Politics At Sam and Anne's

Keir Starmer is on the brink of resigning – the only question left is when does the drama end.
After a tense weekend, the Prime Minister remains under intense pressure from his cabinet to quit, with Downing Street braced for the end of another short-lived premiership.
Meanwhile, fresh from his Makerfield by-election victory, Andy Burnham returns to Westminster. But can the King of the North pull off a smooth succession to No10?
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have inside information from both the Starmer and Burnham camps on whether Labour can manage a seamless transition or whether a brutal leadership battle lies ahead.
Plus, if there is to be a handover of power in the coming weeks, what are the pro and cons?

Andy Burnham has secured a thumping victory in the Makerfield by-election – but is it game over for Keir Starmer?
With a critical few days ahead, attention now turns to Labour’s cabinet ministers, MPs and party members. Who could make the first move to oust the Prime Minister?
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have inside information from team Burnham and assess whether a ‘bloodless coup’ is really possible or whether rivals like Wes Streeting could disrupt the plan?
Is this really Labour’s last chance to reconnect with voters and could Andy Burnham reset the party’s fortunes?
Plus: are the Conservatives showing signs of a comeback after their surprise win in Aberdeen South?
Is the SNP continuing to pay the political price for the fallout from the Peter Murrell saga?

With just 24 hours until polling day, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy preview three pivotal by-elections that could reshape British politics.
The duo assess the contests in Makerfield, Aberdeen South and Arbroath & Broughty Ferry, exploring:
Why Makerfield has become one of the most closely watched by-elections in recent political history
How the Conservatives hope to capitalise on support for the oil and gas industry in Aberdeen South
Why Arbroath & Broughty Ferry is a crucial test of the SNP’s ability to fend off Labour's challenge

Away from the campaign trail, Anne brings the latest intelligence from the UK-EU summit as political tensions continue to build in Westminster.
Plus, is the cabinet starting to forge a path for the future without Keir Starmer?
Sam and Anne will return on Friday morning for a special de-brief episode to discuss the impact of the by-election results on British politics.
The candidates standing in Makerfield by-election can be found here.
The candidates standing in Aberdeen South by-election can be found here.
The candidates standing in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election can be found here.

As world leaders gather at the G7 summit – what's Keir Starmer’s top priority?
With tensions in the Middle East, a trade dispute with China, a continuing war in Ukraine and Russia’s apparent involvement in arson attacks on homes and a car linked to Keir Starmer, the PM has his hands full.
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess whether Starmer can turn high-level diplomacy into meaningful progress.
The duo also examine the latest polling data, which suggests Andy Burnham remains the only Labour figure the public sees as a potentially stronger Prime Minister than Starmer.
Plus, does Wes Streeting have the support to mount a leadership challenge if Labour's succession debate begins?

How is Keir Starmer planning to play this week?
The week which could end with Andy Burnham back in parliament.
We know the prime minister’s got a social media ban for under-16s to announce today and a G7 summit to attend.
But Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss what else is on his mind, particularly after the resignation of John Healey as defence secretary – and whether a stubborn attitude is the right way to be.
They also have word on who’s back advising Keir Starmer.
The full list of candidates standing in the Makerfield by-election can be found here.