Episodes
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Introducing Power for Sale, a new season of Untold from the Financial Times. In Untold: Power for Sale, host Valentina Pop and a team of FT correspondents from all over Europe investigate what happened in the Qatargate scandal, where EU lawmakers were accused of accepting payments from Qatar to whitewash its image.
Subscribe and listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
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As the gloves come off and the parties swing into full campaign mode, Lucy Fisher is joined by the FTâs Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to consider â with five weeks to go â whoâs pushing ahead. Has Labourâs very public row over whether Diane Abbott should be allowed to stand dented its prospects? And Lucy takes a trip west, to test the water in Bristol Central, a seat the Green Party has firmly in its sights. The team asks: can the Greens pose a threat to Labour?
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Greens aim to win voters âutterly uninspiredâ by Starmer
Rishi Sunakâs spaghetti strategy
âTrue blueâ turns Green as party rides countryside wave
Sketchy Politics: Starmy weather
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Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Philippa Goodrich with Leah Quinn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music by Breen Turner and audio mix by Simon Panayi. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
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Episodes manquant?
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Rishi Sunak shocked Westminster with the decision to hold a snap general election on July 4. As the parties launch their campaigns, Lucy Fisher assembles the Political Fix team to look ahead to the next six weeks. The FTâs Robert Shrimsley, political editor George Parker, columnist Stephen Bush and Political Fix regular Miranda Green have the inside track on how the race to Number 10 might unfold.
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher
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Key moments ahead in the UK election campaign
Sunak suffers a series of setbacks on the first day of UK election campaign
How Rishi Sunak shocked Westminster with a snap general election
Improving UK economy does little to lift Tory hopes of victory in July election
Tories scout for post-election jobs as UK parties dial up campaign mode
TV debates can change election campaigns. Leaders should choose wisely
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Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Quinn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
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Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled his partyâs six core pledges ahead of the general election â in the same week that Rishi Sunak claimed the country would be less safe under a Labour government. As both parties kick off their election campaigns, the FTâs Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by Jim Pickard and Miranda Green to examine the battle lines being drawn up. Plus, the FTâs public policy editor Peter Foster outlines the dangers facing the UKâs university sector if the government decides to axe the graduate visa route that allows foreign students to stay on after graduation.
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Miranda @greenmiranda, Jim @PickardJE, Peter @pmdfoster
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Keir Starmer unveils 6 election âfirst stepsâ for a Labour government
Sunak claims UK will be less safe under Labour in pre-election speech
The think-tank laying the groundwork for a Labour government
Union leader urges backing for Keir Starmer over diluted worker rights
Sketchy Politics: Sunakâs sinking feeling
Englandâs universities face âclosureâ risk after student numbers dive
The State of Britain
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Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Quinn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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As politicians and commentators digest the disastrous Tory local election results, FT experts answer subscribersâ questions about what this might mean for the forthcoming general election â and beyond. The FTâs Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Stephen Bush, George Parker and Camilla Cavendish for their take on the upcoming general election and the government that will take shape after it. The team tackle your toughest questions during a special FT Political Fix Inside Politics subscriber webinar.
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Are Labour and the Conservatives adopting âHeevesianâ economics?
Labour defends decision to admit ex-Tory MP Natalie Elphicke
What we learn from Andy Streetâs narrow loss in the West Midlands
Rishi Sunak told to show some vision as local polls leave Tories in a hole
Weâve made this subscribers-only FT webinar free to everyone and you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/zp0UXwc7DTs?si=E3w2xBAEYfug00U6
Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 âBest Newsletterâ award.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Andrew Georgiadis and Rod Fitzgerald were the studio engineers. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
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The Tories suffered sobering losses in local elections across England in the last big electoral test before a general election.
Labour also trounced the Tories in the parliamentary by-election in Blackpool South - with Reform running a close third in that seat. The FTâs Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green to comb through the results.
Plus, the team is joined by James Kanagasooriam, chief research officer at polling firm Focaldata to dive into the details.
