Political Currency

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.

How does Donald Trump’s popularity endure, in spite of all his misdemeanours, and might Nigel Farage be taking notes? What is universal basic income and could it ever work in the UK? And George addresses recent claims that his little birdies in Downing Street have been found out… Ed and George are back answering more of your questions on EMQs. Have you got a burning issue you’d like them to address? Send a voice note to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukProducer: Rosie Stopher Production support: Miriam Hall Production Manager: Flick HeathExecutive 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.

With the budget behind us, Ed pushes George on whether he’s still backing a November election. Tory sources are saying there’s a push from the centre of the party to send the country to the polls in May, but George has pretty strong views on what kind of idea that would be …. Meanwhile, Lord David Cameron is making lists and taking risks. The Foreign Secretary just celebrated 100 days in office, and George says he is being true to form by releasing a video listing off his lengthy travel agenda. But while anyone can hop on a plane – especially if you don’t have a constituency to tend to – Ed and George agree his willingness to push Israel on its approach to Gaza is shifting the international political mood, and restoring faith in the foreign office. And Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murty’s interview with Grazia about their home life, meant to be lighthearted and relatable, has been met with widespread cringing. Is Rishi listening to any of George’s advice at all? Producer: Rosie Stopher Production support: Miriam Hall Production Manager: Flick HeathExecutive 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 this the budget that turns the Tories’ fortunes? Ed and George have been poised for this day for weeks: budget day! They give their immediate reaction to Jeremy Hunt’s (final?) spending plans, consider whether it meets the tests they set out on last week's episode, and they answer your questions.This episode was originally broadcast LIVE on YouTube. Make sure you’re following us on social media @polcurrency so you don’t miss the next one. Producer: Rosie StopherTech production: Will Gibson SmithExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordPolitical 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.

It's Budget week. Do Ed and George wish they were back in Parliament? And what's the secret to making it through the speech?Plus they answer lots more of your questions, from whether Rachel Reeves is right to be thinking about reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance, to the mystery of what happened to the infamous EdStone...Be sure to follow us on our socials @polcurrency and join us at 3pm on Wednesday 6th March for Ed and George’s live budget reaction.  Producer: Rosie Stopher Production support: Miriam Hall Production Manager: Flick HeathExecutive 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.

George reveals it was Sajid Javid who told Rishi Sunak to strip Lee Anderson of the whip, after comments that have been slammed as Islamophobic and hate speech. But on the broadcast rounds, the Conservative party line is to stop short, saying the “words were wrong” – over and over and over again. How would George and Ed tackle the furore, and why do they think Rishi Sunak should take a hard line and not “leave junior ministers out to dry”?All the while, next week’s budget is causing friction between No. 10 and No. 11 – will Downing Street get the tax cuts they’re hoping for? And how will Jeremy Hunt be preparing for what could be his last budget as chancellor? And, is the real issue that the country simply isn’t growing? Prof. Ed Balls is back to explain to George why the government needs to take a regional approach if it wants the economy to boom. Follow us on social media: @polcurrency and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Producers: Rosie Stopher Production support: Miriam Hall Production Manager: Flick HeathExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordWith thanks to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.Political 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 Boris Johnson's forthcoming book going to cause Rishi Sunak another headache? Is it acceptable for political leaders to take private planes? And does positive discrimination ever work in politics? Ed Balls and George Osborne answer these questions and more in our latest instalment of EMQs.Send your questions for future episodes to questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukFollow us on social media: @polcurrencyProducers: Rosie Stopher and Nathan CopelinProduction support: Miriam Hall Production Manager: Flick HeathExecutive 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.

Chaos reigns supreme in Parliament this week after a tabled Labour amendment led to calls for Speaker of the House Lindsay Hoyle to resign. Is it really as big a deal as has been made out? Or is it a huge mess for the Speaker to overcome?Why isn’t the economy front and centre in this election year? It is on Political Currency! This week Ed Balls and George Osborne focus on housing policy. Will election battles be won on the greenbelt? And on Cameron-watch George’s mate David has been at the G20 summit, via the Falklands - the first UK politician to visit the islands since 2016. Does the foreign secretary have political motivation, or - as George suspects - is it just a bit of good old-fashioned political tourism to a place that holds curiosity for centrist dads everywhere? Follow us on social media: @polcurrency and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Producers: Rosie Stopher and Nathan CopelinProduction support: Miriam Hall Production Manager: Flick HeathExecutive 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.