Political Fix

Elon Musk’s hostility towards the UK government, and Sir Keir Starmer in particular, continues to escalate – prompting concerns he’s been radicalised by his own algorithm. What’s driving the technology billionaire’s fixation with the UK? And are his interventions reframing political discourse – not just in Britain but in other European nations too? Political Fix delves into the X owner’s motivations and examines the impact his actions are having offline as well as online. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by regular panellists Miranda Green and Jim Pickard, plus Westminster correspondent Anna Gross and Washington correspondent Joe Miller who have broken scoops this week on Musk’s intent to meddle in British democracy and his social media influences. Follow Lucy on Bluesky or X, @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher, Jim @pickardje.bsky.social @PickardJE, Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, @greenmiranda, Anna @annasophiegross, @annasophiegross.bsky.social, Joe @JoeMillerJr, @joemillerjr.bskyb.socialWant more? Free links: Musk examines how to oust Starmer as UK Prime Minister before next electionWhy has Elon Musk reignited debate over the UK rape gangs scandal? Musk’s grooming onslaught shows how politics needs a new playbook Musk’s war on American alliesThe Musk threat to European democracy Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music by Breen Turner and mixed by Simon Panayi. The FT’s 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.

After a rocky start in office for Labour, the next 12 months will prove pivotal for the UK government. Sir Keir Starmer must grapple with dismal popularity ratings, tough public finances, anaemic growth forecasts and a string of challenging policy decisions. Opposition parties also face key tests. Can Tory leader Kemi Badenoch silence critics’ warnings about her low visibility and output, and can Reform UK’s Nigel Farage prove his party’s momentum is real and not mere mirage? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Robert Shrimsley, Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard to gaze into their crystal balls and consider the year ahead. They discuss the coming local elections, the spectre of Westminster by-elections, the impact of Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office and more.Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Jim @PickardJE, Stephen @stephenkb and Robert @robertshrimsley Want more? Free links: NHS, education, housebuilding… Labour’s progress so far and its plans for 2025 Farage and why Kemi Badenoch does not have time to ‘watch this space’ UK heading for tax rises despite return to growth, economists say Keir Starmer promises year of ‘rebuilding’ for UK in 2025Trump wants 5% Nato defence spending target, Europe told Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s 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.

Who threatened to launch an aquatic assault on the Dutch town of Leiden? And which political candidate pledged to force water bosses to take a dip in British rivers? Find out as host Lucy Fisher puts the full Political Fix panel – Robert Shrimsley, Jim Pickard, Stephen Bush, George Parker and Miranda Green – through their paces in a big, fat, end- of- year quiz. The panelists also highlight their most memorable moment of 2024 and unveil their wildest predictions for the year ahead. Plus, discover who scooped all the chocolate gold coins in the studio to win the annual Political Fix stockpicks portfolio prize. Want more? Free links:Political donations: can Elon Musk become a major backer of Farage’s Reform UK?Time for Keir Starmer to remember he is first lord of the TreasuryFollow Lucy on X @LOS_Fisher, Robert @Robertshrimsley, Jim @PickardJE, Miranda @greenmiranda, Stephen @stephenkb, George @GeorgeWParkerSign up for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award: https://ft.com/insidepoliticsofferPresented by Lucy Fisher. Clare Williamson is the producer and the executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s 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.

Reform UK is now beating Labour in one pollster’s survey, while party leader Nigel Farage is Ladbrokes’ favourite to succeed Keir Starmer as the next prime minister. This week Political Fix examines whether Reform is a serious future contender for government – and whether it is the Conservatives or Labour who should be most worried. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s deputy political editor Jim Pickard and political correspondent Anna Gross to discuss Reform’s trajectory, plus the chancellor’s spending review. They are also joined by Gideon Rachman, the FT’s chief foreign affairs columnist, to examine events playing out in Syria and how the UK should respond.Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Anna on X: @AnnaSophieGross, Jim @PickardJE and Gideon @gideonrachmanWant more? Free links: Can Nigel Farage turn Reform into a serious contender for government?More than 10,000 UK civil service jobs to be cutNigeria’s vice-president launches attack on Tory leader Kemi BadenochReview of £1.2tn in UK public spending will ‘be tight’, minister warnsUK ministers reject union calls to lift public sector pay to pre-austerity levelsThe west should not succumb to cynical regret over SyriaSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s 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.