Join Lucy and colleagues for an FT subscriber webinar on May 8 to discuss what the local election results tell us about who will win the UK general election. Get your pass now at ft.com/ukwebinar
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, Miranda @greenmiranda, James @JamesKanag
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Rishi Sunak on rack as Tory election losses mount
The big messages from the local elections
Is Rishi Sunak in trouble after the local elections?
Political gravity catches up with the SNP
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Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Quinn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer.
Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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âIn a world that is the most dangerous it has been since the end of the cold war, we cannot be complacent,â Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said at a news briefing alongside Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg during a visit to Poland this week. The PM mentioned the threat from Russia but also from China and pledged to boost defence spending by ÂŁ75bn over the next six years. Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues George Parker and Jim Pickard to discuss whether this pledge will lead to deep spending cuts to unprotected government departments and James Kynge, the FTâs China editor, drops in to talk about allegations of Chinese espionage in the UK and beyond. Plus, will Labourâs plan to fully renationalise the UKâs passenger rail network if it wins the next general election translate into better train services for customers?
Join Lucy and colleagues for an FT subscriber webinar on May 8 to discuss what the local election results tell us about who will win the UK general election. Get your pass now at ft.com/ukwebinar
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, George @GeorgeWParker, Jim @PickardJE, James @JKynge
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Labour plans to retain key private sector role in nationalised railways
Sunak pledge to boost defence spending raises prospect of cuts elsewhere
Former UK parliamentary aide charged with spying for China
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Presented by Lucy Fisher. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer with production help from Leah Quinn. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Rishi Sunak has had an eye on his legacy this week with his flagship smoking ban clearing another hurdle in the Commons â though not without a Tory backlash. Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to discuss what Sunak will leave behind if he loses the election. The group also turns its attention to two very different former PMs, as the FT publishes major interviews with both Liz Truss and Gordon Brown this week. Political editor George Parker reveals what he learned during a Norfolk pub lunch with Truss, while the FTâs chief features writer Henry Mance talks about his impressions of Brown during a day in Fife.
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Miranda @greenmiranda, George @GeorgeWParker, Stephen @stephenkb, Henry @henrymance
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
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The raw sewage being pumped into rivers and seas in England has become a seismic election issue. The musician turned environmentalist Feargal Sharkey joins the FTâs Lucy Fisher, George Parker and Robert Shrimsley to assess how we got here, while the FTâs infrastructure correspondent Gill Plimmer analyses Thames Waterâs woes. Plus, the team looks at scandals in Westminster and considers how much William Wraggâs honeytrap debacle and allegations that Angela Rayner failed to pay the right tax on a former house sale â which she denies â might damage their partiesâ chances in this election year.
Since recording, Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation into allegations that Angela Rayner potentially broke electoral law by failing to properly disclose her main residence in official documents.
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, George @GeorgeWParker, Gill @gillplimmer1, Feargal @Feargal_Sharkey,
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The great stink of Thames Water
Raw sewage discharges in England and Wales hit record levels
UK seeks to quell public anger on sewage with ÂŁ11mn restoration fund
Senior MP quits Tory parliamentary party amid sexting scandal
Labourâs Angela Rayner refuses to publish tax records as police probe house sale
Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 âBest Newsletterâ award.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Many âred wallâ constituencies across northern England, the Midlands and north Wales switched from Labour to the Conservatives in the 2019 general election partly thanks to then prime minister Boris Johnsonâs energetic pledge to revitalise struggling communities outside the south-east. It was a seismic shock to Britainâs political landscape but can the Tories hold on to these seats in Mayâs local and mayoral elections and in an upcoming general election? Host Lucy Fisher, the FTâs Whitehall editor, discusses with colleagues Jim Pickard and Stephen Bush, and is joined by Luke Tryl, the UK director of More in Common, a strategy and communications consultancy focused on explaining public opinion to policymakers.
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Will the âred wallâ reshape British politics again?
UKâs electoral landscape swings into volatility
Only 10% of UK levelling up funds spent, say MPs
Sketchy Politics: can anything save Sunak?
