. Produced by the Centre for Opposition Studies Presented by Nigel Fletcher and Sarah Southern Theme Music by Tom Hector