Two Mates, No Mandates

Former Conservative MP Duncan Baker and journalist Charlie Walden are joined by political strategist and public affairs expert Fiona Cuthbertson for a fascinating look at how power really works in Westminster.With more than 30 years of experience in politics, lobbying and public policy, Fiona explains how legislation is shaped behind the scenes, the realities of lobbying, and how campaigners, businesses and interest groups can influence government decisions. She also reflects on some of the major policy changes she has helped deliver, from protections for shopworkers to improving autism awareness in schools.The conversation then turns to the biggest political stories of the week, including Tony Blair's latest intervention, Andy Burnham's move to Makerfield and growing speculation about Labour's future leadership. Could Burnham be positioning himself for a return to Westminster and, ultimately, a shot at Number 10?From the hidden influences shaping policy to the personalities shaping Britain's future, this is a candid and insightful look at politics from both inside and outside the system.Guest DetailsFiona CuthbertsonManaging Director, Keystone Consulting🌐 www.keystone-consulting.co.uk🎙️ OffTheCuth PodcastYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@OffTheCuthSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/Social MediaX:https://twitter.com/keystone_OffTheCuth on X:https://twitter.com/Offthecuth_Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/offthecuth_

Former Conservative MP Duncan Baker joins journalist Charlie Walden to break down one of the most dramatic weeks yet for Keir Starmer’s government.Facing nearly 100 MPs calling for his resignation and mounting unrest inside Labour, Starmer is under more pressure than ever before. This episode dives into the political chaos surrounding the Prime Minister, Wes Streeting’s resignation as Health Secretary and his call for Starmer to step aside, and the growing debate over whether Brexit itself is once again becoming a defining issue in British politics.The pair also discuss Andy Burnham’s dramatic return to Westminster politics after Josh Simons stood aside for him in Makerfield. Is Burnham now positioning himself for the Labour leadership and could he one day become Prime Minister?From leadership plots and Labour infighting to Brexit, polling, and the future of British politics, Charlie and Duncan debate it all in another candid episode of Two Mates, No Mandates.

Former Conservative MP Duncan Baker joins journalist Charlie Walden to break down one of the most dramatic weeks yet in British politics.With Labour suffering catastrophic local election losses and Reform surging across the country, the pressure is mounting on Keir Starmer. Rumours of leadership plots are growing, over 40 MPs are reportedly turning on the Prime Minister, and questions are now being asked about who could eventually replace him.This episode dives into Catherine West’s emerging challenge, the return of Gordon Brown to the Labour fold, Nigel Farage’s controversial £5m donation, and the wider crisis facing both major parties. Duncan and Charlie also assess the state of the Conservatives, Reform’s momentum, and whether British politics is entering a new anti-establishment era.Plus: Rayner vs Streeting, the possibility of an Andy Burnham comeback, and what the latest polling really tells us about the direction of the country.

Former Conservative MP Steve Baker joins Duncan Baker and Charlie Walden as only the second ever guest on the podcast for a wide-ranging and candid conversation.A central figure in the Brexit years, Steve rose from the backbenches to become one of the most influential MPs in Westminster, helping to organise and lead the European Research Group and playing a key role in shaping the direction of Brexit. At times, governments could not move forward without the support of him and his allies, giving him real leverage over major national decisions. He later served in government, offering a rare perspective from both outside and inside the system.In this episode, they break down the Mandelson saga and what it reveals about how power really operates at the top of government, before diving into a lively clash between Charlie and Steve on Brexit and its legacy. Duncan and Steve also reminisce about their time in government, offering insight into life behind the scenes in Westminster.From leading a rebellious bloc of MPs to navigating the realities of being inside government, Steve reflects on his time in politics with honesty and depth. It’s a revealing look at power, principle, and the tensions between ideology and compromise in modern British politics.

Former Conservative MP Duncan Baker joins journalist Charlie Walden to break down the biggest stories shaping Westminster. Blending insider political experience with sharp reporting, they dig beneath the surface of the week’s headlines to explain what is really going on behind closed doors.This episode covers the escalating junior doctor strikes and what they reveal about the state of the NHS, Donald Trump’s comments on Iran and the potential global and domestic implications, and the suspension of Labour MP Karl Turner. From industrial action to international tensions and party discipline, it is a candid look at the power, personalities, and pressures driving British politics today.

