Whitehall Sources

This week on Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former No.10 special adviser), and political strategist Jo Tanner dissect an explosive week in Westminster — from the Home Office’s “not fit for purpose” report to Keir Starmer’s looming tax U-turn.👉 Part 1: The Home Office is back in crisis — migrant release blunders, asylum chaos, and Labour’s struggle to get control of small boats. 👉 Part 2: Labour’s credibility crisis — has Keir Starmer already broken his biggest promise not to raise income tax? Kirsty calls it “political suicide.”🎧 Expect sharp analysis, insider detail, and genuine frustration at a government struggling to deliver.📲 Get involved: Email: hello@whitehallsources.com WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with Whitehall)🎥 Watch full episodes + clips on YouTube 🕊️ Follow us on X: @WhitehallSource 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner unpack the political crisis surrounding the Grooming Gangs Inquiry — after victims resigned and its chair Jim Gamble stepped down. With Jess Phillips under pressure and Baroness Louise Casey drafted in, can the government restore trust?Then: the rise of the Green Party. New leader Zack Polanski has lifted the Greens to record polling numbers. Pollster Luke Tryl from More in Common explains the data — and Green councillor Hannah Spencer joins to describe how the party is winning over disillusioned voters.🎧 Subscribe to Whitehall Sources for more UK political analysis every week. 📱 WhatsApp your thoughts: 0333 404 6507 (start with “Whitehall”). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan are joined by Lord Walney (John Woodcock) — former extremism adviser to the government — for a deep dive into two major stories shaking Westminster.👉 First, the China spying scandal: Why did the case against alleged spies collapse? Did the government withhold key evidence? And is the UK’s economic relationship with China compromising national security?👉 Then, a wide-ranging discussion on political extremism, protests, and the rise of populism. Lord Walney explains why Britain feels more divided than ever, what’s wrong with current protest laws, and whether politicians are fuelling dangerous rhetoric. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Whitehall Sources takes you inside Westminster for an unfiltered debrief on the Conservative Party Conference 2025 — and asks: Can Kemi Badenoch save the Tories from collapse?Calum Macdonald plus Kirsty Buchanan, former adviser to Theresa May, and Jo Tanner, political strategist, unpack:Kemi Badenoch’s leadership test after the Manchester conferenceHer new economic pitch — scrapping stamp duty and business ratesWhether the Tories’ “sound money” strategy can outflank Labour or Reform UKWhy the Conservatives risk alienating One Nation votersThe age gap and energy on the conference floor — are the young Tories back?🗳️ Plus: How both Labour and the Conservatives are trying to solve their Nigel Farage problem, and what this all means for next year’s local elections.📲 Send your thoughts: WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Whitehall”)🔔 Subscribe for insider analysis from Westminster every week: @WhitehallSources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer leaves Labour’s party conference in Liverpool with a bold new strategy: frame the fight as Labour vs Reform UK. But is calling Nigel Farage’s immigration policies “racist” a huge political risk?On this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former No.10 adviser to Theresa May) and Jo Tanner (political strategist) break down:What really happened at Labour conference – and why the media narrative may differ from the inside story.The launch of Senedd Sources – completing the “Sources family” across Westminster, Holyrood, Stormont and now the Welsh Senedd.Why Wales could deliver the biggest shock of the May 2026 elections if Labour loses power for the first time.Starmer’s strategy against Reform UK and Nigel Farage – smart politics or a dangerous gamble?Reform UK’s rapid pushback, claiming Labour’s rhetoric endangers Farage’s security.How this all shapes up for Labour ahead of the looming Budget and next year’s elections.👉 Subscribe to the Sources network: Whitehall, Holyrood, Stormont & Senedd Sources – taking you inside politics across the UK.In association with Electrify Britain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest Whitehall Sources episode is packed with political drama. 🚨👉 Keir Starmer’s government drops a bombshell: Digital ID cards could soon be mandatory to work in the UK. Is this about immigration, security—or just a desperate attempt to change the headlines?👉 A mega poll (MRP) of 10,000 voters puts Reform UK on the brink of a parliamentary majority—yes, you read that right. Could Labour really be swept away just months after their landslide?👉 Meanwhile, Andy Burnham stirs the pot ahead of Labour conference with provocative interviews and speculation about a leadership challenge. Is he positioning himself as the next Labour leader?Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner break down the biggest stories shaking Westminster. From the cybersecurity nightmare that could derail digital ID, to the battle for Labour’s soul, to the rise of Reform UK—this episode has it all.📲 Get involved: WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Whitehall”).🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for insider analysis from Westminster every week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump’s UK state visit dominates Westminster this week — and the Whitehall Sources team take you inside the drama.🎙️ Calum Macdonaldm, former No.10 adviser Kirsty Buchanan and political strategist Jo Tanner break down:The pageantry of Windsor Castle and how the royals played a key role in shaping Trump’s mood.Trump’s joint press conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers — including clashes over immigration, Ukraine, Gaza and free speech.Why Trump’s suggestion that the UK military should tackle illegal migration caused such controversy.The “Epstein question” — and how aides on both sides likely pre-planned the response.Whether holding this state visit so early in Trump’s second term was a risk for the UK.Plus: chaos on the British left. Jeremy Corbyn and Zara Sultana’s attempt to launch a new party has descended into a public bust-up, with accusations of sexism, unauthorised membership drives, and comparisons to The Life of Brian. What does this tell us about the prospects for a genuine left-wing alternative to Labour?👉 Subscribe to Whitehall Sources for weekly insider analysis on Westminster politics.📌 Follow us:Twitter: @WhitehallSourceInstagram: @WhitehallSourcesTikTok: @WhitehallSources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former adviser to Theresa May) and political strategist Jo Tanner unpack a turbulent week in Westminster and beyond.🔹 Russian drones breach Polish airspace – NATO faces its biggest test in decades as Donald Tusk invokes Article 4. 🔹 Israel & Gaza tensions – Keir Starmer hosts Israeli President Isaac Herzog amid escalating violence, Doha strikes, and growing Labour Party unrest. 🔹 Peter Mandelson & Jeffrey Epstein – Mandelson admits "embarrassment" as more Epstein correspondence emerges, raising questions over Starmer’s judgment. 🔹 Labour Deputy Leadership contest – why the demand for a “Northern woman” is exposing divisions inside Labour.We also discuss:Andrea Jenkyns’ viral "I’m an insomniac" song and her veterans charity idea 🎶Tube strikes, mopeds, and how AI imagines Jo Tanner…👉 Subscribe for insider analysis of UK politics at Westminster. 👉 Comment below with your thoughts – should Peter Mandelson stay as ambassador to Washington? 👉 WhatsApp your questions to the pod on 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Whitehall”).#Labour #KeirStarmer #Mandelson #Epstein #NATO #Israel #UKPolitics #WhitehallSources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚨 Angela Rayner has resigned as Labour’s Deputy Leader after controversy over her stamp duty payments — a dramatic twist that could reshape the party’s future. In this episode, we dig into what her departure means for Sir Keir Starmer, the challenges it poses for his authority, and how Labour might respond in the months ahead.📰 We unpack the immediate fallout inside Westminster and across the media, and look at how the reshuffle reflects Starmer’s strategy: Shabana Mahmood taking over as Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper moving to the Foreign Office, and David Lammy stepping into Justice. These moves reveal Labour’s priorities on immigration 🌍, law and order ⚖️, foreign policy 🌐, and its fight to win back voters from Reform UK 📊.🤔 We also examine the battle to replace Rayner as Deputy Leader. Could Louise Haigh, Rosena Allin-Khan, or even Ed Miliband emerge as contenders? And crucially — what kind of deputy does Starmer need to balance his leadership, unify the party, and prepare Labour for the next general election 🗳️?🎙️ This episode offers in-depth analysis of Labour’s biggest crisis in years — and what it means for UK politics going forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Rayner is under fire after admitting she underpaid £40,000 in stamp duty on her Hove flat. With questions over her legal advice, whether she misled colleagues, and the optics of multiple homes, will Sir Keir Starmer be able to save his Deputy Prime Minister?In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former adviser to Theresa May) and Jo Tanner (political strategist) debate:Is Angela Rayner’s position as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary still tenable?What does this mean for Sir Keir Starmer’s “Phase Two” reset of government?The November 26th Budget — can Chancellor Rachel Reeves survive the £50bn “black hole”?How debt, borrowing costs, and welfare pressures will shape the future of Labour’s economic strategy.We also discuss the timeline of how the Angela Rayner “Hove house” story broke, why her relationship with Sam Tarry matters to the optics, and what Sir Laurie Magnus’ ethics ruling could mean for the government.