The Political Breakdown

In this episode Simon Thomson and Douglas Beattie examine the forthcoming Makerfield by-election, explaining how this extraordinary contest might shape British politics in the years ahead. Who might win, and if Andy Burnham triumphs for Labour does that spark an immediate leadership bid?  For an on the ground perspective Douglas and Simon are joined by Yakub Qureshi – journalist, editor and editorial executive who lives in Greater Manchester and has covered the city region for many years. This is a dive into polling, the performance of the parties, as well as the history of by-elections. We examine the ‘Burnham factor’ in the constituency and ask what he might do differently were he to become Prime Minister. Not only that - how might Reform and the Conservatives perform when voting takes place on the 18th of June - with the eyes of the political world on Makerfield.Send us Fan Mail New episodes dropping regularly. Follow The Political Breakdown for sharp insight, honest analysis, and the stories behind the headlines shaping British politics. 

Less than two years after a landslide victory, Labour is tearing itself apart. Resignations, leadership rumours, and a potential showdown in Makerfield — is this the beginning of the end for Keir Starmer?Former BBC journalists Douglas Beattie and Simon Thomson go beyond the headlines to unpack the chaos: who’s manoeuvring, what’s really driving the unrest, and why voters have been turning away. From Westminster intrigue to a shifting political landscape, this hasn’t just been a bad few weeks for Labour— it’s a shifting political landscape. Is this a leadership crisis… or a full-blown political breakdown?Send us Fan Mail New episodes dropping regularly. Follow The Political Breakdown for sharp insight, honest analysis, and the stories behind the headlines shaping British politics.