Former Conservative MP Duncan Baker joins journalist Charlie Walden for a special Westminster “Mythbusters” episode, separating fact from fiction in British politics. They open with the escalating tensions around Iran and what the prospect of conflict really means for the UK, before diving into the biggest myths about how Westminster actually works.From the true role of party whips and whether MPs really vote freely, to the reality of cross party friendships, parliamentary drinking culture, and the idea of a London centric political elite, Duncan and Charlie pull back the curtain on life inside Parliament. They also tackle whether backbenchers have any real power, if the Commons chaos you see on TV reflects reality, and how much of politics is performance versus substance.Blending insider experience with sharp analysis, this episode challenges the assumptions people hold about politics and reveals what is actually going on behind the scenes when the cameras are off.

Former Minister and Downing Street insider Trudy Harrison joins Two Mates, No Mandates for our very first guest episode.As Parliamentary Private Secretary to Boris Johnson during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trudy had a front-row seat in No.10 during one of the biggest global crises in modern history. From the daily pressures of pandemic decision-making to the realities of governing under unprecedented restrictions, she reveals what it was really like behind the Downing Street door when the country was in lockdown.Elected in a historic 2017 by-election that turned Copeland blue for the first time since 1931, Trudy went on to serve as a Transport Minister and later in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs — navigating Brexit aftershocks, infrastructure battles, and the tensions between industry, climate policy and regional jobs.In this candid conversation with Duncan Baker and Charlie Walden, she reflects on:The unseen dynamics inside government during COVIDThe pressures of loyalty and dissent in ministerial lifeThe reality of working alongside a Prime Minister in crisisThe personal cost of politics — and why she chose to stand downFor our first guest interview, this is an unfiltered look at power, pressure, and the people behind the headlines.

Former Conservative MP Duncan Baker joins journalist Charlie Walden to unpack one of the most turbulent weeks in Westminster since the general election.A cascade of resignations inside Downing Street — from Morgan McSweeney to Tim Allan — has fuelled a growing narrative that Number 10 is losing control. The crisis deepened when Anas Sarwar publicly called for the Prime Minister to stand aside ahead of the Holyrood election, triggering open fractures within Labour’s ranks.Meanwhile, Wes Streeting’s decision to publish private WhatsApp messages with Peter Mandelson prompted Cabinet Office warnings and intensified the briefing war engulfing the party. Is this transparency — or escalation?As Sir Chris Wormald steps down as Cabinet Secretary during the storm, the drama moves beyond party politics into questions about the stability of the state itself.They also debate:Whether the government’s growth strategy can survive the chaosStreeting vs Rayner — is a leadership contest quietly taking shape?Claims that Ed Miliband has privately fired shots at StreetingWhether calling Israel’s actions “genocide” changes leadership calculusThe rise of Restore Britain and polling suggesting a potential 10% insurgent vote shareAnd whether donating a Prime Ministerial salary to charity is principled leadership — or political theatreIs this a government in temporary turbulence — or the start of a structural unravelling?Blending insider political experience with sharp reporting, Duncan and Charlie dig beneath the headlines to explain what’s really happening inside the Labour machine — and what it means for the future of British politics.

Former Conservative MP Duncan Baker joins journalist Charlie Walden to break down the biggest stories shaking Westminster. Blending insider political experience with sharp reporting, they dig beneath the surface of the week’s headlines to explain what’s really going on behind closed doors. This episode covers Andy Burnham’s clash with Labour’s NEC, the uncertain state of the Conservative Party, fresh defections to Reform, and the growing debate over whether the UK should remain part of the ECHR. From party infighting to constitutional questions, it’s a candid look at the power, personalities, and pressures shaping British politics today.

In the first episode of Two Mates. No Mandates., journalist Charlie Walden is joined by former Conservative MP for North Norfolk Duncan Baker to unpack a turbulent moment in British politics.They discuss Duncan’s experience of losing his seat at the general election — including his private conversation with Rishi Sunak — and reflect on life after party politics. The conversation then turns to the wider picture: Reform defections, the future of the Conservative Party, and who could emerge as the next leader of the Labour Party.With insider insight and straight-talking analysis, this episode offers a candid look behind the curtain of Westminster at a time of major political change.