👉 What do you think — should Angela Rayner resign, or is this a survivable storm? Tell us in the comments.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly deep dives into Westminster politics.📲 Join the conversation: WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start message with "Whitehall") Email: hello@whitehallsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage and Reform UK have dominated the summer political agenda with radical immigration proposals: leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), repealing the Human Rights Act, and suspending the Refugee Convention. But are these policies legally possible – and politically effective?In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner break down:Farage’s immigration plan and whether he’s shaping or simply riding public opinion.Why Labour’s response has been so weak – and whether Keir Starmer risks being outflanked on immigration.The Tory dilemma: can Kemi Badenoch or others reclaim ground after years of failure?Rachel Reeves’ controversial proposal to slap National Insurance on landlords’ rental income – will it fix the £50bn black hole or just squeeze tenants?No.10 turmoil: Starmer’s shake-up of his top team, Treasury distrust, and growing Downing Street dysfunction.We also hear why Kirsty Allsopp thinks Reeves is "running the economy like Baldrick," and why some insiders fear the government could collapse if the Autumn Budget goes wrong.👉 What do you think: Is immigration now the "next Brexit"? Will Reeves’ landlord tax backfire? Should the UK ditch the ECHR?Subscribe for weekly political insight direct from Westminster insiders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Whitehall Sources team — Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner & Kirsty Buchanan — unpack the week’s biggest political stories from Westminster and beyond:🔴 UK Inflation Rises Again – Are we heading back into a cost of living crisis? What does this mean for Rachel Reeves’ “budget of doom” in the autumn? Can Labour’s economic strategy survive mounting pressure from business, pensions, borrowing, and consumer confidence?🟠 Trump-Putin-Zelensky Talks – After dramatic meetings in Alaska and the White House, is Donald Trump inching towards peace in Ukraine or simply staging political theatre? Did Putin give ground? And how is Zelensky adapting to Trump’s new strategy?🟢 Migrant Hotel Policy Collapse – A court ruling in Epping has blown a hole in government asylum policy. Reform UK councils and others may now launch copycat legal challenges. What does this mean for Keir Starmer’s government and the Home Office?💡 With inside analysis from former No.10 Special Adviser Kirsty Buchanan and political strategist Jo Tanner, this is the inside track on the decisions shaping Britain’s future.👉 Subscribe for more insider analysis from Whitehall Sources. 📩 Email your thoughts: hello@whitehallsources.com 📲 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan tackle the biggest news of the week in global and UK politics. They speak with Professor Sam Greene, a professor in Russian politics at King’s College London, ahead of President Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin. The conversation examines the high-stakes that exist at this summit in Alaska, exploring the dynamics of their relationship, the implications for Ukraine, and the broader geopolitical landscape. Calum and Kirsty end the episode by discussing the economic landscape and the potential consequences for the Labour government, as well as the latest immigration statistics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner consider the pressing challenges facing UK politics. The team unpacks Rachel Reeves’ struggle to address a £50 billion budget gap, exploring the tough choices between tax rises and spending cuts. They discuss the complexities of welfare dependency, the need for long-term policy planning, and the political risks of controversial reforms. The episode also examines Reform UK’s media strategy and its impact on the political landscape, highlighting how opposition parties are shaping the summer news agenda. With listener questions and candid analysis, the hosts offer a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies and dilemmas shaping Westminster today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newly elected Labour MP Chris Curtis (Milton Keynes North) joins the podcast to reflect on his whirlwind first year in Parliament. In this candid conversation, Curtis—former pollster and co-founder of Labour's Growth Group—talks about:What it's really like being one of 400+ Labour MPsHis fight for a new £320m hospital in Milton KeynesThe broken state of the UK government after years of crisisWhy Labour needs a bigger and bolder plan for changeWhether Keir Starmer is radical enough to meet the momentHow political communication needs to evolveWhy policy bravery matters more than daily headlinesAnd yes, whether Parliament is more like a dodgem ride or a ghost train…This is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in Labour's direction, the challenges of governance, and what it takes to rebuild public trust.🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with key political figures. 📩 Contact us: hello@whitehallsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Labour MP Louise Haigh joins Kirsty Buchanan, Jo Tanner, and Calum Macdonald to unpack her recent legislative victory: a groundbreaking new ban on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) used to silence victims and witnesses of workplace harassment and discrimination.We cover:🔒 Why NDAs are no longer enforceable in harassment or discrimination cases💥 How a former Weinstein assistant helped kickstart a global movement🧑‍⚖️ What this change means for UK employment law and workplace culture🗣️ Louise’s reflections on being more effective outside government🛠️ What’s next: retrospective reform, implementation risks, and holding firms accountableLouise also reflects on the first year of Labour in power—praising key reforms but warning of a missing "thread" tying decisions together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former adviser to PM Theresa May) and Jo Tanner (political strategist) unpack Kemi Badenoch’s dramatic reshuffle of the shadow cabinet — is it about party unity, performance, or a subtle pivot toward the centre?We discuss:James Cleverley’s return to the frontbench and Rob Jenrick’s surprise survivalKemi’s “think tank” leadership style vs. the need for visible political fightTrump’s upcoming visit to Scotland: footgolf diplomacy, tariffs, and political theatreSir Keir Starmer’s warning about social cohesion and rising far-right disinformationThe inside scoop from Jo’s recent appearance on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg (including a hilarious paparazzi moment)📲 Got a question or comment? WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Whitehall”)📰 Mentioned:Will Lloyd’s New Statesman article on BadenochThe Times reporting on protests and immigration disinformation🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly episodes taking you Inside Politics at Westminster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast discusses the recent Afghan data breach incident, focusing on the implications of a super injunction that was put in place to protect individuals whose details were leaked. The conversation explores the processes that led to the leak, the political responses from government officials, and the public's trust in the political establishment. The role of Nigel Farage in the controversy is also examined, along with the future of Afghan relocation efforts and the ongoing scrutiny of government actions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a world often clouded by political uncertainty, the upcoming deal between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron offers a glimmer of hope. This landmark agreement, set against the backdrop of post-Brexit relations, promises to redefine migration policies and strengthen UK-French ties.The Promise of Cooperation: As President Macron visits the UK, the focus is on a one-in-one-out migration agreement. This deal aims to return small boat migrants crossing the English Channel to France, while accepting asylum seekers with UK connections. The collaboration extends beyond migration, symbolizing a deeper security cooperation between the two nations.Gerald Knaus, chairman of the European Stability Initiative, highlights the strategic importance of this relationship. Despite Brexit, the UK and France share common values and interests, from supporting Ukraine to promoting international trade. This deal could set a precedent for Europe, showcasing how countries can tackle irregular migration without compromising human rights.The optimism surrounding this deal is palpable. If successful, it could transform the political landscape, offering a medium-term victory for Prime Minister Starmer. Drawing parallels with Greece's migration policy success in 2016, this agreement could significantly reduce illegal crossings, addressing one of the UK's most pressing issues.As the world watches, the Starmer-Macron deal holds the potential to redefine UK-French relations and set a new standard for migration policies. With the right communication and swift implementation, this agreement could mark a turning point in European cooperation. Subscribe now to stay updated on this evolving story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The conversation explores the political landscape a year after Keir Starmer's election as Prime Minister. It delves into the challenges faced by Labour, including managing expectations, the significance of key flashpoints, and the importance of relatability in politics. The discussion also highlights the struggles of the Conservative Party and the potential impact of Robert Jenrick's approach. Ultimately, the focus is on the need for Labour to prioritize the NHS and regain voter trust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.