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher
Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 âBest Newsletterâ award.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The government is preparing a crackdown on Chinese entities operating in the UK, following malicious cyber campaigns linked to Beijing. But there are tensions among ministers over how to protect the UKâs national interests without heavily damaging trade with China. The FTâs Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green to discuss the governmentâs tricky balancing act. Plus, as the political term draws to a close, itâs time to mark Rishi Sunakâs report card.
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Rishi Sunak promises âcarefulâ crackdown in wake of China cyber attacks
US and UK accuse China of cyber attacks on politicians and companies
Rishi Sunakâs attempt to boost Tory morale hit after two ministers resign
MPs clock off early as length of Commons work day hits record low
The frightening chill on free speech
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, Miranda @greenmiranda, George @GeorgeWParker
Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 âBest Newsletterâ award.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The prime minister is urging his MPs to unite or face electoral defeat. Rishi Sunak has rallied backbenchers to hold their nerve, as he cleaves to the prospect of an improving economy rescuing the Tory partyâs fortunes. But in a week where the governmentâs flagship Rwanda policy faced more hold-ups, will rumours of plots against Sunak die down? The FTâs Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and Anna Gross to discuss the weekâs events in parliament. Plus, a look at what Labour is promising to deliver for the NHS.
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Miranda @greenmiranda, Jim @PickardJE, Anna @AnnaSophieGross
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Rishi Sunak urges Tories to unite as he bets on an improving UK economy
Rachel Reeves pledges to borrow only to invest under Labour fiscal rules
UKâs electoral landscape swings into volatility
UK civil service boss and spy chief quit male-only Garrick Club
Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 âBest Newsletterâ award.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The UK government is redefining extremism. But there are warnings that the new guidance could curb free speech and ensnare legitimate organisations. The FTâs Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush to discuss the pushback from multiple Tory factions and Labour. They also dissect the row over racist comments allegedly made by the Conservativesâ biggest donor, and how it has prompted questions about Rishi Sunakâs leadership. Plus, Hannah White from the Institute for Government joins the panel, outlining a new plan designed to make it easier for future prime ministers to get things done.
Clip: BBC
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, Stephen Bush @stephenkb
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The delicate balance in policing extremism
Conservativesâ biggest donor embroiled in alleged racism dispute
Why Sunakâs latest blunder troubles MPs
How Labour would roll back the frontiers of Brexit
Former UK prime ministers call for reform of the âcentreâ of government
Power with purpose: Final report of the Commission on the Centre of Government
Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 âBest Newsletterâ award.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Chancellor Jeremy Huntâs overriding message in his big pre-election Budget was that hard economic choices were paying off in the form of tumbling inflation, improved growth and the promise of more cuts to personal taxes. But his Budget also promises a brutal fiscal reckoning for whoever wins the general election expected later this year. Lucy Fisher discusses the Budgetâs implications with FT economics columnist Soumaya Keynes and Political Fix regulars George Parker and Stephen Bush.
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Chancellorâs modest Budget giveaways set up fiscal pain for after election
Labour claims chancellor will create a ÂŁ46bn fiscal hole with pledge to scrap NI
The 2024 Budget in brief
Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 âBest Newsletterâ award.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Manuela Saragosa with Leah Quinn. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Veteran agitator George Galloway is returning to parliament after storming a divisive by-election in Rochdale. He claims his victory puts âscoresâ of other Labour seats at risk. Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Jim Pickard to analyse the by-election result and examine the division and sectarianism stalking British politics. Plus the team looks ahead to what the government has in line for next weekâs Budget.
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George Galloway wins divisive Rochdale by-election
Galloway victory points to frustration with UK political establishment
The price of not policing the Toriesâ paranoid frontier
Jeremy Hunt urged not to put âpolitics ahead of economicsâ as he eyes Labour policies
Conservative party suspends Lee Anderson over Sadiq Khan comments
Clips: Real Americaâs Voice
BBC
Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher, George @GeorgeWParker, Robert @robertshrimsley, Jim @PickardJE
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Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The chaos in parliament over the vote on a Gaza ceasefire motion has segued into a debate on the threats facing MPs â and the lengths deemed appropriate to safeguard against them. A tumultuous week in politics leaves the fate of the Commons Speaker hanging in the balance. The FTâs Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to discuss how we got here and why it matters. Plus veteran broadcaster Michael Crick, the brains behind the âTomorrowâs MPsâ initiative, shares his analysis of who the Tories and Labour are selecting to stand as new candidates at the upcoming general election.
