Political Currency

A snap election! Not quite George Osborne’s prediction of 14th November, Ed Balls is struggling to understand the logic that led Rishi Sunak to surprise, well, literally everybody with 4th July as the date of the next general election. Are good inflation numbers really enough to see the Conservatives to a better result than the formerly predicted disaster? George reveals Number 10’s thinking. As the battle is drawn, Ed and George discuss the seats to watch and the issues on the table - and of course, the ones that aren’t. And, they draw back the curtain on how Westminster will be preparing in the wake of the prime minister’s bombshell. Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets. Try for free: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyRemember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukProducer: Rosie Stopher and Ned MilesProduction support: Miriam HallTechnical Producer: Will Gibson Smith and Oliver GeraghtyExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why doesn’t Bristol have a mayor anymore? What do treasury officials actually do? And is there a reason we’re losing so many bright young tech experts to the West Coast of America?Plus, author Will Hutton wants to know if Ed Balls and George Osborne will take responsibility for their involvement in the economic crises of the twenty-first century, and in a podcast crossover, Sascha O’Sullivan of POLITICO’s Westminster Insider wants to know if we should be trying to find silver linings in Truss’s attempt to be different. Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukProducer: Rosie Stopher Production support: Miriam HallTechnical Producer: Will Gibson SmithExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.  Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer, poster boy. The Labour leader’s new pledge card is here, with six key policies and a black and white photoshoot to woo the public. Is it all a bit retro? Well that depends who you ask: George Osborne would prefer a new approach, whereas Ed Balls reckons some solid Labour '97 nostalgia might just be what the party needs.Meanwhile, Labour’s shadow foreign secretary David Lammy is working hard to get himself out there on the world stage - and back in the good books of a certain former (and possibly future) US President, of whom he’s rarely been complimentary before. If he’s after an invitation to Mar-a-Lago, the good news is that George has the inside scoop from the current Foreign Secretary on how an evening at Donald Trump’s dinner table plays out. And, with George on the ground at Stanford University, what are the challenges of the campus protests sweeping the world - and what does it mean for politics in a globally important election year? Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets. Try for free: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyRemember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukProducer: Rosie Stopher Production support: Miriam HallTechnical Producer: Will Gibson SmithExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Balls and George Osborne are pleased to have been asked for book recommendations. Is this the start of a book club to compete with the likes of Richard and Judy? If so, George is bagsying his role in the duo now - and no, it’s not Richard. MP Greg Clark asks about the future of local mayoralties, and Sunday Times interviewer Decca Aitkenhead wants to know whether George is doing anything about his, ahem, selective memory. Plus, what on earth did the Cameron government see in Liz Truss all those years ago, and what’s changed?You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets. Try for free: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyRemember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukProducer: Rosie Stopher and Ned MilesProduction support: Miriam HallTechnical Producer: Will Gibson Smith and Oliver Geraghty Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak lives to fight another day after some terrible local election results. But as he loses yet another MP to Labour, Ed Balls and George Osborne ask whether it might be time to play a new strategy and try acting the underdog.Meanwhile, whilst Labour had a markedly better weekend, it didn’t quite indicate the 1997-style landslide they might be hoping for in the next general election. Is Keir Starmer on track for a small majority? And if so, how should he manage it?And in foreign affairs, the UK is notably absent from President Xi Jinping’s European itinerary this week. How did Sino-UK relations end up here, and how would a prime minister - current or future - get back on track?Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets. Try for free: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyRemember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukProducers: Rosie Stopher and Ned MilesProduction support: Miriam HallTechnical Producer: Will Gibson SmithExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s polling day. Ed Balls and George Osborne give their expert analysis on the importance of local elections: what contests do you need to look out for? And what do they reveal about Rishi Sunak’s political fortunes?Across the border, the Scottish National Party is in turmoil after First Minister Humza Yousaf resigned. Could this open the door to a Labour resurgence in Scotland?Speaking of, the person hoping to lead that resurgence is Keir Starmer. But how well do we really know the man hoping to be our next Prime Minister? George has called up Keir’s old friend Andrew Cooper to find out more about the Labour leader’s youth.Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets. Try for free: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyRemember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukProducer: Rosie StopherProduction support: Miriam HallTechnical Producer: Will Gibson SmithExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the most auspicious day of the year: Ed Balls Day. To celebrate, George has got his Ed Balls mask out (not a euphemism), and is ready to go Inside the Room. Just kidding. But he has in fact organised some questions from Ed’s nearest and not-so dearest. Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves asks about Ed’s favourite Gregg’s order. Bandmate and Political Journalist Robert Peston wants to know why regulation of public services has gone so badly wrong, and Ed’s successor in his Morley and Outwood seat, Andrea Jenkyns, wonders if he regrets Labour’s gold sale. Plus, the icon that is Delia Smith asks about their shared passion: Norwich City Football Club. Not that that will stop Ed and George discussing their favourite Delia recipes. Head to our social media platforms to see how Ed celebrated Ed Balls day this year @polcurrency Producer: Rosie StopherProduction support: Ellen MorganTechnical Producer: Will Gibson Smith and Oliver Geraghty Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After two years, Rishi Sunak can finally celebrate a Rwanda victory as his bill passes in parliament - but Ed Balls and George Osborne can’t help noticing it’s been somewhat overshadowed by an announcement on defence spending. Is the government playing with fudged figures? And is it even worthwhile as far as voters are concerned?St George’s Day saw an unexpected new poster boy this week - and no, it’s not George, much to his chagrin. Keir Starmer is embracing his patriotic side. Ed and George weigh in on whether now is the right time to be flying the English flag, and if a dose of nationalism (and a nationalised railway) is the way to win an election.And across the pond, presidential polling has been shaken up by the emergence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a viable third candidate ready to split the vote. But whose vote will it split exactly? Producers: Rosie Stopher Production support: Ellen MorganTechnical Producer: Will Gibson Smith and Oliver Geraghty Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the role of a PPS more than just a ‘bag carrier’ and when has it gone wrong? If Ed and George could have a cardboard cut out of any politician who would it be? And BBC Radio 4’s Amol Rajan asks Ed about Joe Biden’s stammer. Should the American President talk more openly about his speech impediment? Plus, is the rise of the smartphone to blame for us all being less productive? And should 16 and 17 year olds have been allowed to vote in the Brexit referendum? Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets. Try for free: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyRemember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukProducer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith and Oliver Geraghty Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.  Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It should have finally been a bumper week for Rishi Sunak - with inflation down, a win for his smoking ban and with success on his Rwanda legislation within sight.But instead, would-be Tory leaders have been hogging the limelight. Liz Truss is back with a vengeance. Could her ‘Trump-style’ return to form see her reinstated as head of the party? Or is it Kemi Badenoch’s time to shine? Why has her stance on the smoking ban been rubbing her colleagues up the wrong way? And as we head towards the local elections, party leaflets are coming in thick and fast. That is, if you can tell which party it’s come from - because George has noticed some parties are a bit more keen to dwell on their Westminster representatives than others…Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets. Try for free: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyRemember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukProducer: Rosie StopherTechnical Producer: Will Gibson Smith and Oliver Geraghty Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Balls and George Osborne were Inside the Room with Michael Gove last week to deep dive into the Brexit plots - and now they’re facing your questions on the moment that changed British politics forever. What happened to all the voters the EU referendum coaxed out of the woodwork? Are women ignored in the retelling of those tumultuous days of 2016? And what can historical parallels tell us about the inevitability of rejoining?Plus, GB News’ Chris Hope asks why George and David Cameron didn’t give themselves more time for their EU negotiations, Tim Shipman asks what would have happened if Boris Johnson became PM straight away and it’s time to ‘uncork the Gauke’ with a question on whether Michael Gove was right to advise future Prime Ministers to ‘never ever have a referendum on anything’?You could have listened to this episode early and ad-free! Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets. Try for free: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProducer: Rosie StopherTechnical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Production Support: Miriam HallExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another week, another scandal surrounding the Conservatives. But this time of the honey trapping variety. Ed and George discuss the dating app scam that has ensnared at least one MP. Meanwhile, Labour is having a difficult time stamping out persistent claims the party’s Deputy Leader Angela Rayner dodged tax on a house sale. George says if she stumbles, all the Conservatives want to see her fall. He predicts there will be more to come. And David Cameron is back on the world stage, meeting with US presidential candidate Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida this week. George thinks it shows Cameron can secure the meetings no “normal” foreign secretary could land. Ed wonders, though, what Joe Biden would think of the former PM giving airtime and legitimacy to Trump … Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets. Try for free: patreon.com/PoliticalCurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProducer: Rosie StopherTechnical Producer: Will Gibson SmithProduction Support: Miriam HallExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The result is in, and in the words of David Dimbleby, ‘we’re out’. But whilst the Brexit referendum draws a line under the campaign period, it sets the stage for chaos in the lives of our insiders. In this final episode of 'Inside the Room: The Brexit Plots', Ed Balls and George Osborne grill Michael Gove on the Conservative leadership contest that followed David Cameron’s resignation, and what (or who) persuaded him to commit one of the great political betrayals of recent years.Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets. Try for free: patreon.com/PoliticalCurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProducer: Rosie StopherTechnical Producer: Will Gibson SmithProduction Support: Miriam HallExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordArchive: BBC News, EuroNews and Sky NewsPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Leave and Remain campaigns get underway, it seems that the Remain camp has a clear lead. That is, until it doesn’t. In this second instalment of Inside the Room: The Brexit Plot, Michael Gove, Ed Balls and George Osborne take us behind the scenes of the ever-more-panicked campaign HQs as polling day draws in.Part 3 of 'Inside The Room: The Brexit Plots' is exclusively available to listen to now for subscribers to POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅Become a member of Political Currency Gold to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets.Try for free: patreon.com/PoliticalCurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProducer: Rosie StopherTechnical Producer: Will Gibson SmithProduction Support: Miriam HallExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordArchive: BBC News, EuroNews and Sky NewsPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brexit was the issue that splintered British politics: Friendships were broken, political parties split, and a nation polarised by the EU referendum. We all know what the outcome was, but in this special miniseries, Ed Balls and George Osborne are joined by Michael Gove - the ultimate Leave campaign insider - to discover what really went on behind the scenes of the biggest political shakeup of the 21st century.In this first part of three, Ed, George and Michael take us back to the beginning of the Brexit campaigns and ‘inside the room’ as a formerly watertight cabinet began to split in favour of Leave or Remain.Parts 2 and 3 of 'Inside The Room: The Brexit Plots' are available to listen to NOW for subscribers to Political Currency Gold.POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅Become a member of Political Currency Gold to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets.Try for free: patreon.com/PoliticalCurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProducer: Rosie StopherTechnical Producer: Will Gibson SmithProduction Support: Miriam HallExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordArchive: BBC News, EuroNews and Sky NewsPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator NetworkHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parliament may be heading into recess, but there’s little time for holidaying as the political parties are heading straight into local election campaigning after Easter. Ed Balls and George Osborne take stock of how those campaigns are shaping up, who and what to watch out for, and how the results might change the Westminster mood.Is the BBC in danger again? And this time it’s from inside. After Tim Davie’s remarks this week, Ed and George take a deep dive on their own history with Auntie. And as we approach the end of the financial year, what about the newest kid on the block, Jeremy Hunt’s great British ISA? George and Ed look back on the “Buy British” campaigns of old and why they simply don’t work.  Producer: Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Will Gibson SmithProduction support: Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest polling predicts Conservative armageddon in the next election. But do these polls matter? George reveals why the Tories are still banking on winning over those ‘don’t know’ voters. They’ll have a mountain to climb, with growing fears of coordinated tactical voting. Will it work as a strategy, and have Ed and George ever dared to vote for another party? And when Taylor Swift comes roaring into town, does she bring a massive economic boost with her? Our not-so-secret Swifties aren’t convinced… Plus, they tackle the consequences of spending commitments for subsequent governments, and ask if tradition has any real importance in politics. Got a question for Ed and George? Send a voice note to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukProducer: Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Will Gibson SmithProduction support: Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak is on a mission to prove his political fortunes are turning round… despite a long list of headaches. How can he get out of the political spiral he’s in? George and Ed pick over some lessons from Prime Ministers past… He’d do well to heed their words. On the Labour side, Rachel Reeves had made another big play for the role of chancellor, giving the Mais lecture. Is ‘securonomics’ the future of Britain? And does it mean she’s disowning some of Ed’s New Labour decisions?And forget the Eton rifles, could Britain’s young people actually be going to war?Follow us on social media: @polcurrencyProducers: Rosie StopherTechnical Producer: Will Gibson SmithProduction support: Miriam HallExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is legalising cannabis the answer to the hole in Labour’s financial plans? Are fiscal rules there to be broken? And, in light of the infamous royal photography fail, can Ed and George think of other times a photograph has landed a public figure in hot water? Of course they can - sorry Prime Minister!Got a question for Ed and George? Send a voice note to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukProducer: Rosie Stopher Production support: Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Gove is rolling out his new definition of extremism this week, to the chagrin of people across the political spectrum. Ed and George weigh in on whether this will have any impact in keeping the UK safe, or whether it will threaten to divide the country further.Unfortunately for Gove, a major Tory donor undermined the whole message with his own extreme comments about Diane Abbott. Should they return his £10m donation? And why didn’t they consult their most senior Black female member before responding to this new crisis? And the ‘crypto-winter’ is over: Bitcoin is back. Is the boom here to stay, and what does it mean for governments around the world?  Producer: Rosie Stopher Production support: Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.