James O'Brien Daily

Keir Starmer came into office promising a clean break. An end to the chaos, the incompetence, and the slow decay that’s defined British politics since 2016. But the sense of political rot hasn’t gone away. Public trust is still shattered, institutions are fragile, and voters across the spectrum are more cynical than ever. So what went wrong? Why hasn’t Starmer managed to turn things and now as he faces a leadership challenge, is it too late?And, the King’s Speech today set out the roadmap for the country ahead - housing, immigration, energy, policing, and economic reform all on the table. But is this a serious plan for renewal, or just a familiar list of promises in a system already under strain?This episode was recorded on the 13th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The tide appears to have turned on Kier Starmer with reports that 81 Labour MPs want him to stand down. But Starmer says he won't go down without a leadership challenge. So, what’s actually gone wrong? And if Labour did move on from him, who could realistically step up and change the party’s direction?Plus, Zack Polanski admits he made a mistake after failing to pay council tax, adding to a difficult few weeks for the Greens. As the party gains more attention ahead of the general election, so does the scrutiny.This episode was recorded on the 12th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Keir Starmer is under pressure after Labour’s bruising losses last week.In an impassioned defence of his leadership, Starmer insisted he is “not going anywhere,” warning Labour MPs that changing leader wouldn’t solve the party’s problems. He also laid out priorities including closer ties with Europe, taking control of British Steel in the national interest, and renewed support for working people and young families.But with questions growing over leadership, is Starmer safe in his role? And can his message still rebuild trust before the next big political test?This episode was recorded on the 11th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Britain’s political map is shifting, and Labour is feeling the backlash. The party has lost many council seats across the country, even in traditional strongholds.With gains for Reform and The Green Party, a big question looms: was Labour wrong to tact to the right, or is something deeper reshaping politics?Who’s gaining momentum, who’s on the back foot, and what do these first signals tell us about the road to 2026?This episode was recorded on the 8th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

It started as a job interview, and ended as live TV history. Congolese finance graduate Guy Goma was mistakenly pulled into a BBC interview and thrust on air as a tech expert. What followed was panic, confusion, and accidental viral fame that still echoes 20 years later. Guy joins James in the studio to relive the moment that turned him into an internet legend.Plus, a Sainsbury’s worker has been sacked after tackling a champagne thief just hours after performing CPR on a security guard colleague. Should policy matter more than immediate public safety? And are we now punishing the very instinct to help?This episode was recorded on the 7th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Oil is spiking, ships are stranded, and the world’s most critical shipping lane is on edge. Now, President Trump says a peace deal with Iran is within reach. But is this real diplomacy, or just a pause before the next escalation, and who really wins if a deal happens?And, who is Zack Polanski really? The Green Party leader has quickly risen into the spotlight and is in the headlines for a second time this week. Supporters see a bold new voice in British politics, while critics aren’t so sure his story adds up.This episode was recorded on the 6th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Why isn’t this front-page news? Nigel Farage reportedly pocketed £5 million from a billionaire donor before becoming an MP, and yet the story has barely made a ripple.Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East are escalating. Iran warns “we are just getting started” after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, putting global security on edge.And back home, a major crackdown on antisemitism is underway. Universities could soon be forced to publish data on campus incidents as part of a sweeping effort to confront rising Jew hate, but what if it's already too late?Plus, a cruise nightmare is unfolding. 20 British passengers are stranded amid a suspected hantavirus outbreak, with one crew member in urgent need of care. When it comes to cruises, why are people still taking the risk?This episode was recorded on the 5th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

As it's a Bank Holiday Monday, we wanted to give you a dose of James O'Brien still - so here's a special Mystery Hour where he's discussing all about bread...as you were.James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every weekday on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Met police defend the “extraordinary” response in the Golders Green terrorist attack after fierce backlash to Zack Polanski’s post accusing officers of violence. Was this a reckless misstep or a justified call for scrutiny? James breaks down the fallout as the stabbing suspect appears in court.Plus, Police review London pro-Palestine marches amid rising terror concerns, reigniting heated debate. Who gets to decide what qualifies as a “hate march” and if bans are introduced, will it backfire by fuelling even more antisemitism?This episode was recorded on the 1st of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Yesterday’s antisemitic attack in Golders Green has shaken London’s Jewish community, prompting urgent calls for “more protection.” But with little agreement on what that actually means in practice, the tragedy is already being pulled into political point-scoring.And, just a week after warnings about the dangers of cryptocurrency money flowing into politics, explosive revelations have emerged about a UK politician allegedly receiving a huge personal sum from a Thailand-based crypto tycoon.Plus, fresh updates from Washington DC on US politics and the escalating standoff with Iran, as Trump’s approach once again draws controversy.This episode was recorded on the 30th of April. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every weekday on Global Player or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

A targeted stabbing in Golders Green has sent shockwaves through the Jewish community, with Keir Starmer calling it “deeply concerning” as counter terrorism steps in. Fears are growing over rising antisemitic attacks, online radicalisation, and the dangerous blurring of lines between political rhetoric and real-world violence.Plus, The King’s US Speech lays out a vision of unity, diversity, and support for Ukraine, but what’s really behind the emphasis on “checks and balances” at this moment of global tension? And, as Trump claims Iran won’t agree to a non-nuclear deal, are the cracks in international diplomacy starting to show?This episode was recorded on the 29th of April. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every weekday on Global Player or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The King has met Trump with a message: Britain and America willl always find common ground. But why now? And what does Keir Starmer really wants out of this high-stakes moment on the world stage?And, former Foreign Office chief says there was “absolutely” pressure to rush vetting. Meanwhile, criticism mounts over Mandelson’s ambassador appointment called a “serious error of judgement.”Plus, Rachel Reeves is weighing a rent freeze to soften the economic shockwaves of conflict with Iran. What is the real-world impact of a freeze and what it could mean for renters and landlords alike.This episode was recorded on the 28th of April. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every weekday on Global Player or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour from the 1st May. The James O'Brien Daily Podcast will return after the bank holiday, on Tuesday 6th May. Have a wonderful weekend!