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Backing for wider police powers to protect MPs amid fears of political violence
Gaza vote highlights security fears in parliament
Parliament finds itself in a dangerous position after the Speakerâs intervention
Why are MPs angry with the Commons speaker?
Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb, Miranda @greenmiranda, Michael Crick @MichaelLCrick
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Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Conservatives suffer a double blow, losing two safe seats to Labour, amid growing signs that Rishi Sunakâs party is losing votes to the populist Reform UK party. The FTâs Lucy Fisher is joined by political editor George Parker and the FTâs Rafe Uddin to discuss the by-election results in detail, along with elections guru Professor Sir John Curtice. Plus, Lucy sits down with the FTâs foreign editor Alec Russell in a week when foreign secretary David Cameron faced sharp criticism from right-wing US politicians for intervening in the row in Congress over aid for Ukraine.
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Tories reel as Labour wins two by-elections and Reform UK gains more than 10% of the vote
Reform UK voter support highlights threat to Rishi Sunakâs right flank
Keir Starmer and big business, a love story
UKâs âtechnicalâ recession is politically toxic for Rishi Sunak
Keir Starmer under growing pressure to overhaul vetting of potential Labour MPs
Why Nato members are sounding the alarm on Russiaâs aggressive posture
Sketchy Politics: the rules of the electoral race
Follow Lucy @LOS_Fisher, George @GeorgeWParker, Rafe @rafeuddin
Clip: Sky News
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Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Keir Starmer dismantles Labourâs flagship pledge, shredding the partyâs ÂŁ28bn green investment plan. The FTâs Jim Pickard joins Miranda Green and chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley to assess the damage to Labour after weeks of confusion over the policy. And in the week when Liz Truss launched the latest Tory ginger group, the team dissects the Tory partyâs threats on the right - including from Reform UK. Plus, FT Ireland correspondent Jude Webber discusses whether a Northern Ireland executive led by a Sinn FĂ©in first minister now moves Ireland closer to reunification.
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Labourâs green U-turn: how Starmer dropped ÂŁ28bn âalbatrossâ
Mandates are overrated - Keir Starmer just needs the win
Sunak urges Northern Irish executive to focus on âday-to-day mattersâ
Northern Ireland revisits the success of âconstructive ambiguityâ
Liz Truss takes aim at Tories for failing to tackle âleftwing extremistsâ
Follow, Miranda on @greenmiranda, Jim @PickardJE, Robert @robertshrimsley, Jude @jude_webber
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Presented by Miranda Green. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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If you have questions about this year's US presidential election, we have answers.
Swamp Notes is a new podcast from the FT News Briefing. Listen every Saturday morning as our journalists analyse and discuss the latest happenings in US politics. Weâll go beyond the horse race for the White House and offer a global perspective on the election.
You can subscribe to Swamp Notes here or wherever you get your podcasts.
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The Conservatives are languishing in the polls, while Labour is riding high â but beneath the headline figures, how does the voter appeal of the main parties break down by sex, age and other factors? The FTâs Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush and Miranda Green to hear from chief data reporter John Burn-Murdoch. John also delves into the glaring ideological gap that has opened up between men and women under 30 and the team considers what his findings mean for the general election.
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A new global gender divide is emerging
Tories remain restless for excitement as the nation loses trust in their delivery
Rishi Sunakâs âItalian Jobâ moment
How to heal the great education divide in UK politics
The housing crisis is still being underplayed
MPs pass legislation aimed at reviving Northern Ireland executive
Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Miranda Green @greenmiranda, Stephen Bush @stephenkb, John Burn-Murdoch @jburnmurdoch
Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's award winning Inside Politics newsletter.
Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FTâs head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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